Time to neuter??

sarahg · 03-28-2011

Hello everyone,
Up until recently I thought we had a very well behaved puppy on our hands. Our Scottish Terrier turned 6 months old in March. Up until he turned 6 months he never chewed anything except his toys and his accidents in the house were once and a great while. It seems like once he turned 6 months a switch went off however and he has become super destructive when we are not home. We keep him confined to a small bathroom when we are away rather than keeping him in his crate since he cant stand being confined. One day he climbed the gate and we to our bedroom where he proceeded to rip up a huge chunk of carpet. Now we keep the bathroom door closed. I came home yesterday and he had jumped up to get the toilet paper and completely shredded it. The only thing he doesnt destroy is his bed. He seems to have this new found love of not just chewing but completely killing whatever it is he gets at. I have also noticed that he is having more frequent accidents on the floor and when outside he is peeing a lot more than usual.

Is this just the terrible two's that came on all of a sudden? My thought is that it could be due to him starting to reach maturity since I have read that some unaltered dogs are more destructive. We do plan on neuturing him regardless, but I am just wondering if you guys think that this could be the main cause of his all of a sudden destructive behavior.

Thanks

cigwyllt · 03-28-2011

To me his behaviour sounds more like it is driven by anxiety rather than testosterone. How long is he left of at a time? Having said that, I think my Jack Russell who is absolutely fine when he is left, would have a great time with a toilet roll if he was given the opportunity!

CorkyMax · 03-29-2011

I especially noted:I have also noticed that he is having more frequent accidents on the floor and when outside he is peeing a lot more than usual. Not sure if this is something to be concerned about---But if excessive, could be a sign of health problems---Please be aware of this and have it checked out if you notice any other signs. Is he drinking overly amount of water--which can be another sign too. Keep a good eye on him.

lange · 03-29-2011

Hi. Yes, anytime there are changes in potty you want to keep an eye on that. If it's not happening from lack of better scheduling on your part, you should have him checked by a vet. The only other exception being marking! My current male before being neutered pee'd (ie:MARKED) 24/7 even if all he could muster was a drop. I will also add, if a dog is worked & exhausted before you leave, it will usually act like a dream in the home.

Deafdogsrule · 03-31-2011

Neutering will not solve behaviour problems, training solves behaviour problems. He sounds bored and anxious, give him something to do when you're not home (frozen stuffed kongs, chew toys, interactive toys, etc.) and give him a good long walk before going out. A tired dog is a good dog. Terriers are destructive, they're smart, easily bored, and will find ways to entertain themselves... usually in ways you dont want.