2 brothers dpn't get along!!

**halter91** · 03-18-2003, 10:08 AM

Here's one for ya....I have a 1/2 rott/boxer. My sister got one of the pups from the same litter. I try and Take Max over on the weekends to hang with his kid brother. But they usually wrestle all the time. Is there anything I can do to help them play. I know they are sort of playing, but I'm worried they will "fight" each other. I was also thinking of having Max neutered?? Is this a good idea or bad idea?? I'm getting mixed opinions???? Thanks, I love this site by the way!!!! While I'm gabbing, has anyone had luck with the Gentle Leader?? Thanks for all you help from a new dog owner.

**micki76** · 03-18-2003, 10:24 AM

Oh my!!

He's SO cute!!!!!

Definitely get him neutered. You'll have a better companion and avoid a lot of behavioral and health issues. We had an un-neutered (for a short time) dog when I was young and he marked everything and was always "on the make" (trying to get out when females in the neighborhood were in heat). There are also reproductive cancers of the testicles and prostate.
Probably they are just playing and trying to work out their rank, and I don't know if neutering will change the way they interact. I'm sure someone else can give you better information, but I thought I'd share my personal experience.

**aly** · 03-18-2003, 10:43 AM

Its hard to say because I can't see them together but they are both adolescent males. Their play style sounds pretty normal. There may be some competition going on since they are siblings, but chances are everything is fine if they haven't broken out in a fight. Some dogs just have very vocal, energetic play styles, especially if they are so young.

YES, neuter him! You and he will be so much happier! Have your sister neuter her doggie too. There are so many myths about spaying and neutering that are just not true. Speak with your vet and you will find out its the best thing to do!

The Gentle Leader is WONDERFUL!!!!!! I have used it on many, many, many dogs and got wonderful results. It does take them a little while to get used to it. If you don't know how to fit it on properly, have someone at the pet store help you (hopefully they can help you

) - OPPS!! I just saw the pic and saw you have the Gentle Leader on already! Very good idea to get him used to it so young. HE'S CUUUUUTE!

Good luck with everything and keep us updated.

**lovemyshiba** · 03-18-2003, 01:16 PM

Max is adorable!!!
My dogs are constantly wrestling with each other--it's just how they play!! I can tell if they are about to get mean--usually if there is a treat involved

They fight over toys and bones, but once one of them gets it, they other forgets about it!!
Getting him neutered is the best idea. I don't know how much it will help with the playing, but it is the best thing to do for him. Our Shiba wasn't neutered when we got him, and he marked everything, including my mother-in-law's pom when she brought him over

Walks with him took forever, because he wanted to pee on everything. Now he has calmed down a little, but most importanly, he doesn't mark everything.
Good luck with Max!!!

**Dakota's Mommy** · 03-18-2003, 02:18 PM

Oh, what a cutie! Thanks for sharing! He's soooooooooo cute, I just can't get over it!

**micki76** · 03-18-2003, 04:31 PM

Originally posted by lovemyshiba
Our Shiba wasn't neutered when we got him, and he marked everything, including my mother-in-law's pom when she brought him over

LOL! The dog in my previous post actually peed on someone’s sandaled foot!! EEEEWWWW! It was gross. We had him neutered shortly thereafter.

**Jessica12345** · 03-18-2003, 05:13 PM

Originally posted by lovemyshiba
Our Shiba wasn't neutered when we got him, and he marked everything, including my mother-in-law's pom when she brought him over

LOL!!!!!!

**Dixieland Dancer** · 03-18-2003, 05:56 PM

Can't say much that hasn't already been said except to agree that the behavior sounds pretty normal. There may come a time when they try to establish who is alpha but it shouldn't be too ugly if they are learning to figure it out in play. Wrestling to dogs is play!