Neutering, and prong collars

**tz1** · 11-12-2005, 11:26 PM

Hi all,

I have a 6 month old Akita who is 75 pounds and is going to get a lot bigger. He is my best buddy...a real joy to be around. The only thing is he has a problem with biting once in awhile, and today I was having a real tough time with him. I was wiping off his paws, because we had been in the muddy grass, and he started biting me. I tried telling him, "NO BITE!", and physically shutting his mouth, but he just kept biting and would not listen to me at all. Now I'm no weakling, but this dog is pretty persistent when he wants to be, and those teeth hurt like hell.

So later on, I was talking to a friend who has an 8 month old pitbull, and he told me to meet him at Petco. Long story short...he told me that my choke chain would not cut it (it wasn't), and that I should invest in a prong collar.

I used the prong collar a bit today, and I have to say that it is an amazing device...My dog FINALLY is completely attentive to what I tell him, and is being much more cooperative. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are about prong collars and choke chains...from what I just experienced, prong collars are the only way to go for a large, dominant dog.

And my other question is whether I should get my dog neutered or not. I would rather not have him neutered, but I have heard that it would be healthier for him, eliminating the chance for testicular cancer.

**AllAmericanPUP** · 11-12-2005, 11:36 PM

Definately get him neutered!!
http://www.pawsperouspets.com/tips/spayneuter.shtml

Prong collars are a great training collar when used correctly. I HATE choke collars, they are the worst thing ever invented! Dogs trachea can be severely damaged by a chocke collar even when "used correctly".

**sammy101** · 11-12-2005, 11:39 PM

YES,get him neautered. He will be a healthier dog. If you have no plans on showing him, get him neautered please!We dont need any more unwanted pets in shelters.
The prong collar is wonderful!

Welcome to PT!

**CagneyDog** · 11-12-2005, 11:45 PM

Yes, Please get him neutered.

Prong collars are great if used properly. I'm glad it is working for you.

Oh, and welcome to PT. Do you have any pictures of your boy?

**Jessika** · 11-12-2005, 11:54 PM

PLEASE get him neutered!! It will make both of your lives SO much easier and he won't want to roam as much if there is a nearby female in heat!!

Also please remember that prong and choke collars are to be used for training purposes ONLY and are NOT to be substituted for an everyday normal-wear collar!

**tz1** · 11-13-2005, 12:07 AM

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

I have no pictures that are on my computer, except one, when he was around 6 weeks old.

I have a couple concerns about getting Zero neutered. Hope this doesn't sound too silly... Will his energy levels decrease? Will he get fat? Will he be timid and afraid of strangers instead of the confident, attentive, and protective? Will it really decrease the chance of testicular cancer? (I heard from a dog trainer that this was not true)

Basically, I'm afraid that he won't be the same dog after the surgery.

**AllAmericanPUP** · 11-13-2005, 12:23 AM

Neutering will not change his personality at all.
All of that stuff are myths.
http://www.snapus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Myths

all 7 of my dogs were/are the same dog they were before they got fixed

and yes it WILL greatly reduce the risk of testicular cancer

**Glacier** · 11-13-2005, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by tz1

6 weeks old.

I have a couple concerns about getting Zero neutered. Hope this doesn't sound too silly... Will his energy levels decrease? Will he get fat? Will he be timid and afraid of strangers instead of the confident, attentive, and protective? Will it really decrease the chance of testicular cancer? (I heard from a dog trainer that this was not true)

Basically, I'm afraid that he won't be the same dog after the surgery.

Dogs get fat for the same reason people do--too much food, not enough exercise. His weight has nothing to do with getting neutered. If he gets enough exercise, he won't get fat. His temperment won't change, except he'll be less inclined to roam and fight with other male dogs. I've had dogs neutered at every age from six months to 6 years....never saw a change in their personalities.

Neutering elminates testicular cancer. Neutering removes the testes. You can't get cancer in what you don't have! It greatly reduces the chances of prostate problems.

**tikeyas_mom** · 11-14-2005, 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by tz1

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

I have no pictures that are on my computer, except one, when he was around 6 weeks old.

I have a couple concerns about getting Zero neutered. Hope this doesn't sound too silly... Will his energy levels decrease? Will he get fat? Will he be timid and afraid of strangers instead of the confident, attentive, and protective? Will it really decrease the chance of testicular cancer? (I heard from a dog trainer that this was not true)

Basically, I'm afraid that he won't be the same dog after the surgery.

One of my close friends has an 11 year old akita mix, this dog has all the personality of an akita.. Akitas are super stubborn puppies/and dogs.. get him neutered asap, and I will guarantee that some of his behaviour problems will go away. As for the biting, when he bites you stand up, walk away, and ignore him.. teach him that he doesn't get to play with you if he bites.. when you are playing, and he doesnt bite you, reward like crazy.
as for the prong collar issue, I have used them for years and if used correctly (just like choke chains) they can be a wonderous tool for training puppies/dogs to heal.