ASK THE VET

Q: We have a really hyper one-year-old male Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross puppy who can be quite challenging behaviour wise, sometimes in an aggressive nature. I’ve been told that getting him neutered will help with this, is it true? Or does he need extra training? KAYLEIGH SWAIN, Wallsend A: Extra training is certainly something I would recommend. If you are concerned about his behaviour and it is becoming aggressive, speaking to an accredited dog behaviourist at an early stage would the best thing to do. Some behavioural techniques can make the problem worse, so it is important to seek professional help to determine the best techniques for your situation. Neutering would not be a bad idea. The hormone testosterone is often implicated as a contributor to the aggressive behaviour and castration will reduce levels of this hormone. This may not solve all behavioural issues, however it often makes training much easier. Neutering does have other benefits in terms of reducing the risk of some cancers and prostate disease so unless you are planning on breeding from him, neutering would certainly be worth considering. If the behaviour is relating to the testosterone and you are not keen on neutering, you could speak to your vet about a hormonal implant that will temporarily block the hormones that may be contributing to the behaviour. This should also make training easier if the behaviour is relating to these testosterone levels. Aggressive behaviour can also be linked to underlying medical problems. Although hormones and behaviour are by far the most likely cause, there are some endocrine diseases, neurological disorders and dietary deficiencies that have been linked to aggressive and hyperactive behaviour. Underlying pain can also contribute to behavioural problems so veterinary examination may want to be considered before presuming the problem to be purely behavioural. Please note that advice in this section is for general guidance, and if your pet is very unwell you should contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible as this advice does not replace the need for a clinical examination of your pet.