Spaying

[Sandy77]

I have 2 maltese boys one is 10 months and the other 7 months, when is the best time to take them to get spayed? And also will this help with them marking ther territory throughout the house?

[BC]

Everyone will probably tell you a different time to desex, but I had one boy done at 6 months as per vets recommendation and the other done at 5 years.

The one done at 6 months has never really marked that much, only if he sees another dog wee he has to go on top of it, but the other one did to the point of driving me insane. Hence me getting him desexed. It has worked wonders and now he only cocks his leg when actually needs to wee (not on every blade or grass or grain of sand he sees) and occasionally on walks.

[Sandy77]

Everyone will probably tell you a different time to desex, but I had one boy done at 6 months as per vets recommendation and the other done at 5 years.

The one done at 6 months has never really marked that much, only if he sees another dog wee he has to go on top of it, but the other one did to the point of driving me insane. Hence me getting him desexed. It has worked wonders and now he only cocks his leg when actually needs to wee (not on every blade or grass or grain of sand he sees) and occasionally on walks.

Thanks so much, I was going to book them in soon as the older one is starting to mark his territory on everything through my house.

Would you happen to know if it is to late to crate train them now? And also can you put them in the same crate?

[The Spotted Devil]

Definitely not too late to crate train....do a search - there are probably heaps of threads on it - just remember to start slowly and always, always always associate positive things with the crate. As for 2 together, no experience here, sorry....but it probably depends on how well they get on - I think someone mentioned that they keep their 2 crated separately because they played too much! Someone will come along with some advice on that count, I'm sure.

[BC]

Personally I would crate train in seperate crates. The reason being, 2 males are going to start work out whos boss when they get a little older and you would not want them both locked in a crate and have a fight. There is no way out and harder for you to break up if it happens. They could also fight or have a bit of a snap over lots of things like toys etc and seperate crates also gives them a little bit of their own time too. This is JMO though. Some people always keep their dogs crated together, but I prefer not to for such reasons.

You can get 2 crates and just sit them next to each other.

Crate training takes patience and persistence.

Start by making the crates a happy place for the dogs. Feed them in there, play with them in there, give them bones, treats in there so they will associate the crate with a happy and safe place.

As T S Devil said, do a search on crate training and you will find heaps of info.

Good luck

[Sandy77]

Will they fight even if both are neutered?

[BC]

Will they fight even if both are neutered?

Possibly. One will still be the boss. I would not risk it personally but thats just me. But then again, they may never have a fight.

I dont mean to scare you, and when I say fight, I mean more disagreements, not a full on tearing each other apart, but I dont like the fact one cant get away if the other does have a snap or gets upset for some reason. It could also happen over a bit of food or anything like that. But as said, this is just IMO. I like to prevent things before they even happen. I'm sure other people have both dogs of the same sex in the one crate and have never had a problem ??

[shmoo]

I'm sure other people have both dogs of the same sex in the one crate and have never had a problem ??

it would depend alot on the dogs.

My boys when i first had them both (got one before the other) i wouldnt have put them together because they were still sorting things out. now a few years down the track and they share some of the tiniest sleeping spots and sometimes cuddle up into a crate or kennel together

eta: they are both desexed. one done at 6 months and one was a rescue so at a guess he was done at about 5 yrs. both still mark occasionally

Edited June 26, 2007 by shmoo

[Cordelia]

Most common age for desexing is 5-6mths so they should have done a few months ago.... before they actually start marking... not once they are already doing it... far easier to prevent it rather than stop it once it starts.

[Poodle wrangler]

I'd desex them now. I've had both dogs desexed at about 6 months with no problems. Both are male, desexed.

Desexing helps, but does not cure, behaviour problems on its own. Training and you being a good leader are most important. My older dog still cocks his leg often, but never around the house.

You can buy a larger crate with a divider panel to divide the crate in 2, but they're still quite big and I think 2 smaller ones are easier, as well as easier to place in the house. Smaller sizes can be bought for <$100 each. Not too late to crate train, but they might object to start with- be prepared, keep the crate a happy place, be consistent and they'll soon learn :D . Of course, you don't want them marking all over the house.

It's a great time to get a crate as they can go in when they're still a bit sleepy after desexing. Will help them stay quiet post-op, also. They just need to get used to it if they're used to run-of-the-house at the moment. Good luck .