Rottweiler neighbour mounting my puppy Retriever

[Rodrigo]

Hi, is this normal? Dimitri is almost 4 months old. We always see this nice young Rottweiler about one block away when I take Dimitri for walks. They just love each other and cry and lick with the fence in the middle...

Today the owner was there with the dog and I suggested we let them play so I came in and unleashed my puppy. They started the usual sniffing, etc. Then run a bit around the garden and suddenly the Rottweiler mounted Dimi. It was not penetration of course and not even full contact, but the usual movements, etc. Dimitri is so naive and submissive that he just laid down belly up trying to play. The thing is this Rottweiler kept running, sniffing and mounting... The owner does not know anything about dogs... so she asked me if this is normal behavior... so I am asking you...

I don't know if this is part of dominance behavior, playing, or if it's not normal... I even think the Rottweiler ejaculated.

Please help! These dogs love each other but I want to protect Dimi and help the Rottweiler and his owner.

Thanks in advance!

[KOPcaroline]

Hey Rodrigo,

Do you know how old the Rottweiler is? Still a puppy too?

Mounting is a common dominance showing behaviour. My dog will mount my flatmates dog from time to time when they get riled up playing, just as a show of dominance. Its not harmful, its moreso a natural behaviour for them. Its relatively the same as one dog always being on top of a play fight, its just a way of saying "I'm the boss", but not in an aggressive way.

If you were in the Rottie's yard, it stands to reason he was asserting dominance over Dimitri just to say "this is my house". There wasn't any actual fighting associated with the incidence, so I wouldn't worry.

If Dimitri's not neutered yet it could also be young hormones getting the better of the dog, but again, nothing to worry about. Its a common behaviour for younger dogs, especially when they play.

Tell the owner not to worry, even if it continues. Once the two pups play together more and have a better feel for each other and who's the dominant one, it should stop happening so often. It'll just look a bit silly

[Rodrigo]

Thanks! Yes, the Rottweiler is a big puppy. The owner does not know anything about dogs and does not even take him out regularly for walks...

Dimitri takes 2 walks per day and we go to the park on Sunday mornings, when he meets lots of dogs and people. He's so submissive! It's unbelievable how friendly he is. He has a cute 2-month Boxer girlfriend now! haha.

I don't want to neuter Dimi... no need for that I think.

I hope this Rottweiler calms down a bit... It's unfortunate that people get buy puppies without thinking twice how demanding they are.

Thanks again.

Rodrigo

[kjd]

Hi, Rodrigo!

Why don't you want to neuter Dimitri?

kjd

[Rodrigo]

Should I do it if he behaves well?

[kjd]

I don't think neutering necessarily has anything to do with how he behaves. Yes, some dogs calm down when they are neutered. But here are some better reasons:

1. An intact dog is going to chase down all the bitches (that is the proper name for a female canine!) that are in heat. In doing so, he can be injured by cars, people, other animals. If he runs into other dogs (proper name for the male canine, though we generally use dog for both sexes) after the same bitch, he can get into some wicked fights and be seriously injured. Or killed.

2. If the female has not been properly cared for, Dimitri can be made sterile.

3. If you aren't a breeder, why make your dog suffer everytime he smells a bitch in heat?

4. Being a responsible breeder is expensive (vet bills, for example). The breeding normally takes place at the stud's place, which means you have to board the female. If she is a virgin, she may actually injure Dimitri during intercourse. She may be the carrier of a disease that will render him sterile.

5. Unlike humans, canines don't mourn over their lost abilities. He will be your dog all the time and not go out looking for trouble.

6. Although the bitch's owner will raise the pups, you have to consider yourself responsible for every unwanted puppy you help bring into the world.

7. It is possible that a neutered male is less apt to get prostate cancer.

Having said all that, if you decide to neuter, always check with your vet as to the best age to do it. And spend the extra money to have a vet perform the operation. It is a simple one, far less than what is done to spay the female, but, if complications do arise, you want someone there who will know what to do.

kjd