Why male puppies are better than females!!!! Many people believe that female dogs make better pets....female preference seems to be ingrained in these people. Most calls for pet dogs have people wanting a 'sweet girl'. They don't think females display alpha behaviors like 'marking' and/or 'humping'. They believe that they are more docile and attentive and do not participate in fighting over dominance. Well folks.......this is not true....and they don't call them a 'bitch' for nothing !!!!
In the dog pack makeup, females usually rule the roost, determine pecking order, and who compete to maintain and/or alter that order. The females are as a result, more independent, stubborn and territorial than their male counterparts. The females are much more intent upon exercising their dominance by participating in alpha behaviors such as 'humping'. There IS a reason people utilize the technical dog term of 'bitch' in a negative way-and it refers directly to the behaviors exhibited by the females of the dog world. Most fights will usually break out between two females. Males, on the other hand, are usually more affectionate, exuberant, attentive, and more demanding of attention. They are very attached to their people. They also tend to be more steadfast, reliable, and less moody. They are more outgoing, more accepting of other pets, and take quicker to children. Most boys are easily motivated by food (how true!!) and praise, and so eager to please that training is easy. However, males can be more easily distracted during training, as males like to play so often. And no matter what age, he is more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to play games. Boys are fun loving until the day they die. Females tend to be more reserved or dignified as they age. Witness the human equivalent of the twinkling eyed Grandpa still playing catch at age 70, while Grandma quietly observes from the porch.
Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as 'humping', or 'marking' and lifting of legs. Once the testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors (if they ever existed) will disappear. Boys who were neutered early (by 5 months of age) usually don't ever raise their leg to urinate.
And while the female will usually come to you for attention, when she's had enough, she will move away. While boys are always waiting for your attention and near at hand. Females are usually less distracted during training, as she is more eager to get it over with, and get back to her comfy spot on the couch. The female is less likely to wage a dominance battle with YOU, but she can be cunning and resourceful in getting her own way. She is much more prone to mood swings. One day she may be sweet and affectionate...the next day....reserved and withdrawn or even grumpy. The female also has periods of being 'in heat' unless she is spayed. Seasonal heats can be a month long nightmare....not just for the female, but you and every male dog in the neighborhood. If you are not breeding, you'd be best off to have her spayed since during this time she can leave a bloody discharge on carpets, couches, or anywhere she goes. She will be particularly moody and emotional during this time. A walk outside during this period can become hazardous if male or female dogs are in the vicinity, and she will leave a 'scent' for wandering intact males to follow right to your yard, where they will hang out and 'wait' for days.
Before deciding on male or female, give consideration to any other dogs that may be in or around your home. I am not here to discourage anyone from purchasing a female. Here at Boxerbarn we own seven females and out of the seven, only one is as described in the above text. She was our first female and she tries very hard to claim that position with other females. Still......you've got to love her because she is sweet as pie, but we don't hesitate to remind her that we are King & Queen of this crib !!! Be a responsible pet owner and do your homework on dominance and the pecking order....but most importantly, educate yourself on exerting leadership over your pet(s), especially one with alpha tendencies. Walking your pet daily is the first step to claiming your position as pack leader.
We have recently become huge fans of Cesar Milan "The Dog Whisperer" and we highly recommend his techniques. Before purchasing a puppy from us or any other breeder, please educate yourself on alpha puppies and what the future holds if your puppy has alpha tendencies. It is up to YOU , the owner, to claim your position as pack leader and never allow your puppy/dog to be the BOSS !!! Remember, "Calm/Assertive" with emphasis on the calm. Be strong and confident and become the pack leader using positive energy and consistency. This will create a well balanced, life long, companion.
"Animals follow dominant leaders; they don't follow lovable leaders."
"All dogs can be rehabilitated"
"I rehabilitate dogs, I train people" - Cesar
http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library/alpha.htm
http://cesarmillaninc.com/tips/index.php
http://cesarmillaninc.com/dpc/
http://cesarmillaninc.com/tips/newpuppy01.php
