Roly is now 13 months - he's not castrated - he has a lovely character and temprament with people and dogs.

When we meet other dogs he is interested but very non-confrontational - when off lead and he sees another dog in the park he will drop and wait and watch and let them make the first approach. If the dog is on a lead I just whistle him to me and pop his lead on and he takes no notice of the other dog.

We met a GSD in the park the other day who approached and after a quick sniff rolled Roly over and "told" him it was his park and to watch it! Roly just picked himself up again and moved away - the GSD owner was very embarrassed and kept repeating that he was just very dominant but he's never hurt anyone. I just said not to worry - Roly is good at understanding doggy language and it doesn't hurt to respect his elders . The next day we saw the GSD again and as soon as we saw them Roly dropped and watched - the GSD was happy to trot by with his owner. I'm no expert but I'm happy with this.

Now, I've noticed that Roly has started to become far more interested in the laydeees (watch out Bailey!). He is being quite persistent in the 'personal' sniffing department and has been told by a couple of more mature girlies to get off - and he has listened and done as he's told.

So far I've been happy to let Roly learn from other dogs (in trusted company only of course) and am keen that he learns to 'listen' to his own language and not rely on me for direction and so far it seems to be working. However, I don't think it's fair to let him pester the ladies but I'm not sure whether, and at what point, to correct him?

Any advice? Oh, and just to be totally clear - he isn't allowed to approach other dogs when they are on a lead and even if they are ladies he still drops and waits for their approach - he rarely makes the first move. We have no plans to castrate him unless health or behavioural issues necessitate this at any point.

Grateful for any words of wisdom from those more experienced with the hormonal habits of young dogs!!!!

Thanks

Personally I think the lady dogs are far better at telling a young male how much is polite and when it becomes rude.

However, there is no harm in teaching a 'leave' command as an extension of what you may do with food, toys etc. for use with other dogs - it's not appropriate for his desire to interact with other dogs to over rule what you may need him to do.

HTH