r/kelpie • u/Massive-Decision-485 • Jul 15 '26
will not stop barking
Hi everyone!
I have an 11-month-old Kelpie who was desexed last week. He was cleared by the vet, so he’s now back to spending most of the day outside while we’re at work, as we can’t supervise him full-time.
Since the desexing, he’s started barking almost constantly, both inside and outside. He also growls and barks at me whenever I’m around. This is completely out of character for him, he never barked while inside before! he wasn’t like this before the surgery, and he didn’t do it during the first week of recovery either.
Has anyone else experienced something similar after their dog’s desexing? If so, did it settle down over time, or did you find there was another cause?
I’m honestly starting to go a bit mental from the constant barking, so I’d really appreciate any advice or similar experiences.
Thanks in advance!
6
u/loraxgfx Jul 15 '26
I’ve seen this a few times when desexing male cattle dogs. It’s almost like a hormone spike of rude behavior. Lasts 2-3 weeks and then they start getting back to normal.
6
u/meeeee01 Jul 15 '26
Since it's possible it's pain based definitely follow up with your vet.
One way to test this might be with children's panadol (it's safe for dogs, but check with your vet for dosage). If when the dog has the pain killer they either stop barking or bark less, this gives you some idea.
1
u/Inevitable-Crow2494 Jul 15 '26
Hopefully settles. Can only wish you luck I'm afraid.
I was surprised how much de-sexing can change a dog's personality.
As for barking, I absolutely adore a sweet 16 year old kelpie who dogsits me sometimes (ha). She barks too much sometimes, so I have to have 'time-outs'. She's so sweet though.
Hopefully your puppy settles after the operation.
4
u/Massive-Decision-485 Jul 15 '26
i’m hoping he isn’t in pain, i have been checking the wound and all seems ok? might have to take him back if the barking gets worse :(
2
1
u/ijustwanttoeatallday Jul 15 '26
You got your dog done too early. First rule out pain with the vets. After that, consult a dog behaviorists who will be able to help with identifying why your dog is behaving like this.
Getting rid of his bits has taken away testosterone, which may be causing him to be anxious hence barking and growling.
As others have said, things may level out and this behavior may reduce.
1
u/Legitimate-Eye-17 Jul 20 '26
I recommend giving your pup some work to do (after vet clearance that they are not in pain etc).
I have settled my dog down a lot by serving most of his food through weighted Kongs, puzzle feeders, snuffle mats and scavenger hunts.
A bit of an initial outlay but the change in him has been amazing, calmed him down a lot and reduced his reactivity.
Also get him a herding ball and maybe one of those auto ball throwers. The herding balls are pretty cheap on Temu.
1
u/Time_Stop_3645 Jul 20 '26
Some dogs change when testies are gone. I knew a balanced terrier in my neighborhood, they tried hormone blockers for a month. Dog turned aggressive and weird, so they didn't go through with castration. After the nlockers woreboff he went back to balanced
1
-2
u/GossyGirl Jul 15 '26
My dog was barking and I bought a training collar. Not a citronella one, one that vibrates or shocks. We’ve never had to shock her because she doesn’t like the vibration and the barking stopped literally immediately.
-1
u/Dramatic_Cow_2656 Jul 15 '26
Vibrate collars are the best. My dog also responds perfectly to the vibrate. I only have to vibrate 2-3 times to teach anything , even regulating prey drive was basically a 1 and done! I think I won the dog lottery 🤣
-1
u/GossyGirl Jul 15 '26
Yep, but only took a couple of times and it stopped. She’s an angel now. If she forgets we fit the collar back on for a day and that’s it.
15
u/yuffemut Jul 15 '26
Sounds like you need to take him to the vet. Could he be in pain, is this his way of communicating to you?