Keeping Calm After Neutering

[Ozzy - Courtney]

I know that tomorrow is Thanksgiving but I could really use some tips! Ozzy was neutered yesterday and today he is like a mad man. He wants to play, run, and jump on everything. He wasn't crate trained so when I put him in the crate to keep him in one place, I think it does more harm than good. 

Does anyone have any tips on how I can keep this 8 month old puppy calm? I don't want him to do anything that will hinder his healing process. Ugh...the next two weeks will be interesting! :-( 

Thanks in advance and have a happy Thanksgiving!!!!

[Binny P]

Ugh. So feel for you on this one -- it nearly killed me when we were trying to get Burt Reynolds to stay calm. We stuck with the crate. He had only ever been crated at night before and I won't lie -- I was also worried that having  him in there was more harmful than not, but once he realized the scratching and barking wouldn't work, he chilled out quite a bit. He was generally better when we had his crate outside of the normal living space (so he couldn't see/hear us). We also started doing kongs packed with treats when we put him in there, so he would have at least 20 minutes of distraction before being mad about the crate. 

Good luck -- it will be over soon (even if it feels endless)! 

[Ozzy - Courtney]

Love the name Burt Reynolds!!!! I'm thinking that I may continue to try the crate. Using the kong is a good idea, I'm going to try that. Thanks for your advice!!!

[LORRY SWETLAND]

Turbo was neutered the first week in October at 21 months of age. He came out of the Vets office flying high jumping all over and even jumped into the pickup truck. The only thing I can tell you is let him be as active as he wants but don't play with him and take all his toys away so he can't get over active. But the main thing is not to let him lick it. That is more important then anything. Turbo had no ill effects from the surgery and my Vet doesn't use the cone because he says it is more stressful then the surgery. Watch out for swelling and infection but he shouldn't have any ill effects.
Turbo was neutered this late cause he it a pretty large goldendoodle and I wanted to make sure he got all the hormones he needed for his joints. He is 90 pounds and 30 inches to the shoulders. He was the largest of 11 pups. His father was a two time grand champion and his mother was the golden retriever also show quality.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all
Lorry and Turbo

[Ozzy - Courtney]

Turbo is a big boy!!! I've heard that some dogs take it easy the first few days afterwards so I was really nervous that my pup is so active. I was letting him play with a few toys so I'm going to take those away from him. He's a licker too so I've brought him one of those inflatable cones because he HATED the e-collar.

Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving to you all as well!!!

[LORRY SWETLAND]

Turbo is very active but not in the house but he goes out every 2 hours for 15 minutes of running around and playing with his big ball. I have trained him to be quiet in the house and sit by my chair. That's why he goes out so often. I also have never let him get in the habit of licking. I just say to him NO LICKY and he stops. He still likes to jump on people when they come to the house cause we don't get much company here on the mountain. He thinks they are here to see him. So when someone comes I close the gate to the kitchen until they  come in and sit down then he just sits in front of them with his paws on their lap. He loves his feet rubbed. You know you can't keep a toddler down but if you don't instigate play he will stay pretty calm.

I never used a crate with Turbo. He is a Velcro dog.....stuck to me no matter where I go.

They tell me that he is just about at the top of his growth but I will believe that after he is 3 yrs old.

Have fun with your pup. Is he a mini doodle?

[Ozzy - Courtney]

I wish I would have thought to train him not to lick. Yes, he is a mini. He's eight months, 35 pounds and that's mostly fluff. He a good puppy and he loves to play. Ozzy jumps on everyone he meets as well, it's something that we have been working on. 

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Did your vet not prescribe sedatives? Mine gave sedatives and pain medication for Orwell. It didn't knock him out, but it helped him a lot to keep calm.