>From a pet owner's point of view, I wouldn't encourage anyone to take a male if they are concerned with the humping. When we got our first cavalier 3-1/2 years ago, I insisted on a female for exactly that reason. By the time we were ready for our second one (approx. 1 year ago), I agreed to go with a male. I felt I would be better able to handle it. I had read a lot about it being more of a training and dominance issue, so I thought it would be fine. Also, our female is a habitual "scooter" so humping couldn't embarass us in front of company any worse than she does! Kory has been a great puppy, and we had no problems in the beginning. When he got to be about 5-1/2 months old, he started humping a few things, but was easily stopped. Within the next two weeks, it was like someone had flipped a switch and turned on his hormones. He was humping everything he could including the cat. He also started marking in the house - he had been very reliable with his housebreaking up until that time. We had him scheduled to be neutered at 6-1/2 months old, and within a week to two weeks after his neutering, he stopped humping and marking.
My point is that your future pet owners may feel they aren't as concerned with marking as with humping, but they probably don't realize what can happen. Kory would try to mark anything - including our bed. I'm not saying all males are like this, but if they aren't prepared for it, it could result in an unhappy ending. We had agreed that he was to be neutered - and as far as I was concerned, it was an easy solution. If people have reservations about a male, I would not try to change their minds, although I have to admit that Kory has one of the greatest personalities in the world. I am glad I got him, but I am also glad I could have him neutered and not deal with the male problems. I will go back to lurking now! Libby Lougnot [EMAIL PROTECTED] ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
