[pyrnet] Male aggression anad neutering

[Mary Delmage <mary@ericnagler.com>]

Good Morning everyone,

I'm glad people enjoyed my tale about my gardening experiences.  It
took me a while to be able to laugh about it myself!

And Joe, so sorry to hear about Abe.  I honour you for giving so
much of your self and your heart and for choosing to see the beauty in
this sad experience.  Thanks for sharing it.

I have a question about male aggression and neutering that some of you
may be able to help me with.

Our three Pyrs, Rowan (dad), Belle (mum) and Bear (son) have always got
along well.  They are all very sweet natured dogs.  I remember
how taken aback Rowan was when he came into the whelping room the morning
after Belle's pups were born.  He sniffed her, sniffed the pups and
I could almost see the wheels turning in his mind as he added two and two
together.  Then with a look of utter horror he turned and
fled.  However he seemed to get used to the idea and once the pups
were up and about he was always very gentle and tolerant of them and also
of the other smaller animals we have.

Now Bear is nine months old and he and Rowan are starting to engage in
growly behaviour with each other, especially when Belle is nearby. 
It has always been my intention to neuter Bear (and I think we will spay
Belle too as we don't want more pups), and a vet told me that it is best
to spay large breed males as late as possible so as not to interfere with
their growth.  Bear is a BIG dog.  Tall and well built, already
bigger than his mum and nearly as big as Rowan.

So Questions....
Any advice as to the best time to neuter Bear?
Will neutering him reduce/stop  the growly behaviour between him and
Rowan?
Is this growly behaviour anything to worry about anyway?
Would spaying Belle be enough to reduce the friction between the two
males?
Will neutering Bear make a difference to his guardian instincts?

Thanks for any feedback,

Mary.