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My dog takes toys. Is it dominance or anxiety? Will neutering help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | spayed | 9 months and 4 days old | 60 lbs

To:Stephanie Echols, DVM: Thank you for first answer-VERY HELPFUL!(This is second set of Golden siblings-very different from first set).Need to mention-Harry(male brother) shows dominance by taking Lucy's toys/cheweys etc.Could this cause added anxiety?Vet gave TRAZODONE for Lucy-we don't want to give if we can help naturally.Harry's neuter surgery in 10 days.Could this help his dominance toward her?In house she lays/chews bone quietly(anxious at times).Together they wrestle aggressively.Normal?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 5th, 2017

Taking the toys could be a sign of dominance but it also could be jealousy. This may cause Lucy anxiety but if its normal behavior between the two, it might not bother her at all. Trazodone can help with anxieties, but honestly I don't think she needs it. She sounds like she is active and social, she's just a nutty female :) Neutering could help with dominance because he won't have the excess testosterone, but dominance isn't only from hormones, it is learned. If he is always fed first, greeted first and given treats first he has been taught he is the alpha. It is normal to wrestle and as long as no one is hurt, it isn't aggressive. It may sound aggressive, with growls and teeth showing, but usually they bite softly and it is just play.

I would try to give them more things to do- more walks, more play times, to get out excess energy. They really sound like active puppies! I hope this helps- again sending more kisses to the babies!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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