I was also of the view that behavioural changes after castration would be slow & gradual as the testosterone levels fell ( testosterone is still produced by the adrenal glands though, so it is still there, just at lower levels, & females have testosterone too).

But I was quite amazed at the speed of change in Barney's behaviour after castration ~ & his castration was for medical reasons. Within a couple of weeks his "red mist" times when he was on the scent of a bitrch in season, vanished, his attitude to other dogs changed ~ less interested, could take it or leave it, whereas before he was so eager to investigate any other dog we met. He became much more responsive to me & my friends, more interested in playing, chasing, retrieving etc, rather than nose to the ground & on a mission. In my view, & knowing him very well, it was like a huge stressor/weight had been lifted from his shoulders He was no longer driven by his hormones to find a mate & now had more time for the "fun" things in life. But this was just my experience, with one dog ~ I appreciate that lots of other dogs are very different.

Razzle`s an entire male - the first one I`ve ever had. He marks occasionally if he gets upset, but that`s a stress thing and pretty easily controlled by cleaning and putting a waterbowl in the Chosen Place.
I`d never get him neutered as he`s very timid now. He needs all his testosterone!

I have seen a few dogs react like this - like you say - its almost as if a huge pressure has been removed from them. They no longer feel the need to 'prove' themselves and can relax!
It is the main reason Gabe has stayed entire - he does not seem to have that desire to tell the rest of the world he is a hard man

I've only ever had mine neutered if health problems required doing so

Everydog that I have met that has a problem with humping has been neutered. Just my own experience of it but last two entire males never had an issue with it.

I'm the opposite, I never think to just spay/neuter as I dont see the point in GA and removal of body parts for no reason.

Most Dobermanns I have met have all been entire.

tbh I think you have a point about breed issues rather than sex issues.

Out of the males at shows I'd say about half really werent for getting on with males BUT only a few would actually want to 'go for' a dog just for being there. Most just dont want to mix with other males so dont focus on them. At training class the dobermann that was very dog aggressive and did focus on them was neutered!! but then again there was one that was neutered there that did like dogs, sometimes seemed a bit nervy of them but generally he was well behaved and liked dogs - partly comes down to the breed, the owner and the 'breeding' behind the dog I think not just neuter or not.

I'm against the attitude of some who think neutering will 'fix it all' Training changes behaviour so I dont feel the need to cut off my dogs balls at my failures, unless of course it was a health issue. People neuter for various reasons and thats fine but I dont agree with removing body parts unless there is one (a reason)

Generally male dobes do not live well or mix well with other males but that dosnt mean they cant mix with them at all!! I think its pretty known in the breed that youve to be careful of male-male situations, socialise heavily when young etc not really a neutered/un-neutered issue, I dont think, like you say maybe more of a breed issue. Even the Dobermann rescues will not place two neutered males in one home. Or even one neutered male with another.

edit - sorry if I missed a bit but I think Trouble has neutered males? maybe Trouble can let you know how she finds it...if they get on easier etc or not....

Well I currently have 5 Dobermanns here, 2 females 1 neutered and 1 not and 3 males 2 neutered and 1 not and they all get on extremely well and the neutered resident male is most definitely in control of the situation. Only I male and 1 female have been here from pups the rest have just fallen into place with our rules. I also have two neutered males of other breeds, one a staffie and one a feisty little terrier and no issues at all.

sorry just checked, this was troubles post so not sure if the males are getting on ok because neutered or just their individual temprements, rules etc?

edit - haha, thanks trouble must have posted at the same time there!!

I would not keep a bitch entire if I did not have plans to breed. Just would not want t risk another pyo.

Hmm well the entire male here is a big girls blouse tbh and has confidence issues, which are being worked on and showing definite signs of improvement. He's not mine, he's a foster but he is gaining hugely from being around the others. The other foster is neutered but has a huge weight issue and no manners whatsoever, he's owners just let him do whatever he wanted, ffs he weighed 64 kgs when he arrived here and Syd is 46 kgs to give you an idea. I think he was just too fat to argue about anything. He's now down to 52kgs so has a fair way to go yet, but seems happy enough and is a lovely boy personality wise.
Syd my neutered male has no issues and is very confident in his own skin. I think the big thing is he likes other dogs and enjoys their company on his terms at least and has always had to put up with dogs coming and going on a regular basis so doesn't bat an eyelid.