[Marilize]

I disagree that a dog can't be trained out of marking. I have a male and a female and Cash (male) used to mark everything inside. I couldn't take him into a new house because he would mark everything. I got him neutered and he has never marked inside again. He does lift his leg whenever he pees and he marks outside. He marked me when we went to meet June (totally gross), but he has never marked inside the house again.

With regards to the male vs female discussion, Cash is totally independent, he doesn't really cuddle and although he is an excellent worker, he is also very moody. He gets bitchy with June and if he is angry with me, he will sulk for days. He has good moods and bad moods (in bad moods, he usually retreats to the laundry bin or snaps at June).

Cash has never been affectionate and he only cuddles with me when he is cold - I am happy that winter is here! It took me a long time to warm up to him and him to me. We have a great bond now, but that is thanks to clicker training. He is a great worker and will do anything to hear that 'click'.

Now, June (female) on the other hand is still a puppy, but she is the sweetest little thing ever. She loves to cuddle, wants to be near you the whole time and is way more affectionate. She is also well on her way to being clicker trained.

I think it depends on personality since I searched a long time to get a puppy like June. I already had an independent dog and wanted to get a cuddly, sweet little thing and I found her. She is still very young, but she has a submissive, yet spunky personality and I am falling in love with the little rascal. I turned down a lot of cute puppies because I was set on not having an independent dog again.

I know it may change as she gets older, but she is way more sensitive than Cash ever was and she is so eager to please. The rest is just learned behaviour.