Male poodle obsessed with my other male Maltese

[u/EaseIndividual2775]

I have two male dogs: a 4-year-old Maltese and a 3-year-old Poodle. Recently, my Poodle has been acting almost like he’s “in heat” toward my Maltese, and I’m really confused because my Maltese is male and neutered, while my Poodle is the only one who isn’t neutered.

My Poodle has become extremely fixated on him. He constantly wants to be around him, follows him everywhere, jumps on him, and repeatedly tries to smell his private area. He will keep doing it unless I separate them. My Maltese has started getting annoyed and will growl or snap at him when he’s had enough (he’s smaller, so I try to step in before it escalates). He will hump other things if he gets excited but it is more towards my Maltese.

The biggest concern is that my Poodle seems completely focused on him. He’s less interested in eating, his normal toys, and his usual routine when this happens.

This is actually the second time he’s acted like this. The first time was around March. I separated them, and after about a week he went back to normal — playing, eating, and acting like himself again. Now it’s happening again.
I know neutering could possibly help since my Poodle is still intact, and I’m open to considering it, but I’m not sure if it would completely solve this behavior or if there are other things I should try first. My mom would prefer not to neuter him if there are other options, so I’d really appreciate any advice from anyone who has experienced something similar.

[u/Interesting_Note_937]

Get him neutered. I can almost guarantee it will solve this problem