Im a bit on the fence about this one,ive never had any male dog done,and not had any problems,my chi x bitch is 9 now and as far as i know shes not been spayed,again no problems,and my border who has had 4 litters will be spayed to prevent pregnancy.I do think vets are a bit pushy regarding this issue,and use scare tactics of conditions which rarely happen.

I just don't see the point in putting them under a GA when they are fit and well.
We had a bitsa when we were kids,he also remained entire with no problems.

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Rooney Rumpus DNA Tested L2/HC Clear

Ellies Babe Genetically L2/HC Clear

ruardeanstaffords

i'm in total agreement both should be done

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I haven't voted, as my option would be view each individual dog and do what is right for them. I am against neutering a dog, pre-adolescence, as it is believed it can effect growth, making the dog the wrong "shape", so for someone who like me wants to work and jump a dog, I want the best shape for the dog.

Neutering nervous male dogs, can make them more nervous, once the production of testosterone diminishes, so this is why I would look at the individual dog and see what is the right option for them.

Good points Jenny, I totally agree about neuturing too young, it didn't affect Milo luckily but I know it can do.

How old was he Alan ? sadly another side effect of early neutering, is other male dogs seem to find them highly attractive.

Yeah we noticed that alot as I mentioned that on my opening post. I thought that happened irrelevant of when they are done though? He was done at about 6 months old by the RSPCA before we adopted him.

Again I have no scientific evidence or proof, just years of watching thousands of dogs, male dogs who are castrated pre-puberty, seem to confuse other male dogs, and become victims of being mounted, confident dogs like milo don't seem to worry too much about it, less confident dogs can find it quite threatening.

It doesn't really bother him, he just seems to think they are playing, but I guess that's because he has no idea about that sort of thing. I have seen other dogs that feel very threatened by it and submit or run off.

I do still think that it is better to neuter all males but I definatly agree it should be done later. I think every dog is different but what do you think is a good age, as a guide, for it to be done?

Depends on the breed, smaller breeds are physically and mentally mature, a lot earlier than large breeds, I would always wait until character and body are full formed, but this is just my personal opinion. As far as I am aware any health benefits do not come into play until the dog is older anyway.

As a dog trainer you often get asked should I get this dog castrated, I would only ever give my opinion, I would explain my reasons, but it is really up to each individual owner to decide, certainly with a nervous dog I would advise building character and making the dog more confident prior to removing his testosterone, as it will always be more difficult afterwards.