does it make a difference to to their performance/enthusiasm. probably a silly question but got thinking earlier. was hoping to start gundog training with oscar, my GR, (just for fun really to keep him active and stimulated) once we've mastered all of the basic commands. the vet recommended neutering at 6 months. i'm in 2 minds wether to have him done anyway though tbh

Neutering does not affect performance, enthusiasm etc in any field bar sex.

I have no problems in neutering dogs, however I DO have problems with dogs being neutered before puberty. It delays closure of growth plates causing dogs to grow taller, and can impact on other areas of physical and mental maturity.

I would never have a dog of this size neutered prior to 18 months old ESPECIALLY if I wanted to compete in a performance sport.

Has the vet apprised you of ALL the pros and cons of neutering? Neutering can minimise some health risks but increase those of others.

Have a look at these links written by vets.

Canine Sports Productions: Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete

http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongT...uterInDogs.pdf

thanks a lot! i'm not keen on the idea in general really, just feels wrong to me if im honest. unless it becomes some kind of problem ie getting a bit too excitable with the kids regularly then i would rather refrain from neutering but then my neighbour, who has a lot of experience with animals especially dogs, said to get it done early or he could get stuck with bad habits behavior wise. the vet literally just said to book him in for neutering at 6 months, didnt tell me any pros or cons.

I don't think it does change peformance TBH, not from what I have seen and experienced.
I'm one of those that doesn't beleive in neutering, but only because I believe everything should be natural.

Some people do think it affects drive, one reason someone I know tried the suprelorin implant, with disastrous effects, and once it's in there, it's not removable so you just have to wait for any side effects to wear off.

You basically won't know until you've tried it, but I would research thoroughly before you decide to neuter, there are no real advantages that good training won't solve. I've had to bite my tongue so many times when I hear the advice vet receptionists dole out about stopping your dog from wandering, and preventing testicular cancer. they fail to mention the numerous other risks associated with neutering, particularly in some medium to large breeds, such as GR's where there is a higher incidence of other cancers in neutered males.

This article is a few years old, but lays out the pros and cons in a nice easy to read fashion:

http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/longt...uterindogs.pdf

Don't know anything about gundog training, but I think six months is far too young to neuter. I would wait till he is fully grown unless you have a good reason to do it earlier.

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very informative, thank you everyone. if i decide to neuter it definitely wont be at 6 months now. tbh i dont think i will end up having him neutered, it just feels very wrong to me,i know obviously there are benefits but i feel like its not my decision to make iykwim. prob a very silly attitude to have but thats just how i am.

I never had a dog neutered before the two newfies, but they were both so oversexed it was dangerous. I wouldn't do it without reason, and certainly not at six months.

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Will always miss you, my little Joshie Woshie xx

If you want real love, buy a dog

If you wouldn't use it on a child, don't use it on a dog

http://pettaxisg8.yolasite.com/
http://www.help-for-learner-drivers.yolasite.com/

yeah i think unless oscar gets aggressive i think ill probably hold off on it. i mean i have to be careful because of the kids but i cant imagine him becoming aggressive, its just not in the nature of golden retrievers i dont think but you never know i guess.

I don't think aggression would stop if the dog was neutered. Aggression usually stems from fear and if he has nothing to fear, he is very unlikely to become aggressive.

My last dog was a retriever, wonderful creatures, and he was only neutered at the age of 12 because he had a tumour.

But the newfie boys were a nightmare, they just wanted hump everybody and everything, and being so big it was dangerous, there was never any aggression.

__________________
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http://www.royston-pet-care.co.uk



Will always miss you, my little Joshie Woshie xx

If you want real love, buy a dog

If you wouldn't use it on a child, don't use it on a dog

http://pettaxisg8.yolasite.com/
http://www.help-for-learner-drivers.yolasite.com/