I totally agree with Snowbunny I've not neutered my recent boy because of the stated reasons. I also had a dog that developed an auto immune disorder so I did a lot of research and decided against neutering. I think Rory is a better muscled fitter and has a better overall skeletal structure because if it. He is a sensitive dog and I think he is much more emotionally rounded dog because he's not neutered. He is maturing nicely and is a very sweet boy. He doesn't hump and socially adept.
I guess I should have said: "In my little part of the world." We all have personal justifications for the decisions that we make. It is what it is. So what I said is MY VIEW.
Just on a lighter note, when I get my puppy usually a male, I always take my husband with me when visiting the vet. If they start on when are you having the puppy neutered. I always look at my husband and say, well I haven't had him done and he is ok. The vet usually goes quiet and says not more. Works every time
My vets must have been really rare because it was never mentioned. There was never any pressure to neuter or not neuter Stanley. Then when we booked him in it was just procedure - no questions or concerns. The only time his bits were mentioned was when we first got him and she checked to make sure they were both there
My vet is the same. It's not his business if I choose to keep my dogs entire or neuter them, unless I ask about it or it impacts on their health. Which it doesn't. Shadow looked a bit perturbed when he was a pup and Jordi cupped him for a quick one-two
I’m on my third vet. They all just want money around where I live. They actually send a salesman into the room before the vet to do a pre inspection to try to sell you products and injections you don’t need. I have found they all have a reason to neuter but mostly just want your money.
In the U.S. neuter and spade is preached ad nauseum and many have it done at 3 months per vet recommendation. I disagree. Let the dog mature, get those growth plates closed, put on some muscle and weight. My vet, who is an exception, had me wait till Ajax was over a year. I think he done at 14 months. I also disagree with the above generalization that neutering does not impact behavior. Not my experience. The humping of the cushions, my leg, my neighbors leg all ceased within 6 weeks. And the marking continues but at a diminished rate. No surprise. He is a dog.
I totally agree with you, AlphaDog. It does impact behavior. The humping, if not completely stopped, is generally lessened, and the marking is diminished. The fact that reduction in testosterone changes behavior is scientific and medically proven, it's the reason many stallions are difficult to handle and therefore end up being neutered as well. My choice will be based on what I believe is best for our own situation. I am planning on being very cautious about neutering Moose, but I believe I will once I feel that it will not affect his health. Yes, I can control my own dog. I always have. What I cannot control is other people, other peoples dogs. I am also a huge advocate in the animal welfare community. Sad to say, there are always lab mix puppies at the shelters in this area. Lab mixes and pit bull mixes, because those are the most popular breeds around, and irresponsible owners are not controlling their dogs. It is not fun to work in a clinic where the vet has to go out and euthanize these poor dogs, or they end up living in shelters year after year.
I was referring to muscle mass. My sons intact male is a very muscular dog, not overweight in the least.
