Do I really have to neuter our dog?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it is a reflection of my life experience, but, these sort of arguments are rarely entirely or even mostly about 'what's best for the dog'. Sure people say that, but it is typically after they have inquired and realize how expensive a neuter or vaccines or whatever actually is. Then they search for an argument to justify not spending the money. For anyone who cares, though, the low-cost clinics are fine, they do a lot of spay/neuter surgeries and don't seem to have a higher rate of complications than anyone else.

Um no, everyone I have talked to who are either waiting or not choosing to neuter their dogs are doing it because of the studies that have recently come out showing the possible health risks associated with neutering. The past 3 male dogs that I have had have all been neutered at 6 months based on our vet's advice. We are considering not neutering our current pup because of past anxiety problems we have dealt with that I suspect resulted from the neutering. I never suspected the neutering being the cause in the past, but now thinking back to the timing of when these behaviors started, it lines up with several studies suggesting that the lack of testosterone causes increased risk of anxiety problems.

The AVMA still recommends spaying and neutering companion animals.
The OP had no objections when she bought the dog and agreed to neuser it. She is only just now objecting when it is time to do the surgery. Even people who can well afford to pay frequently balk at the cost.

When my dog was a puppy, the first vet we saw told me to have him neutered at 6 months. On our next visit, another vet at the same practice told me to wait until 18-24 months based on recent studies. When I went home and did my own research, we decided to go with the second vets advice. Our pup is now 10 months old and a great dog so far. Our plan is to wait until around 18 months and if he has behavioral issues that neutering is proven to help with, we will have it done. If he continues to be a sweet and well adjusted dog with no issues then we probably won't have it done. I just don't see the point in putting him through the stress and trauma of surgery if we are not having any issues. The cost has never even been a consideration.

[Anonymous]

I got my dog neutered at 18 months because he's a huge tall dog and I wanted to make sure he was finished growing.

FWIW, I was able to have him boarded while he was young and unneutered -- they just said they would be sure to never have him around an unspayed female and they also monitored his behavior to make sure he wasn't a nuisance with constant mounting. Luckily for us, he was not a big humper.

But ultimately, I think it's better for a dog that's not going to breed to be neutered. I remember watching an episode of Cesar Milan and the family wanted to keep the dog intact and Cesar said that a male dog will need to mate 2x/year to release the buildup of frustration. Even though my dog had no behavioral issues while intact, I can't find a way for him to relieve himself. DH had unfixed dogs growing up, and some of them would end up humping (and I assume ejaculating) on their special blanket/stuffed animal and that's just kinda sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it is a reflection of my life experience, but, these sort of arguments are rarely entirely or even mostly about 'what's best for the dog'. Sure people say that, but it is typically after they have inquired and realize how expensive a neuter or vaccines or whatever actually is. Then they search for an argument to justify not spending the money. For anyone who cares, though, the low-cost clinics are fine, they do a lot of spay/neuter surgeries and don't seem to have a higher rate of complications than anyone else.

Um no, everyone I have talked to who are either waiting or not choosing to neuter their dogs are doing it because of the studies that have recently come out showing the possible health risks associated with neutering. The past 3 male dogs that I have had have all been neutered at 6 months based on our vet's advice. We are considering not neutering our current pup because of past anxiety problems we have dealt with that I suspect resulted from the neutering. I never suspected the neutering being the cause in the past, but now thinking back to the timing of when these behaviors started, it lines up with several studies suggesting that the lack of testosterone causes increased risk of anxiety problems.

The AVMA still recommends spaying and neutering companion animals.
The OP had no objections when she bought the dog and agreed to neuser it. She is only just now objecting when it is time to do the surgery. Even people who can well afford to pay frequently balk at the cost.

When my dog was a puppy, the first vet we saw told me to have him neutered at 6 months. On our next visit, another vet at the same practice told me to wait until 18-24 months based on recent studies. When I went home and did my own research, we decided to go with the second vets advice. Our pup is now 10 months old and a great dog so far. Our plan is to wait until around 18 months and if he has behavioral issues that neutering is proven to help with, we will have it done. If he continues to be a sweet and well adjusted dog with no issues then we probably won't have it done. I just don't see the point in putting him through the stress and trauma of surgery if we are not having any issues. The cost has never even been a consideration.

Once your dog demonstrates behavioral issues, neutering alone will not solve them. You are better off preventing the issues than trying to resolve them once they are evident. Not taking the bait on the 'doing my own research' bit. LOL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it is a reflection of my life experience, but, these sort of arguments are rarely entirely or even mostly about 'what's best for the dog'. Sure people say that, but it is typically after they have inquired and realize how expensive a neuter or vaccines or whatever actually is. Then they search for an argument to justify not spending the money. For anyone who cares, though, the low-cost clinics are fine, they do a lot of spay/neuter surgeries and don't seem to have a higher rate of complications than anyone else.

Um no, everyone I have talked to who are either waiting or not choosing to neuter their dogs are doing it because of the studies that have recently come out showing the possible health risks associated with neutering. The past 3 male dogs that I have had have all been neutered at 6 months based on our vet's advice. We are considering not neutering our current pup because of past anxiety problems we have dealt with that I suspect resulted from the neutering. I never suspected the neutering being the cause in the past, but now thinking back to the timing of when these behaviors started, it lines up with several studies suggesting that the lack of testosterone causes increased risk of anxiety problems.

The AVMA still recommends spaying and neutering companion animals.
The OP had no objections when she bought the dog and agreed to neuser it. She is only just now objecting when it is time to do the surgery. Even people who can well afford to pay frequently balk at the cost.

When my dog was a puppy, the first vet we saw told me to have him neutered at 6 months. On our next visit, another vet at the same practice told me to wait until 18-24 months based on recent studies. When I went home and did my own research, we decided to go with the second vets advice. Our pup is now 10 months old and a great dog so far. Our plan is to wait until around 18 months and if he has behavioral issues that neutering is proven to help with, we will have it done. If he continues to be a sweet and well adjusted dog with no issues then we probably won't have it done. I just don't see the point in putting him through the stress and trauma of surgery if we are not having any issues. The cost has never even been a consideration.

Once your dog demonstrates behavioral issues, neutering alone will not solve them. You are better off preventing the issues than trying to resolve them once they are evident. Not taking the bait on the 'doing my own research' bit. LOL.

I only did my own research after getting different recommendations from two different vets. To help me decide which vet's advice to take, I read over studies that were done by several different vet schools. What I read lined up with what the second vet recommended. Also, as far as behavioral issues go, neutering our past dogs at 6 months did not stop them from marking or humping, and we actually suspect that it worsened one's reactivity issues.

[Anonymous]

Cannot believe so many people think this is necessary and actually benefits the dog. No, it’s a huge money maker for vets. The primary reason to neuter is profit.

If you’re an UMC family, you’re not letting your dog run. No, the dog is not impregnating other dogs. That’s crazy. Do you all live in neighborhoods where dogs run wild?

Would you recommend the same procedure for men? Would you say there is a health benefit? Of course not. Dogs are treated like kids. Mask up those kids and neuter those dogs.

[Anonymous]

I didn't read all the way through this, but OP noted that their dog is not aggressive despite being intact, but OP also needs to worry about other dogs being aggressive BECAUSE the dog is intact. In other words, it is a threat to the OP's dog to leave them intact.

And FWIW, I adopted a dog who was about 11 and intact. We had him neutered and it went well and the downtime was minimal. Don't use age as an excuse. That is directed to the person who has a 4 yr old dog and said they "never got around to it" -- you still have plenty of time to "get around to it!"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Data is pretty clear that fixing a dog has little impact on behavior, so no need to do it for those reasons. But:

1. If you ever need to board your board, you won’t be able to. Most facilities do not allow intact dogs. You don’t want to be in the middle of an emergency, need to go out of town, and no one can take your dog because he’s not fixed.

2. It’s a good practice for male dog owners to take responsibility for birth control. Dogs escape from yards and leashes. Vets are now recommending to wait a year before getting dogs fixed, which means there are now many female dogs who can get pregnant, and not through negligence. Yes, you don’t have to deal with the consequences of an unplanned litter of puppies, but someone does. And it’s always possible those puppies will end up in shelters or euthanized. So it’s the responsible thing to neuter your dog for the common good.

Yes, this. 1000X. Especially #2.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it is a reflection of my life experience, but, these sort of arguments are rarely entirely or even mostly about 'what's best for the dog'. Sure people say that, but it is typically after they have inquired and realize how expensive a neuter or vaccines or whatever actually is. Then they search for an argument to justify not spending the money. For anyone who cares, though, the low-cost clinics are fine, they do a lot of spay/neuter surgeries and don't seem to have a higher rate of complications than anyone else.

Um no, everyone I have talked to who are either waiting or not choosing to neuter their dogs are doing it because of the studies that have recently come out showing the possible health risks associated with neutering. The past 3 male dogs that I have had have all been neutered at 6 months based on our vet's advice. We are considering not neutering our current pup because of past anxiety problems we have dealt with that I suspect resulted from the neutering. I never suspected the neutering being the cause in the past, but now thinking back to the timing of when these behaviors started, it lines up with several studies suggesting that the lack of testosterone causes increased risk of anxiety problems.

The AVMA still recommends spaying and neutering companion animals.
The OP had no objections when she bought the dog and agreed to neuser it. She is only just now objecting when it is time to do the surgery. Even people who can well afford to pay frequently balk at the cost.

When my dog was a puppy, the first vet we saw told me to have him neutered at 6 months. On our next visit, another vet at the same practice told me to wait until 18-24 months based on recent studies. When I went home and did my own research, we decided to go with the second vets advice. Our pup is now 10 months old and a great dog so far. Our plan is to wait until around 18 months and if he has behavioral issues that neutering is proven to help with, we will have it done. If he continues to be a sweet and well adjusted dog with no issues then we probably won't have it done. I just don't see the point in putting him through the stress and trauma of surgery if we are not having any issues. The cost has never even been a consideration.

He may continue to be your cute, sweet dog.

That doesn’t mean he can’t knock up a neighborhood dog. Then you need to do the right thing and share the cost of vet bills, extra food for the mother, whelping associated costs, puppy care and puppy vet, food, and medicine needs, and also pray the female pup doesn’t die or need a c section while giving birth or that any of the puppies need medical intervention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cannot believe so many people think this is necessary and actually benefits the dog. No, it’s a huge money maker for vets. The primary reason to neuter is profit.

If you’re an UMC family, you’re not letting your dog run. No, the dog is not impregnating other dogs. That’s crazy. Do you all live in neighborhoods where dogs run wild?

Would you recommend the same procedure for men? Would you say there is a health benefit? Of course not. Dogs are treated like kids. Mask up those kids and neuter those dogs.

OP here. I did not mention this in my post, but this has also been in the back of my mind. Yes, we are an UMC family and live in a large suburb/ city area. Dogs do not "run wild" here.

I appreciate everyone's comments. Lots to think about!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it is a reflection of my life experience, but, these sort of arguments are rarely entirely or even mostly about 'what's best for the dog'. Sure people say that, but it is typically after they have inquired and realize how expensive a neuter or vaccines or whatever actually is. Then they search for an argument to justify not spending the money. For anyone who cares, though, the low-cost clinics are fine, they do a lot of spay/neuter surgeries and don't seem to have a higher rate of complications than anyone else.

Um no, everyone I have talked to who are either waiting or not choosing to neuter their dogs are doing it because of the studies that have recently come out showing the possible health risks associated with neutering. The past 3 male dogs that I have had have all been neutered at 6 months based on our vet's advice. We are considering not neutering our current pup because of past anxiety problems we have dealt with that I suspect resulted from the neutering. I never suspected the neutering being the cause in the past, but now thinking back to the timing of when these behaviors started, it lines up with several studies suggesting that the lack of testosterone causes increased risk of anxiety problems.

The AVMA still recommends spaying and neutering companion animals.
The OP had no objections when she bought the dog and agreed to neuser it. She is only just now objecting when it is time to do the surgery. Even people who can well afford to pay frequently balk at the cost.

When my dog was a puppy, the first vet we saw told me to have him neutered at 6 months. On our next visit, another vet at the same practice told me to wait until 18-24 months based on recent studies. When I went home and did my own research, we decided to go with the second vets advice. Our pup is now 10 months old and a great dog so far. Our plan is to wait until around 18 months and if he has behavioral issues that neutering is proven to help with, we will have it done. If he continues to be a sweet and well adjusted dog with no issues then we probably won't have it done. I just don't see the point in putting him through the stress and trauma of surgery if we are not having any issues. The cost has never even been a consideration.

He may continue to be your cute, sweet dog.

That doesn’t mean he can’t knock up a neighborhood dog. Then you need to do the right thing and share the cost of vet bills, extra food for the mother, whelping associated costs, puppy care and puppy vet, food, and medicine needs, and also pray the female pup doesn’t die or need a c section while giving birth or that any of the puppies need medical intervention.

No OP, but if the owners of said female dog don't want puppies, shouldn't they get her fixed?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it is a reflection of my life experience, but, these sort of arguments are rarely entirely or even mostly about 'what's best for the dog'. Sure people say that, but it is typically after they have inquired and realize how expensive a neuter or vaccines or whatever actually is. Then they search for an argument to justify not spending the money. For anyone who cares, though, the low-cost clinics are fine, they do a lot of spay/neuter surgeries and don't seem to have a higher rate of complications than anyone else.

Um no, everyone I have talked to who are either waiting or not choosing to neuter their dogs are doing it because of the studies that have recently come out showing the possible health risks associated with neutering. The past 3 male dogs that I have had have all been neutered at 6 months based on our vet's advice. We are considering not neutering our current pup because of past anxiety problems we have dealt with that I suspect resulted from the neutering. I never suspected the neutering being the cause in the past, but now thinking back to the timing of when these behaviors started, it lines up with several studies suggesting that the lack of testosterone causes increased risk of anxiety problems.

The AVMA still recommends spaying and neutering companion animals.
The OP had no objections when she bought the dog and agreed to neuser it. She is only just now objecting when it is time to do the surgery. Even people who can well afford to pay frequently balk at the cost.

When my dog was a puppy, the first vet we saw told me to have him neutered at 6 months. On our next visit, another vet at the same practice told me to wait until 18-24 months based on recent studies. When I went home and did my own research, we decided to go with the second vets advice. Our pup is now 10 months old and a great dog so far. Our plan is to wait until around 18 months and if he has behavioral issues that neutering is proven to help with, we will have it done. If he continues to be a sweet and well adjusted dog with no issues then we probably won't have it done. I just don't see the point in putting him through the stress and trauma of surgery if we are not having any issues. The cost has never even been a consideration.

He may continue to be your cute, sweet dog.

That doesn’t mean he can’t knock up a neighborhood dog. Then you need to do the right thing and share the cost of vet bills, extra food for the mother, whelping associated costs, puppy care and puppy vet, food, and medicine needs, and also pray the female pup doesn’t die or need a c section while giving birth or that any of the puppies need medical intervention.

No OP, but if the owners of said female dog don't want puppies, shouldn't they get her fixed?

Many vets advise waiting until the dog is a year or more- so they will go through at least one heat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did you rescue this doodle? Most breeders require you to neuter.

OP here and no, he is not a rescue. Yes, the breeder did "request" that we neuter, although I'm not sure how that could ever be checked up on, let alone enforced. Regarding day care or boarding, as noted, I don't anticipate a need for that. We have plenty of family here who would keep him when we go out of town.

I'm interested in the comment from the poster about waiting until he is two years old; maybe that is a compromise.

So far, every reason posted here has to do with what is best for pet owners, and their convenience. I haven't seen anything that indicates that this is in any way what is best for the dog.

OP, tbh, I'm shocked by this post. No, the breeder cannot enforce the contract and make you do what you promised. Only you can keep your word.

The breeder would not have given you the dog if they'd known you were untrustworthy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it is a reflection of my life experience, but, these sort of arguments are rarely entirely or even mostly about 'what's best for the dog'. Sure people say that, but it is typically after they have inquired and realize how expensive a neuter or vaccines or whatever actually is. Then they search for an argument to justify not spending the money. For anyone who cares, though, the low-cost clinics are fine, they do a lot of spay/neuter surgeries and don't seem to have a higher rate of complications than anyone else.

Um no, everyone I have talked to who are either waiting or not choosing to neuter their dogs are doing it because of the studies that have recently come out showing the possible health risks associated with neutering. The past 3 male dogs that I have had have all been neutered at 6 months based on our vet's advice. We are considering not neutering our current pup because of past anxiety problems we have dealt with that I suspect resulted from the neutering. I never suspected the neutering being the cause in the past, but now thinking back to the timing of when these behaviors started, it lines up with several studies suggesting that the lack of testosterone causes increased risk of anxiety problems.

The AVMA still recommends spaying and neutering companion animals.
The OP had no objections when she bought the dog and agreed to neuser it. She is only just now objecting when it is time to do the surgery. Even people who can well afford to pay frequently balk at the cost.

When my dog was a puppy, the first vet we saw told me to have him neutered at 6 months. On our next visit, another vet at the same practice told me to wait until 18-24 months based on recent studies. When I went home and did my own research, we decided to go with the second vets advice. Our pup is now 10 months old and a great dog so far. Our plan is to wait until around 18 months and if he has behavioral issues that neutering is proven to help with, we will have it done. If he continues to be a sweet and well adjusted dog with no issues then we probably won't have it done. I just don't see the point in putting him through the stress and trauma of surgery if we are not having any issues. The cost has never even been a consideration.

He may continue to be your cute, sweet dog.

That doesn’t mean he can’t knock up a neighborhood dog. Then you need to do the right thing and share the cost of vet bills, extra food for the mother, whelping associated costs, puppy care and puppy vet, food, and medicine needs, and also pray the female pup doesn’t die or need a c section while giving birth or that any of the puppies need medical intervention.

No OP, but if the owners of said female dog don't want puppies, shouldn't they get her fixed?

Many vets advise waiting until the dog is a year or more- so they will go through at least one heat.

OK but the responsibility is still primarily on whoever owns the puppy. You can only control what goes on in your house. You can't control the world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it is a reflection of my life experience, but, these sort of arguments are rarely entirely or even mostly about 'what's best for the dog'. Sure people say that, but it is typically after they have inquired and realize how expensive a neuter or vaccines or whatever actually is. Then they search for an argument to justify not spending the money. For anyone who cares, though, the low-cost clinics are fine, they do a lot of spay/neuter surgeries and don't seem to have a higher rate of complications than anyone else.

Um no, everyone I have talked to who are either waiting or not choosing to neuter their dogs are doing it because of the studies that have recently come out showing the possible health risks associated with neutering. The past 3 male dogs that I have had have all been neutered at 6 months based on our vet's advice. We are considering not neutering our current pup because of past anxiety problems we have dealt with that I suspect resulted from the neutering. I never suspected the neutering being the cause in the past, but now thinking back to the timing of when these behaviors started, it lines up with several studies suggesting that the lack of testosterone causes increased risk of anxiety problems.

The AVMA still recommends spaying and neutering companion animals.
The OP had no objections when she bought the dog and agreed to neuser it. She is only just now objecting when it is time to do the surgery. Even people who can well afford to pay frequently balk at the cost.

When my dog was a puppy, the first vet we saw told me to have him neutered at 6 months. On our next visit, another vet at the same practice told me to wait until 18-24 months based on recent studies. When I went home and did my own research, we decided to go with the second vets advice. Our pup is now 10 months old and a great dog so far. Our plan is to wait until around 18 months and if he has behavioral issues that neutering is proven to help with, we will have it done. If he continues to be a sweet and well adjusted dog with no issues then we probably won't have it done. I just don't see the point in putting him through the stress and trauma of surgery if we are not having any issues. The cost has never even been a consideration.

He may continue to be your cute, sweet dog.

That doesn’t mean he can’t knock up a neighborhood dog. Then you need to do the right thing and share the cost of vet bills, extra food for the mother, whelping associated costs, puppy care and puppy vet, food, and medicine needs, and also pray the female pup doesn’t die or need a c section while giving birth or that any of the puppies need medical intervention.

No OP, but if the owners of said female dog don't want puppies, shouldn't they get her fixed?

WOW. Even in dogs, all the responsibility falls on the female.

[Anonymous]

OP if you are not even sure if your dog is a large breed. Neuter. Just for the smell alone if nothing else. But your dog will get out. Even at a dog park it takes less than 30 seconds to breed. Why are you the special exception?