Do I really have to neuter our dog?!

[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?

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

Right? Sigh.

[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?

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

In a perfect world, no. But you can't control everyone around you. I'd put my daughter on birth control too if I had one. It's just common sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

GIVE OP the dog? Are you kidding? Wanna guess as to how much these dogs cost?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

GIVE OP the dog? Are you kidding? Wanna guess as to how much these dogs cost?

Someone else would pay. Someone more honest.

Breeders have wait-lists. OP and her money aren't special.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

So you’re saying the owner of a female dog that is large breed and who is not supposed to be spayed until 18 months needs to just suck it up because the irresponsible male dog owner down the street thinks it’s no big deal for their ‘sweet’ adult male dog to never get neutered AND they don’t take the necessary precautions to make sure their sweet, horny dog doesn’t escape and roam the neighborhood.

No responsibility for the male huh? Do you also say girls shouldn’t wear shorts because it’s would be there fault for enticing a male advance?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, and of course, I hear this all the time. "Be responsible." But what if the dog is not out of our control? We live in a city and he takes walks with us and runs in our back yard. That is it.

I understand your position, OP, but accidents do happen and dogs get out.

I work with a local rescue and many of the litters we take in are the results of a non-neutered dog accidentally getting to a non-spayed female.

I respectfully ask you to call a few of your local shelters and ask to speak to someone about this. If you hear their stories it may factor into your decision making process.

[Anonymous]

Of course the breeder expected you to neuter. Nice try.

[Anonymous]

OP it sounds like you just don’t want to pay for it. There are many clinics who participate with SPAY/neuter and will give you a break on the price.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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!

Yep, dogs do not "run wild" in my UMC suburb, either.

(Except for the daily lost dog posts on NextDoor. That doesn't count.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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!

Yep, dogs do not "run wild" in my UMC suburb, either.

(Except for the daily lost dog posts on NextDoor. That doesn't count.)

But that's exactly when they break free- when they smell a female dog in heat, they often will figure out how to escape.

[Anonymous]

Large breed females are supposed to go through one or two heats before being spayed so you really don’t want your dog knocking up some poor teenage dog.

People have pointed out at least two benefits to the dog—eliminates risk of testicular cancer and eliminates the discomfort of your dog being forced into a life of uncomfortable celibacy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

So you’re saying the owner of a female dog that is large breed and who is not supposed to be spayed until 18 months needs to just suck it up because the irresponsible male dog owner down the street thinks it’s no big deal for their ‘sweet’ adult male dog to never get neutered AND they don’t take the necessary precautions to make sure their sweet, horny dog doesn’t escape and roam the neighborhood.

No responsibility for the male huh? Do you also say girls shouldn’t wear shorts because it’s would be there fault for enticing a male advance?

OMG you are ridiculous. I hope you don't have daughters.

NO, I never said owners of male dogs should let them run free knocking up as many female dogs as they can. However, it is your responsibility to worry about your female dog. After all, large male breeds can't get fixed either before they are able to impregnate other dogs.

Stop being ridiculous and worry about your dog and your family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course the breeder expected you to neuter. Nice try.

Except of course for their own dogs who they breed and breed so they can make a shit ton of money. There is nothing ethical about them wanting you to neither the dogs they sell. it's all about ensuring their income stream.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Of course the breeder expected you to neuter. Nice try.

Except of course for their own dogs who they breed and breed so they can make a shit ton of money. There is nothing ethical about them wanting you to neither the dogs they sell. it's all about ensuring their income stream.

Ah, I see. Integrity is for other people.

SMH

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Of course the breeder expected you to neuter. Nice try.

Except of course for their own dogs who they breed and breed so they can make a shit ton of money. There is nothing ethical about them wanting you to neither the dogs they sell. it's all about ensuring their income stream.

Ah, I see. Integrity is for other people.

SMH

It's amazing to me how many people these days chose to just read and hear what they want to hear. So you excuse the dog breeder's unethical behavior but not OP's? Of course OP signed a contract which she should honor (not disagreeing there), but to say that one is wrong and the other is not is ridiculous.