I am a very uptight anxious pet owner and my slow old dog has still escaped twice. Gates blow open, guests leave doors open, people drop leashes. You cannot guarantee your intact dog won't be a dad.

But what would make the decision for me (if my dog weren't already fixed) is that so many services won't take intact dogs. Boarding, play areas, walkers. I would worry about needing to travel or evacuate or be hospitalized with nowhere to take my dog. That is an issue of the dog's safety and welfare, not my convenience -- responsible pet owners have an emergency plan.

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.

If you don't neuter him, nature will take its course. He will scamper off when someone in the neighborhood is in heat and make puppies.

Of course you neuter him.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if your dog is well managed, and has no hormone related behavior problems, there is no need to neuter him. As others have said previously, the risk of testicular cancer does go up as he ages, so you can choose to neuter him after he has gained full maturity, but before he is a senior and starts developing health problems. In your shoes, I’d wait until he’s at least two, and no older than seven.

The reason to neuter him is so that he doesn't contribute to unwanted puppy population. People are sure that it will never happen to their dog but...

People can’t think beyond selfish needs for a common good. Pandemic has shown that.

Here is a reddit thread that discusses it pretty extensively with a lot of good advice.

https://www.reddit.com/r/puppy101/comments/ptvnzb/when_do_you_all_plan_on_getting_your_puppy/

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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A neutered dog is a happy dog. He’s calmer, more stable, less distracted, and more assured of his place in the household hierarchy. By not fixing him, you’re doing a disservice to an animal you claim to love.

OP here. But this is what I don't get - granted he is only 13 months but he is all of these things now. He's calm (puppy calm, but not anything out of hand) and not distracted by other dogs. He has an absolutely delightful personality. How am I doing a disservice to him, but by choosing not to put him through a medically unnecessary procedure? Serious question.

Honestly, I came into this thread ready to pounce on OP too.

But when I really think about it, I'm not sure it is so critically important to neuter a dog under the conditions OP described. I've always taken it as a given that it is just something you have to do. I believe show dogs are not spayed or neutered. Are we saying that they are across the board "less happy" dogs?

Glad you mentioned show dogs, because unless OP is going to put the same level of training and accommodation into their dog as the typical show dog, this is the exception that proves the rule. Show dogs go through hours and hours of training, grooming, etc. They are essentially working dogs. They are not typical family pets.

Show dogs are also bred for certain traits and only developed as show dogs if they demonstrate those traits at birth.

OP is talking about failing to neuter a standard family pet, without any special training or treatment. This dog will go to dog parks, walk on city sidewalks, be in a house with children, etc., and OP has zero experience handling a dog when sex hormones start to alter their behavior and personality.

So dumb. Just neuter your dog. I sometimes think you shouldn't even be allowed to adopt a family cat or dog until they are neutered or spayed. Because people cannot be trusted to do the right thing.

And show dogs get to mate.

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.

Anonymous wrote:OP, if your dog is well managed, and has no hormone related behavior problems, there is no need to neuter him. As others have said previously, the risk of testicular cancer does go up as he ages, so you can choose to neuter him after he has gained full maturity, but before he is a senior and starts developing health problems. In your shoes, I’d wait until he’s at least two, and no older than seven.

The reason to neuter him is so that he doesn't contribute to unwanted puppy population. People are sure that it will never happen to their dog but...

I would not let him run around your back yard without a minimum 6 foot fence and close supervision.

An intact male will catch a whiff of an intact female in heat even if she’s far away and then it’s game over. He will clear high fences, dig tunnels, escape from your home, anything to get to her. If you have a chain link fence and the female is next door they can procreate through the fence.

I have a large breed female and the contract we have states she cannot be spayed until 18 months. When she is in heat, she basically doesn’t leave the house for 3 weeks other than potty breaks on leash with us in the backyard. Her walks are in the wee early hours and then again very late at night in order to avoid other dogs. She will be spayed as soon as she is able.

If he’s a large breed and you want to wait until 18 months, that’s fine but you need to make the sacrifices to ensure he’s not going to procreate or fight with other male dogs. That means 6 foot fence, close supervision always, and extra vigilance with your doors and windows. No dog parks, no kennels, no daycares, and walks where you will have complete control of your dog even if he starts pulling you toward a scent.

You also want to reduce the risk of cancer. Males and females are at higher risk of cancer if they remain intact.

I know you say your dog is so sweet and I’m sure he is but when their hormones start raging they do what they want to satisfy themselves. That doesn’t mean they aren’t sweet, that’s just nature. So you absolutely should neuter him otherwise you and he will have to fighting nature his entire life.

NEUTER YOUR DAMNED DOG. I live in an island country where almost no one wants to neuter. Inbreeding, death, overpopulation… please read about the categorical imperative and do the right thing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a trainer.

The short of it is, no, there are rarely behavioral improvements from neutering. The exception is marking, but if you’ve waited this long the marking is probably pretty ingrained if it was going to be there anyway.

With most large breed dogs, you want to wait until the growth plates are fully closed to spay or neuter. This typically happens between 18 months and two years and can be confirmed with x-rays if you choose to go that route. The hormones are useful for development.

At some point, the risk of testicular cancer outweighs the value in keeping the testicles. Even champion show dogs and high performing canine athletes are spayed/neutered at some point. You’d need to talk to your vet.

The reality is though, most dogs escape at some point in their life. Maybe a gate is left open or they bolt out the front door. Hopefully you get the dog back within a few minutes, but if you don’t, and the dog is not fixed, you risk the potential for fights with other dogs or unwanted pregnancies. Up to you to decide if you want to deal with that risk.

The licensing fee is also higher on unfixed dogs.

OP here; thank you for this. You're the second person who has noted that perhaps it is best to wait until he is at least 18 months old. (Not sure if he is considered a large breed?)

Yes, a labradoodle would be considered large breed. If this is just a pet who will be going on leashed walks and occasionally jumping on/off the couch, the joint issue is less of a concern. I train sports dogs, and repetitive jumping in agility, full force box turns in fly ball, and vault jumps in disc all require every element of the dog's body to function properly or risk injury.

Another thing to consider is that if you intend to have your dog interact with others, neutered males will react differently to your dog who is still intact. I've seen a lot of posturing and uncomfortable behavior on both sides when fixed/unfixed males get together. If you are planning to keep his testicles until 18 months or 2 years, I'd be very cautious about interactions with other dogs until then.

But no, planning to keep him intact until he is physically mature is not a bad idea. Just make sure he is truly contained, watch him in the yard, etc. If a Btch in season is next door, an unneutered male will literally climb walls, chew through fences, and dig escape tunnels to get to her.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, most of the unneutered dogs I see belong to lower-income men who equate their dogs’ virility with their own. It’s distinctly a class and gender marker.

Just for the record, many Europeans are horrified that Americans "butcher" their dogs.

I don't think we should look or care about what Europeans do.

Why not? It's often learning from other cultures that we can improve our own lives.

OP, if you don't want to neuter your dog then don't.

Aren’t Europeans also known for not picking up dog poop? Let’s not model pet ownership after them.

Trust me, there are plenty of pet owners in the USA who don't pick up after their pets. Let's not act as if we're superior to Europeans in this area.

I can’t speak to the male dogs, but anyone thinking about not spraying their female dog should know that intact dogs are much more likely to have mammary tumors. I lost a beautiful rescue dog to metastatic mammary cancer. The cancer spread before we even found the first of the teeny tumors.

She was spayed by the rescue, but it was too late to have any benefit.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, most of the unneutered dogs I see belong to lower-income men who equate their dogs’ virility with their own. It’s distinctly a class and gender marker.

Just for the record, many Europeans are horrified that Americans "butcher" their dogs.

I don't think we should look or care about what Europeans do.

Why not? It's often learning from other cultures that we can improve our own lives.

OP, if you don't want to neuter your dog then don't.

Aren’t Europeans also known for not picking up dog poop? Let’s not model pet ownership after them.