[DandelionWish]

Hey, so in my dog class this week we were discussing neutering in dogs...
I have a new cavalier pup and I said as soon as he was old enough (6 months) I WAS going to get him neutered because I don't plan on breeding him and I thought it was the responsible thing to do and with health benefits
HOWEVER... when I said this, I found a lot of the class disagreed with me. Saying it was cruel and unnecessary.
I'm just wondering what everyone thinks about neutering dogs
And any information on pros/cons would be greatly appreciated.

[J_9]

Aww, beautiful pups!

I think neutering/spaying should be mandatory for all but experienced breeders. Not only is it the responsible thing to do, but it also decreases the risk of some diseases, including cancer, of most dogs.

[shazamataz]

Not neutering is cruel and unnecessary.

By desexing early you can curb a lot of bad behaviors that are mostly hormone driven.
Marking in the house
Pining for b*tches in season
Dominance

The benefits far outweigh the cons.
Yes it is surgery, but the surgery lasts quite literally 5-10 minutes. Recovery time for males is very fast (most bounce back within a day or 2) and you are completely eliminating the chance of accidental matings.
Mistakes can happen, even to people experienced in owning entire dogs. I know a few show people who have had dogs leap through glass windows, break down doors, escape back yards all to get to a b*tch in season.

I have 2 males living with me here.
One is desexed, the other is an entire show dog.

The desexed male (before neutering) used to mark in the house, he also used to drive my b*tch CRAZY every time I bathed her even though she is spayed.
Since neutering he doesn't do either of those things any more. I know it is not a miracle cure for bad behaviors, but in this case the change was heaven!

My entire male pees in the house and humps anything that moves (or in some cases, doesn't move). He has yet to be near a b*tch in season so I dread the time when I have an entire b*tch in the house as well... it's not going to be fun.

[DandelionWish]

Thanks, you've made me feel better about my decision! I won't doubt myself again on this.
I just couldn't believe the way people reacted to the idea,I've even had people tell me I shouldn't desex but should breed instead because my pups are so healthy and great looking... I wouldn't even consider breeding though,I am in no way in the right place or informed enough to be a breeder!

[Lucky098]

Neutring being cruel and unnecessary?? Oh geez...

Intact, full males are very hard to handle. They are more likely to wander away from home and aggression can come out very fast, not to mention marking on EVERYTHING.

My male pup got neutered at 4.5 months. I didn't want to deal with the mind of a full male, peeing on everything and so on.

People who don't believe in neutering are usually those who contribute to the backyard breeding "program".

[Aurora_Bell]

There's not much I can add here. But I am TOTALLY for spaying and neutering.

The normal behavior of an un-neutered dog is often incompatible with being a household pet. Like Shaz mentioned, intact dogs have a higher tendency to wander to seek a mate, or to defend their territory. Intact males tend to mark and urine in the house, neutering usually stops this.

Most intact male dogs suffer from inflammation and enlargement of the prostate, as well as testicular tumors. Older dogs commonly develop swollen and infected prostate glands. These conditions are painful and can interfere with urination and defecation. A lot more painful then spaying or neutering ever would be. After neutering, the prostate shrinks considerably and tumors of the testicles, common in older intact male dogs, are eliminated entirely.

Another GREAT benefit is you are helping with the population problem. Hundreds of un-wanted cats and dogs are put to death each day in shelters in North America.

The only thing unsafe about neutering is like with any surgeries there is a risk while under anesthesia. Your vet will run preliminary blood work to make sure your dog is healthy and it is safe to place your dog under anesthesia. Most male dogs are able to come home later that day, although it's not un common for them to spend one night as well. Most vets now use the disolvable stitches so you are not required to go back to have them removed. Some vets like to schedule a post surgery exam. Some vets find it un necessary as long as there is no infection or discomfort detected.

Remember that a dogs bad behaviors will not be cured immediately. The testosterone leaves the body over a period of weeks or months. The behavior problems usually follow after that.

Hope this helps. Great pics and VERY cute pups!

[Cat1864]

Beautiful puppies.

This discussion is actually being brought up at an interesting time.

Last Thursday, we brought a new pup into our house and tomorrow morning he goes in to be neutered. What would be cruel would be trying to discipline him for behaviors he can't control such as the ones Shaz mentioned.

I applaud you for your choice and the responsibility you are showing toward your little one. Hopefully, one of your less responsible classmates won't be asking if you want a puppy in the near future.

If you would like to share more pictures and see some of our pets, we have a thread for sharing pics:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/lounge...ts-416334.html

[ballengerb1]

I agree, you got some really great answers here. Opinions about dogs are like noses, everybody has one. Check with vets and trainers for the real scoop, neutering is not cruel and will prevent tons of troubles in the future. Why do you think all shelters require neutering? Its cruel to not neuter unless you are a breeder