Neuter - Page 4

 Vonissk, you haven't stated one issue that couldn't be remedied with proper management. Sounds to me like you got too much dog for your handling capabilities is all. What you describe is just life w/those kinds of dogs. Several of the issues you mention are just obedience issues. If I don't want my male breeding a female I have in heat, I tell him "leave it" when he's loose and I separate him effectively the rest of the time. And yes, for many dogs, this means above-average means of containment. 

This neutering for human convenience is what really sickens me, and resent me or not, I will never sell a pup to someone I think is going to neuter it, and my buyers lose their heatlh guarantee (I only guarantee whole animals, not leftover parts of animals) if they neuter or spay a dog w/out my consent prior to 24mos. 

As I said, if people are really that afraid of accidents, get the dog a vasectomy. The fact that no one seems to jump at that option tells me they're using the b.s. "unplanned litter" as an excuse, when in reality they're hoping their agenda-laden vet is right that their dog will become Superdog  if he's neutered. 

Yes it does sound like too much dog because those behaviors can be controlled. The problem that I see is that soceity has changed so much and dogs really havent changed that much...not at their core. The truth is that it is easier to neuter a dog and then say that it really had to be done when in fact the owner isnt willing to do what it takes to control those behaviors. Dogs arent born without testicles or ovaries. They have them for many reasons and not just reproduction. If a dog is intact then I am much more confident that the dog is functioning like it was designed to do than if it were altered. A neutered dog will bite and may protect but I simply want my dog to use his instincts in conjuntion with training and I just dont see how neutering could not affect the way he uses his natural instincts. I have no empirical data but that is how I most strongly feel. 

 Vonissk,

You have absolutely NOTHING to apologize for or feel badly about. You may or may not have had more dog than you were ready for, but you did the best you could and you did right by the dog. What else could anyone really ask for. After all, your reasons for having a dog are just as valid as those who think they are "improving the breed" by their constant breeding, those who think a PP dog is necessary, those who participate in dog sports, or those that think that a dog should remain intact for its entire life. From what I know, you love your dog, and you are a responsible owner. In my book, that is paramount. You made your choices in all avenues based on your needs and requirements and the dog probably is no worse for it, and, because he was never in trouble, lost or worse, has a forever home. Take that to the bank!

vonissk wrote:

"I just didn't want accidents. Especially with his daughter and his granddaughter."

So he had been used for breeding in the past?  Guess that probably didn't help your situation any. 

If your dog is just hanging out at home and isn't doing any sports or work, and he's already physically mature, then it really shouldn't make any difference if you decide to neuter him.  hey he's your dog!  it's just as much your right to have him neutered as it is (or in some places, should be) my right to keep my dog intact.

At 5.5 years, I don't see much harm in neutering.  Nothing to apologize for.  I've never had to neuter my males, but then again, I've never used them for breeding.  I imagine that does make them much harder to control.

I have only had neutered males. I think a comment made by MVF is most telling, because what he said, I observed. Namely, early neutering has its hallmarks in a lankier frame and an immature personality (playfulness)   into adulthood, or something like that.

Where is the comment by MVF?  I have looked and cannot find it.