Waiting to neuter a male until maturity? - Page 1

Hello,
I know that it is recommended to not neuter a puppy at six months but around 2 years of age. Would this cause behaviors such as mounting? Or more aggressive towards other dogs?
Has anyone done it this way to wait? Thanks.

In my opinion it is always better to wait at least until the dog stops growing - at about 12 months of age. The growth plates will close by then and you won’t risk strange growths in your puppy. Some veterinarians associate even developing of hip dysplasia and joint problems with early spaying and neutering of puppies that caused growth plates to stay open. 

Here is a link to the article on early netering if you are interested http://www.littleriverlabs.com/neuter.htm 

I would appt for neutering the puppy later in life mainly because of mental development. GSD’s don’t fully develop/ grow up until they are about 2-3 years old and you will never know what kind of dog he would be if you do it at 6 months when he is a complete puppy. Service dogs are usually kept intact until they completely develop and finish their training for that sole reason.

Mounting and aggression is in my opinion behavioral issue – not hormonal, therefore neutering won’t help and it will not develop because of not neutering.

By the way – make sure your dog is not in aggressive state of mind (full of testosterone) when you have him neutered – it will make him stay in this state! Make sure your dog is relaxed and happy for a day or two before you take him to the vet.

behaviors such as mounting? this is in the dogs brain not his testicles wait until 2yrs