Hmmmm... Touchy subject!

Okay, this subject always causes a bit of heated debate (which I like when it's intelligent!) so I'm going to just say it: Vlad is having his plums removed on Friday morning. Lee (the husband) has a couple of weeks off work so can take care of Vlad when he gets home from the vet. I know I'm going to be the neurotic anxious mum, but he is a big healthy boy so I am sure he'll be fine. It's not a decision we came to easily and it hasn't been without a little argument or two LOL.

Good luck. In my opinion too young, but I'm sure he'll be ok.

Thanks

Good luck it's hard to keep them quiet and calm so they don't pop the stiches.

Vlad is definitely not an easy dog to keep calm LOL

We ended up getting extra chew toys to keep Suki occupied and she was still wanting to play.

everyone has there reasons for having their dog done at what ever age but the main thing is to make sure the dog is ok. he will be fine with his op its routine to the vet. he will be sleepy when he gets home the first day and deffinately won't want to walk he'sll still be groggy (Lemmy fell over bless him) they say keep them calm and quiet for a few days after but good luck with that one a normal on lead walk is all he can have after a week before then its short and sweet or as i called a splash and dash deffinately no off lead playing for at least 10 - 14 days and then be careful otherwise don't worry our little ones are tougher than we give them credit for

good luck for friday

Good luck - keep us posted !

Thanks

I hope all goes well and recovery is fast

goood luck! by day 2 after the op its as if nothing happened (apart from the fact you know it happened and have to keep him calm and the obvious saggy ball sack and stitches! haha)
Russell whined a lot after having it done. poor tacker.

No matter the pros and cons, I think the decision to spay or neuter is a personal one and I am sure you have not taken this step lightly.

As Julie says, he may be a little groggy and you might have to find creative ways for keeping him quite and still for a few days. He will milk you for every little bit of sympathy he can get and he will play the guilt card.

Hope all goes well

Ty wrote:No matter the pros and cons, I think the decision to spay or neuter is a personal one and I am sure you have not taken this step lightly.

As Julie says, he may be a little groggy and you might have to find creative ways for keeping him quite and still for a few days. He will milk you for every little bit of sympathy he can get and he will play the guilt card.

Thanks. I am all for everyone having their own opinion because each one is valid, however, you are correct that this isn't a decision we came to easily. We didn't just wake up and decide to have him desexed. We are making sure that we are not working (well one of us) on the day of his surgery and the weeks during his recovery so we can make sure he is okay.

I'm not criticizing, so please don't take this the wrong way, I'm interested to hear why you decided to go ahead? As I said, no criticism intended, just curious.

Caryll wrote:I'm not criticizing, so please don't take this the wrong way, I'm interested to hear why you decided to go ahead? As I said, no criticism intended, just curious.

I don't, I promise I value all opinions and don't see it as criticism . We are doing it for a few reasons, but a big one is behavioural. Vlad is becoming increasing dominant and our training isn't doing too much. He is fine with me, but is really quite domineering and sometimes too rough with my husband. We think he sees me as his. He is perfect with other people as well... just my husband. We were always going to have him desexed, I was more interested in waiting until he was 12 - 18 months, but his behaviour is beginning to get a little much. He is exercised, played with, regularly has his training and nothing is really helping. We realise this may not work and then again it might. I understand it is a highly debated topic, but because I love the information I receive on here and the knowledge I have gained from this forum, I am just trying to be honest with his progress and what happens in his life.

I just wondered cause I remember you posting a while ago about whether to or not. Just be aware that it may not help, and even if it does you'll still need to train him out of much of the behaviour!

As I said before, he'll be fine on friday - you'll hurt more than he does!

I am very nervous! I am looking at him all asleep now and just want to keep making a fuss of him! We are going to continue with training and we're booking in to have some more lead training with him as he pulls a lot. We both think it could go either way (it may help or nothing will change). Thanks I was a bit nervous when I put the post up!

What's he like with licking his bits normally? If he doesn't normally do it, then you might be able to leave the lampshade off during the doay as long as you can keep an eye on him. Night time's a bit different, he'll probably have to keep it on at night. Have you thought about the other type of collar to stop him licking/biting?

I can't remember what they're called, though.

He doesn't really lick his bits much. The lampshade, like you said will be a must for night. My husband will be home with him during recovery. I am guessing he will be wanting to lick stitches. He has a crate and we're even going to purchase bed number 10 (because he has a few old blankets and doona (duvet) due to destroying the other 9) so he has something very soft and comfy and we're putting a waterproof mattress liner incase of accidents (which we're expecting) His crate is the biggest so he has plenty of room, and he loves it because I think he sees it as his safe place. We're also getting him some new chew toys (like jstaff suggested) so he can keep his big jaw occupied! I think we're going to take it in turns sleeping with him