Spaying

Just wondering when would be the best time to have a bitch spayed? Not planning to breed her so why not, Does it calm them down like when dogs have their nads chopped off? Does it reduce the risk of dominating other dogs/bitches?

There is a lot of discussion as to when is best with some saying before first season, after first season or after the second season. I would let at least a season occur so that all hormones are released.

Ive not heard that spaying will calm her down, likewise it doesn't guarantee the same in males.

I would say wait until at least after her 1st season, I let Katy have 2 so she was about 18 months so was more physically mature. Good on you for being sensible & taking that decision as so many don't

Yes I feel exactly the same about spaying. Misty had her second season a week after we got her and we had her spayed not long after that. Personally I think it makes perfect sense, watching her being in season and not being able to walk her in the day really depressed her so why make her go through that when she doesn't have to.

From a vets perspective, the surgery is easier when they have not yet seasoned. The womb is smaller and the surgery is therefor less invasive. There is also less likelyhood of going in to find the owner has missed her being in season, or in pup.

The consequences however can be a dog that retains some puppy like traits or nervousness and stunted growth due to not getting the correct hormones and natural cycles. I don't know how true this is, cause i have never had a dog spayed before 2 and my bitch can be quite nervous around people but its a submissive nervous not aggressive at all.

Spaying after a few cycles, whilst still pretty easy to do is a bit more invasive because the bits have swollen up and been used.

There is all the usual things that can go wrong, but not more so than getting done before a heat.

Basically it is all up to you. Either way, its a surgery for the dog. I dont personally believe it effects their mood, they are what they are/have been made to be. The only time my dog was ever really bad, she was in heat so that reduced obviously. But generally her behavior was the exact same as before.