Decision to neuter?

Hey everyone

Would really appreciate some advice regarding making the decision whether to neuter our boy or not. He's currently going through his naughty hormonal stage where he doesn't like to listen much! He is still an absolute joy though and shows no aggressive to dogs or people. He's just very excitable

Our vets have told us to neuter 'just because' but everyone else we have asked has said why bother if you have no major issues?

We have no intention of using him for stud and I just wondered how everyone else came to the decision to/not to neuter?

Thanks in advance

mia previously had been used as a breeding machine mine was a no brainer really.its up the individual owner

We were always getting Misty spayed as we were never going to breed her. It's my personal preference but I'd always vote for neutering. There are so many poor dogs in shelters why take the chance. You would never know if an irresponsible owner is letting their dog run around the park while in season ( I've actually  seen this) and your boy just does what comes naturally. Plus it's always a good deterrent to anyone thinking of stealing your dog ( I'm such a worrier!)

Neuter. Why take the chance that he'll manage to catch a bitch in season and create a litter? So many of the dogs I know are accidental litters from bitches on their first, or second seasons (another reason I'm a little bit leary of the ''wait a season'' approach to getting spayed).

Plus, like Emma said, they seem to be less of a target for theiving if they're neutered.

My boy is 2.5yrs, we were always going to neuter after he fathered a litter but we still havent. Its personal choice. I definately see the reasons as to why many do but we've chosen not to at this stage as i want him fully grown first (assume he is now but waiting til he's 3), & he never mingles with other dogs as we live quite remote. I looked at it initially as he was a naughty pup and i thought this would stop that quickly but we persevered, trained and he's grown out of it. Good luck let us know how you get on

Being very involved in rescue, it's no surprise that I'm all for neutering. Your lad is still very young and, provided he's not at all likely to get out if there is a bitch in season even remotely close, it is better to hold off until he is fully grown. But then I would encourage anyone who is not a breeder to neuter unless there is a specific medical reason not to for an individual dog.

This thread is making my eyes water

On a serious note, I think I would neuter just in case an accident happened but not until he's older.

Wow thanks everyone for such helpful responses, really appreciate it

(Bubba's Mama speaking here for this thread btw)

@Mistys Mum I worry about my boy being stolen all the time so I'm glad it's not just me!

We are in quite a built up area but as Bubba is training he's is usually almost on a long lead so I always have control of him, but it's definitely something to think about if he could catch a bitch that quickly in a park. I really don't want any more unwanted litters!

And @AussieStaff it's good to know that he can grow out of his naughty pup stage with training!

If we did wait until he was a little older what age would you recommend?

I'm in the same position with Zeus.. he's 4 years old now and I'm seriously thinking of getting him neutered. Not only because 'an accident may happen' but also because of the supposed health benefits of it (reduction of certain cancers etc).

It may be because i'm a guy but I just can't bring myself to do it yet maybe I'll let him enjoy them for this summer then get it done after lol

goldie87 wrote: maybe I'll let him enjoy them for this summer then get it done after lol

I hate to tell you this, but he'll be completely unaware of their existence!

This is an interesting article that covers a lot of the questions around neutering and the age at which it should best be done

http://www.doglistener.co.uk/medical/neuter.shtml