neutering funding help/options?

by ardvark Fri Nov 18 2011, 20:45

Hi all been away of late around the forums but would like some help or advice. We are looking at getting Milo neutered and wondered if there were any schemes/reductions that were available to help with the finances. I can remember a thread here some weeks ago re vouchers but can't remember the details-sorry. I have called round several vets in our area including our own and the prices of course vary. I am pleased our actual small family run practice are the cheapest at £128 (Milo is a big boy and comes under the larger category!) We have alot of respect for this practice as they are very respectfull of you and your animals too. We have lots of friends and family use them even though they are quite out of area but only a 15 minute drive still. Anyway I am asking about funding as we have had a bad year and have been left in a very bad position financially and just can't do it with everything else but do wish to get our boy neutered before reaching full maturity. I wont go into details but my husband lost his business=mounting debts.....blahh blahh. Our other option we though of was to ask the practice if we could do installments is this possible do you think? I feel really embarrassed asking here let alone speaking to our vet who knows us and our animals fairly well, I don't really want to divulge our situation tbh Sad

Of course it's not essential and we could do nothing! x

by Guest Fri Nov 18 2011, 20:52

Really sorry you've had such a bad time & I hope things improve for you really soon.

I'm afraid I can't help re: funding options, although the Blue Cross will give a discount for people who are reciving benefits, I believe.

ardvark wrote:but do wish to get our boy neutered before reaching full maturity.

Can I ask why it's essential to get him neutered before he reaches full marurity?

by ardvark Fri Nov 18 2011, 21:33

Hi Caryll, I am ready to be shot down here as I will be contradictory because I confess I am confused! I read alot more about things than my husband on EVERYTHING why? I want to make the best decision...an informed one, yet I remain confused on this subject! We are a pro-natural as possible kind of family and try and treat our pets the same way, yet is unnatural to have a lone dog or have one NOT entire etc which makes our views clouded!

We have a beautiful, very well socialised and playfull boy who will be turning one soon. He can be persistent with playfullness with other dogs but if a dog politely but FIRMLY says 'no back off' he respects this which is good. His general training is going brilliantly and he can now almost walk past another dog at heel off of the lead which is great! He is quite 'nose down' and terrier like in that respect which our other staff. wasn't, our entire JRT was! And a roamer AND a dog with 'little dog syndrome' on occasions but not outwardly aggressive or anything. KNowing more about their psychology now I can ses it may have not been instigated from him at all but hey. Those 2 dogs were the very bestof friends too btw Smile

So we had the other staff aged 14 months previously from rescue who came already neutered he was a gent. in every way.

Our biggest concern for Milo is a) that he will be a 'challenge' dominance wise to other dogs as he will be entire (I think this happened recently with another staff of 18 months and that b) that his maturity may cause him to become dominant both possibly making him aggressive c) that his 'nose down chase the smell' terrier behavior will cause him to roam or not be under our full control. I know, I know we don't have it now but we are so working on it, we keep his attention etc almost all of the time including recall.

I suppose in answer to your original Q is that my thoughts were that if we did it before he became mature it would nip any possible (yes, yes, I hear you possible!) unwanted mature behaviour in the bud!

Help me make sense of myself and no-one shout silly moo at me please lol!

by Guest Fri Nov 18 2011, 21:41

Hmmm. Yes it could possibly stop unwanted behaviour, but this is behaviour that hasn't happened yet, and may not!

I'm not saying you shouldn't neuter, but I just wondered why it was essential before maturity.

I know other on this forum (and elsewhere) disagree with me, but I much prefer to let a dog reach it's full potential before neutering. There can be problems attached to early neutering, including nervous aggression and incontinence.

Totally up to you, though, & I'm not gonna try & preach. Hope you manage to find somewhere that'll neuter cheaper than your vet. Is there a Blue Cross near you?

by Guest Fri Nov 18 2011, 21:48

Welcome back Smile

First of all, please don't feel embarassed to ask advice here. Alot of us, myself included, are feeling the pinch at the mo financially, and there's nothing shameful in that. And of course, none of us would expect you to tell us your personal situation.

Re the funding, I'm afraid I have no idea, but I hope someone is along soon to give you some positive news.

And about the neutering, I'm with Caryll in the 'not before maturity' camp, but it's a personal decision, and as we've seen on this board, everyone has their own ideas and opinions about if and when it should be done. Good luck Smile

by Tyler&megsmum Fri Nov 18 2011, 21:53

I am also in the if it ain't broke don't fix it camp,
Just another view,I have an entire male nearly 6 yrs old,he has never shown any dominant behaviour with other dogs,including other entire males,never been a nuisance when local bitches have been in heat,his recall is excellent.

Alot of the behaviour problems we tend to hear about is through lack of training and neutering is not always the answer.

by ardvark Fri Nov 18 2011, 22:06

thanks girls Smile

Caryll I never said it was 'essential' lol!! Please preach and advice the confused! Like I say we'd rather not interfere with nature but not to the *possible detriment of him and unfourtunately the pros and cons go both ways. IF we left it until after maturity (he has recently begun cocking his leg 1/2 heartedly but consistently) he is also becoming very interested in girls and their girly bits Rolling Eyes

he's also filling out we've noticed. He was born around last x-mas new year time as when we got him at 4 months the vet aged him at 16 weeks due to onlyhaving lost 2 front upper puppy teeth. He does seem on the large for an sbt but they do seem to vary and who knows if he is full sbt with an unknown history.

Correct me if I'm wrong but would there be any benefits other than he'd be fertile and able to father some pups (which we are dead against btw) to neutering him when he is fully mature, I'm not getting why neutering after then would be beneficial behaviour wise but I assume stopping unwanted breeding and health probs are a big plus thinking

x

by Guest Fri Nov 18 2011, 22:08

Tyler&megsmum wrote:Just another view,I have an entire male nearly 6 yrs old,he has never shown any dominant behaviour with other dogs,including other entire males,never been a nuisance when local bitches have been in heat,his recall is excellent.

Hahahaha! Oh, dear, Dempsey was dominant as an 8 week old pup, and his recall has always been absolute pants! (although he's better now than he used to be). He's no different in that respect now than he was then, and I'd say he's pretty mature now, being 2 & a half years old. I don't think neutering would've made any difference to him whatsoever, because dominance is in his nature - I just adjusted my training etc to take that into account.

by Guest Fri Nov 18 2011, 22:11

I am another with Caryll and I would never neuter a dog until he was fully mature, i however choose not to neuter at all. Have a look at this link it gives the pros and cons of neutering.

http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/longtermhealtheffectsofspayneuterindogs.pdf

by Guest Fri Nov 18 2011, 22:13

ardvark wrote:but do wish to get our boy neutered before reaching full maturity.

That's what I was referring to - the word 'essential' was mine! Big Grin

ardvark wrote:Correct me if I'm wrong but would there be any benefits other than he'd be fertile and able to father some pups (which we are dead against btw) to neutering him when he is fully mature, I'm not getting why neutering after then would be beneficial behaviour wise but I assume stopping unwanted breeding and health probs are a big plus x

Neutering will prevent things like prostate/testicular cancer, and obviously no unwanted litters. But to be honest, if you train your dog & control him properly he won't get the chance to mate anyway. I've never had a male castrated (I've had 5) and none of them have developed either testicular or prostate cancer. Maybe I have been lucky.

by stiofan Fri Nov 18 2011, 22:40

sorry i just liked the wee cartoon Tongues

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UlcnaDOj1Hc

i think the dogs trust help with neutering in some areas if you are on benifits

by ardvark Fri Nov 18 2011, 23:10

I have re-read quite a bit of stuff on this subject lately and admittedly been disturbed by the very young neutering going on and I don't think it's right and believe it does damage their psychy iykwim? But that said it's not a recipe for disaster all dogs.

After reading these posts and the link from ella (thanks for that) I am stearing back to the 'back off' corner! Big Grin

What I am mainly worried about I know is other dogs and the small potential of a fight breaking out, but that's just what I say it is...small! The health benefits are real but again the tiny % does not cause me concern and make me feel it necessary - there are risks to neutering after all! Unwanted pregnancies caused - highly, highly unlikely, I'd say he's got more chance of getting testicular cancer! And to his credit he is (like I said before) very well socialised and has doggy respect/etiquete lol! Some areas we walk in are very used alot by dog walkers and there is lots of space to play. Just last saturday he played together with a puppy husky and her older husky friend, a boxer and a boxer cross bbrilliantly. The boxer looked like it was crossed with a mastiff (had a huge apple head with a big boxer coloured body) and when I saw it charging over I thought omfg! Surprised

then I saw it's huge balls and though OMFG even more lol!! I wasn't judgmental on the breed just it's sheer size and the potential damage he can inflict, clearly I don't panic and actively encourage him to meet, greet and play I always have done. I feel because Milo is so friendly and submissive he wouldn't protect himself, we've had 2 incidents where he hasn't he's pooped himself and run! I also have seen first hand how quickly a dog can change in a second and just how much a dog can damage with just one bite - it was a staff too Sad

Sorry for waffle and thanks for your reassurance although not direct Wink

by ardvark Fri Nov 18 2011, 23:13

Sorry forgot to say we are not in receipt of any benefits no and my hubby is now working 4 days a week but we have a big hole to dig out of. Made me realise how people's circumstances can change and their pets get caught up in it all. Milo's thankfully healthy touch wood but when people are forced into situations beyond their control and can't do the vets bills etc they are crititcised and told Rolling Eyes

that they should not have their pet if they can't afford it etc

by **appollo13102000** Fri Nov 18 2011, 23:18

im pro nutering when fully mature as my dog was 18 i thought he was
controled good recall never bothered with bitches so i thought
he was fine but he was 18 and half when vet diagnosed cancer
i lost him within 6 months so once mature i advocate castration.
PDSA have waiting list for people on benefit friend of mine waited 4 months but only paid £30 rather than £120

by **Ben** Fri Nov 18 2011, 23:35

I have an intact male and haven't had any issues. He loves playing with other poeple and dogs of all sorts. I do watch him carefully though as he doesn't go submissive if he is challenged. If you learn your dog's body language you will have more confidence. I have had both fixed and natural boys and can assure you that I don't buy the fact that fixing a dog solves the problems. My most aggressive dog that also had humping issues was indeed fixed but it didn't fix the problem. Sorry to hear you are struggling a bit. This economy is frightful! I hope next year is better. Despite everything else, I really believe having pets lifts the spirits when things are tough. They always love us the same, even if they get fewer extras.

by stiofan Fri Nov 18 2011, 23:51

When i decided to take my two as pups i was told by the vet and other people to get them neutered at about 6 months. I wish i hadn't now as i think they were still babies and should have been allowed to grow up first. My vet allows you to pay into an account which saves up for your vet bills but i suppose they would expect you to have enough saved before the op.

by ardvark Fri Nov 18 2011, 23:58

Hi Minty, thanks for your reply. I am really sorry to hear about your beloved dog, how awfull, however what an amazing age to get to.

We too lost our old boy Crying or Very sad

He was almost 13 when he was diagnosed with a bladder tumour. We looked after him at home in nappies as he became incontinent. He went within months too Crying or Very sad

I had not long had my 3rd child and had 3 in nappies in the house!

You aren't going to like this I think, but as I've been reading around this subject again I have come across research indicating that neutering increases prostate and bladder cancers quite considerably. Another plus for me not going ahead having seen what it did to our beautiful old gent. it took us both 2 1/2 years to make the big decision of getting another dog after losing him, it was the most awful thing I've ever experienced with any of my/our animals.

I hope my post doesn't cause you any upset bringing back bad memories x

by Guest Sat Nov 19 2011, 11:36

ardvark wrote:when people are forced into situations beyond their control and can't do the vets bills etc they are crititcised and told that they should not have their pet if they can't afford it etc

That SO annoys me! Nobody can see the future, and you do your best with whatever situation you find yourself in!

Have a read through this article. I found it informative and balanced. It isn't against neutering, but is is against early neutering, just so you know!

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

by loubop Sat Nov 19 2011, 15:11

THeres been some great discussion going on here, been really interesting reading on a saturday afternoon!

i was going to suggest PDSA too! My vets do a monthly payment thing where you get money off neutering, keenel cough vax and it covers the cost of ur boosters, but they also allow you to spread the cost of other treatments.

Buddy has settled down after his op, he still gets worked up but he calms down quicker, but i do know that part of that is to do with him listening to me more!

He was really bad for leg humping, which (touch wood) he hasn't done since! On a couple of occasions tho hes put his legs around my mates leg like he going to hump, but then stops and looks around as if to say " i've got no idea what i was gonna do there....." and just wonders off to get a toy! Its hilarous!

But i think its a completely personal opinion!

by Guest Sat Nov 19 2011, 17:43

If you are living on a low income the dogs trust do a scheme.

dogs trust scheme

Personally i think if you are not going to breed neutering is the responsible thing to do. It means no unwanted puppies if your dog gets loose (which he will try his darnedest to if he smells a bitch in heat) and also he is less of a target for thieves wishing to fight and breed staffs.

by ardvark Sat Nov 19 2011, 19:29

Hi all thanks so much for tking the time to reply Smile

We are not in receipt of benefits just child tax credits.

Caryll, re link, I've seen before and re read recently and it disturbs me, some pups are neutered ridiculously young, it seems insane to me. The only, ONLY benefit I can think of is the certainty of an animal getting the op. as in taking the responsibility from a new owner as they themselves may prove to be irrisponsible on the back yard breeding front sort of thing. But in mho this still isn't justified at such a young age-not sure of the answer though!

Can someone clarify for me...our dog is getting to that age and entering his teenage years I guess, he has humped the children recently but only momentarily Surprised

he has begun cocking his leg and peeing little and often marking (not a problem to us) he seems so intent on smells now and following his nose, he's very interested in girls' dog bits and to some degree boys' willies too! He's also really begun 'filling out'.

Is he becoming mature at almost 1 year? When will he be deemed mature-when his head 'splits' or what? In your opinion everyone will neutering help curb this behavior. The behavior I mean is the permenant sniffing the ground and pee spots and leg humping, clearly the latter is a rarety is there a chance it will remain that way or will the children become a target?!

by **janey** Sat Nov 19 2011, 19:35

They tend to keep on growing for about 2 years more upwards in the first and outwards in the 2nd. There head doesn't 'split' its just the muscles developing, and Moo is nearly 3 and her muscle is still developing now, just not as rapidly so to speak.

They grow at all different rates, so don't be worried if you feel he has started to 'over' develop, he is still a pup and it will even itself out.

As for the males things, I've only had girlys! Xx

by ardvark Sat Nov 19 2011, 19:37

Here he is at 9 months which was 6 weeks ago and he's already filled out more especially accross the chest

neutering funding help/options? Milo1

by **Ben** Sat Nov 19 2011, 19:42

He is a stunning looking boy! He is turning out nicely!

by ardvark Sat Nov 19 2011, 19:45

janey wrote:

They tend to keep on growing for about 2 years more upwards in the first and outwards in the 2nd. There head doesn't 'split' its just the muscles developing, and Moo is nearly 3 and her muscle is still developing now, just not as rapidly so to speak.

lol Janey, no, I do realise it's just a term and it doesn't actually happen, scary if it did! I have learnt so much on this forum and recall reading they stop in height at about a year or so and fill out and generally finish growing 18 months plus but as you fightly say below they are all different in their growth rates and maturity a bit like us humans! Thankyou x

They grow at all different rates, so don't be worried if you feel he has started to 'over' develop, he is still a pup and it will even itself out.

As for the males things, I've only had girlys! Xx

by ardvark Sat Nov 19 2011, 19:52

Thankyou

he is a well exercised, fed and cared for boy who is of course much loved by all of us! Wink

Can you believe he was found stray and subsequently picked up by the dog warden (and left unclaimed) in the very woods these pics. were taken....opposite out house btw....fate or what? It was meant to be *gush Blushing

by **janey** Sat Nov 19 2011, 20:10

Aww, it was ment to be Smile

He is a stunner! Xx

by ardvark Sat Nov 19 2011, 20:30

Thankyou Janey Smile

the post was meant to read *our house not *out house!!

by **janey** Sat Nov 19 2011, 20:37

Now there's me thinking you live in a shed! Xx

by ardvark Sat Nov 19 2011, 20:50

janey wrote:

Now there's me thinking you live in a shed! Xx

cheaper option though lol!

by **janey** Sat Nov 19 2011, 21:06

Agree

by Guest Sat Nov 19 2011, 21:21

Sniffing constantly, scent marking etc, I don't think neutering will have much effect. I could be wrong, but I think that is all part of having a male dog, neutered or not. As you say, it's not a problem, so I wouldn't worry about it. As for the humping, training will stop that, not neutering. Just make him understand that it's unacceptable each and every time he tries it, he'll get the message soon enough. My boy is 11 months old and has recently 'filled out'. His head looks huge now and he is very broad and muscly across the chest. they all develop at their own pace though and it all evens out in the end Smile

by Tyler&megsmum Sun Nov 20 2011, 10:21

shontelle wrote:Sniffing constantly, scent marking etc, I don't think neutering will have much effect. I could be wrong, but I think that is all part of having a male dog, neutered or not. As you say, it's not a problem, so I wouldn't worry about it. As for the humping, training will stop that, not neutering. Just make him understand that it's unacceptable each and every time he tries it, he'll get the message soon enough. My boy is 11 months old and has recently 'filled out'. His head looks huge now and he is very broad and muscly across the chest. they all develop at their own pace though and it all evens out in the end

Agree with this,

We had a neutered rescue dog (springer) and because he was neutered early he was a target for all entire males to hump him,even though he was castrated he still scent marked and he also showed aggression towards other dogs.
He used to constantly pick fights between my two staffords,Tyler my entire male wasn't too bothered by it but my girl stood her ground and we had numerous spats between the two of them,now you wouldn't have a thought an entire bitch of 6 months and a castrated male would fight,but they did.

Tyler was around 18 months to two yrs when he was fully mature.

by **Kathy** Sun Nov 20 2011, 12:19

With regard to the costs of having him "Done" speak to your vet they may well do an installment option for payments. Don't worry about the embarrassment of asking about it, I am sure they will be understanding and used to hearing about peoples finacial problems at the moment. They may even have some of their own! Wink

by Guest Sun Nov 20 2011, 14:48

I got Saxon neutered at 6 months at a clinic for 'pit bull type dogs' for only $110. He got all of his shots, as well. He is a great dog and has suffered no ill effects from being neutered at that age.

by ardvark Sun Nov 20 2011, 21:09

Thanks everyone for your input Smile

This is giving me a headache I can tell you! I was awake at 3am thinking and thinking!

I know they're all different re rates of growth, maturity, temperement wise and so on but I just get my other 2 dogs out of my head which I know doesn't exactly mean anything. One was an entire JRT who I had as a pup (we had pick of the litter as our dog ws the stud and I so chose the runt!) he wasn't always 100% with other dogs or my husband! I never completely trusted him with our children. He'd wander off if there was a bitch in seson etc. His best friend (a staff) came from rescue at 14 months already neutered and his temperement and behavior was 100% in every way, he was a real gentleman and I trusted him 100% with our children.

I know that the staff being neutered didn't neccesarily make him the way he turned out but I can't help irrationally wanting Milo 'done' in the hopes he will turn out the same silly

by Guest Sun Nov 20 2011, 21:25

Please don't get your dog neutered because you think it will change him. He is what he is, and you must understand that neutering may or may not change certain aspects of his character.

The humping is more a dominance thing than sexual (bitches hump as well!) and would probably not be stopped by castration, but training will work. Dempsey is incredibly dominant & entire - he used to hump the cushions & his bedding on a regular basis. We stepped in when we saw him doing it, and now it's a rarity. He hasn't tried humping anyone since he was about 7 or 8 months old, and we let him know in no uncertain terms that it wasn't acceptable!

I have two concerns with early neutering.

1. Fear aggression can & does raise it's ugly head when a dog doesn't mature enough to become self confident. Although this doesn't always happen, it is a frequent result of neutering too early.

2. Urinary incontinence/urinary burn is also a frequent problem - more so with bitches, but it can happen with dogs as well.

I would call an 18 months - 2 year old stafford mature (maybe nearer 2 years than 18 months, but that depends very much on the individual dog).

by Guest Sun Nov 20 2011, 21:27

P.S. Being entire will not in any way affect a dog's temperament towards children. If they are good with kids, they are good with kids.

by Tyler&megsmum Sun Nov 20 2011, 21:34

ardvark wrote:Thanks everyone for your input This is giving me a headache I can tell you! I was awake at 3am thinking and thinking!

I know they're all different re rates of growth, maturity, temperement wise and so on but I just get my other 2 dogs out of my head which I know doesn't exactly mean anything. One was an entire JRT who I had as a pup (we had pick of the litter as our dog ws the stud and I so chose the runt!) he wasn't always 100% with other dogs or my husband! I never completely trusted him with our children. He'd wander off if there was a bitch in seson etc. His best friend (a staff) came from rescue at 14 months already neutered and his temperement and behavior was 100% in every way, he was a real gentleman and I trusted him 100% with our children.

I know that the staff being neutered didn't neccesarily make him the way he turned out but I can't help irrationally wanting Milo 'done' in the hopes he will turn out the same

If you are still uncertain about the effects of castration you could always try the chemical castration first and see exactly what effect if any it has on Milo before taking such a big step.

by Guest Sun Nov 20 2011, 21:39

Tyler&megsmum wrote:If you are still uncertain about the effects of castration you could always try the chemical castration first and see exactly what effect if any it has on Milo before taking such a big step.

Although that's an option, it won't tell you what effect it will have on neutering early! It will only help if your dog is already mature & there's a specific behaviour you want to address.

by ardvark Sun Nov 20 2011, 22:20

Caryll wrote:Please don't get your dog neutered because you think it will change him. He is what he is, and you must understand that neutering may or may not change certain aspects of his character.

The humping is more a dominance thing than sexual (bitches hump as well!) and would probably not be stopped by castration, but training will work. Dempsey is incredibly dominant & entire - he used to hump the cushions & his bedding on a regular basis. We stepped in when we saw him doing it, and now it's a rarity. He hasn't tried humping anyone since he was about 7 or 8 months old, and we let him know in no uncertain terms that it wasn't acceptable!

I have two concerns with early neutering.

1. Fear aggression can & does raise it's ugly head when a dog doesn't mature enough to become self confident. Although this doesn't always happen, it is a frequent result of neutering too early.

2. Urinary incontinence/urinary burn is also a frequent problem - more so with bitches, but it can happen with dogs as well.

I would call an 18 months - 2 year old stafford mature (maybe nearer 2 years than 18 months, but that depends very much on the individual dog).

Hi Caryll and all, my goodness I am driving myself nuts with this subject, lord knows how you're all feeling!! I completely understand your first paragraph which is why I am having a nightmare over it all it's all the if and maybe's and have no dead certs.! This is why in my other post I said I was being irrational as I know there is no definitive answer and lets face it once it's done it's done!

The humping has only happened litterelly a couple of times with the children when he's become over excited in the house. We stopped it no problem, immediately. And just to be clear, I have no concerns re his temperament with him and the children else he would not be with us. I'm not worried about any potential unwanted breeding as I truly believe the chances of this happening are very tiny indeed and certinly not something we desire AT ALL. I guess it all boils down to the possible chance of him becoming mature and dominant/aggressive with other dogs I am worried about and as you righly say and as I know neutering may not change the *possibility of it happening.

I suppose there is also some concern from me that he will no longer see us as pack leaders and I will lose control of him if his nose catched the wiff of a girl! That said I may (probably am being!) ott. He's pretty well under my control always these days and not very 'pully' on the lead either. Recall is almost 100% and he will heal nicely until a dog is very close-if the other dog is on a dog on a lead btw I make sure I have control of him at heal get him to sit then slip his slip lead on no drama). But I have noticed him ignoring me somewhat with pee spots on the ground and seemingly trails ? of smells he follows nose down like he has his own rules and can do what he wants like a toddler this is both on and off the lead. I just can't crack it, he never used to be so much bother with that.

by ardvark Sun Nov 20 2011, 22:23

Tyler&megsmum wrote:
ardvark wrote:Thanks everyone for your input This is giving me a headache I can tell you! I was awake at 3am thinking and thinking!

I know they're all different re rates of growth, maturity, temperement wise and so on but I just get my other 2 dogs out of my head which I know doesn't exactly mean anything. One was an entire JRT who I had as a pup (we had pick of the litter as our dog ws the stud and I so chose the runt!) he wasn't always 100% with other dogs or my husband! I never completely trusted him with our children. He'd wander off if there was a bitch in seson etc. His best friend (a staff) came from rescue at 14 months already neutered and his temperement and behavior was 100% in every way, he was a real gentleman and I trusted him 100% with our children.

I know that the staff being neutered didn't neccesarily make him the way he turned out but I can't help irrationally wanting Milo 'done' in the hopes he will turn out the same

If you are still uncertain about the effects of castration you could always try the chemical castration first and see exactly what effect if any it has on Milo before taking such a big step. what is that? And another Q. why are dogs castrated and not have a vasectomy instead?!

by Guest Sun Nov 20 2011, 22:46

I'm afraid a dog (male or female) will follow an interesting scent whether they are neutered or not if you let them.

On a walk I don't let Dempsey stop & sniff around for any longer than it takes him to have a pee. If he doesn't pee, I carry on & he just has to follow! Once we get to the park I really don't care if he follows a scent as long as he comes back or stays when I tell him to.

by ardvark Sun Nov 20 2011, 23:07

oh ok that makes me feel better Smile

He does pull on the lead mostly at the begining of walks often the same re smells too I usually touch him to get his attention back to me or give him a tug on the lead but it rarely lasts Sad

I am keen on trying the halti as I still avoid walking on leads for long as I really do not enjoy it and Milo is brilliant at heal off of the lead-have no idea why he goes free from off the lead heel with my command 'walk on' and like I say his recll is really going well. I train/test him during our walks by bringing him back to heal at intervals and he's great but put him on the lead and get heal - nope! at wits end

he doesn't constantly tug but it's not enjoyable really. I'd like to take him around the block in the eves. not it's dark but I just cn't face it if I'm honest dont tell anyone

I think i'm going off to buy a halti NOW!

by ardvark Sun Nov 20 2011, 23:45

LOL Gem, and what if you were a breeder anyhow? Your dogs are pedigree aren't they? Our JRT's were from working hunt stock and despite my boy being the runty one, he turned out into a lovely petite style JRT. He was very desirable and I had lots of requests for him as a stud dog but I didn't want him to be used.

You're right it's a dilemma alright, it goes against what I think-getting him neutered, but I honestly can't decide right now so wont!

by Tyler&megsmum Mon Nov 21 2011, 10:35

ardvark wrote:
Tyler&megsmum wrote:
ardvark wrote:Thanks everyone for your input This is giving me a headache I can tell you! I was awake at 3am thinking and thinking!

I know they're all different re rates of growth, maturity, temperement wise and so on but I just get my other 2 dogs out of my head which I know doesn't exactly mean anything. One was an entire JRT who I had as a pup (we had pick of the litter as our dog ws the stud and I so chose the runt!) he wasn't always 100% with other dogs or my husband! I never completely trusted him with our children. He'd wander off if there was a bitch in seson etc. His best friend (a staff) came from rescue at 14 months already neutered and his temperement and behavior was 100% in every way, he was a real gentleman and I trusted him 100% with our children.

I know that the staff being neutered didn't neccesarily make him the way he turned out but I can't help irrationally wanting Milo 'done' in the hopes he will turn out the same

If you are still uncertain about the effects of castration you could always try the chemical castration first and see exactly what effect if any it has on Milo before taking such a big step. what is that? And another Q. why are dogs castrated and not have a vasectomy instead?!

Chemical castration (suprelorin) is an implant that is injected under the skin,similar to chipping, and can be repeated every six months.It suppresses testosterone and should give the same results as castration,it is suposed to reduce testosterone to Zero for at least six months.

If your not sure then I wouldn't be getting Milo castrated,wait a while and see what happens.

I spoke to my vet about having the implant done for Tyler because we have an entire bitch next door who was due in season and I didn't want him getting himself into a state,after a lengthy chat we decided against it because he didn't bother when my own bitch was on heat(now spayed) and never bothers when other bitches a few doors away were in season.
He might occasionally try his luck with Meg but she soon tells him off LOL

by Guest Mon Nov 21 2011, 12:50

Tyler&megsmum wrote:Chemical castration (suprelorin) is an implant that is injected under the skin,similar to chipping, and can be repeated every six months.It suppresses testosterone and should give the same results as castration,it is suposed to reduce testosterone to Zero for at least six months.

If your not sure then I wouldn't be getting Milo castrated,wait a while and see what happens.

The implant will only show what an mature adult dog would be like after castration, not a pup. It really wouldn't tell you anything at all at that age, I'm afraid!

by Guest Mon Nov 21 2011, 13:35

Well i am completley pro neutring and i think anyone who has ever had alot to do with rescue centres will agree with me. Both my boys have been netured one at 6 months and the other at 7 and a half months. I personally see no point in not having them done and it certainly hasnt left either of my 2 with any ill effects. I very strongy feel the pro's of neutering hugely outway the small risks envolved with the operation and related problems afterwards. I do however agree with most vets in the fact the tecticles do have to be fully desended so absolutley no younger than 6 months old and 7-8 would be prefferable. No it probably wont change any behavioural problems but thats not why i got mine done it was 2 make absolutley 100% certain they would not bring any staffords or staff crosses into a world already swapped with them. No one can be 100% certain there entire male will not get 2 a bitch (sorry but u cant be sure its impossible) and i will absolutley not take that risk. I know it sounds stupid and not a very nice thought but if me and hubby were to die tommorrow i couldnt be sure of what would happen to the dogs and if new owners were not as carefull as me then pups could happen.

If u live near london i no of a place neutring bully breeds for free

by Tyler&megsmum Mon Nov 21 2011, 14:11

blaze wrote:Well i am completley pro neutring and i think anyone who has ever had alot to do with rescue centres will agree with me. Both my boys have been netured one at 6 months and the other at 7 and a half months. I personally see no point in not having them done and it certainly hasnt left either of my 2 with any ill effects. I very strongy feel the pro's of neutering hugely outway the small risks envolved with the operation and related problems afterwards. I do however agree with most vets in the fact the tecticles do have to be fully desended so absolutley no younger than 6 months old and 7-8 would be prefferable. No it probably wont change any behavioural problems but thats not why i got mine done it was 2 make absolutley 100% certain they would not bring any staffords or staff crosses into a world already swapped with them. No one can be 100% certain there entire male will not get 2 a bitch (sorry but u cant be sure its impossible) and i will absolutley not take that risk. I know it sounds stupid and not a very nice thought but if me and hubby were to die tommorrow i couldnt be sure of what would happen to the dogs and if new owners were not as carefull as me then pups could happen.

If u live near london i no of a place neutring bully breeds for free

Does the mayhew animal home still do it for free ?
I think neutering is a very personal decision and should not be undertaken lightly,every dog should be treated as an individual and neutering is not right for all dogs.
For example my bitch was aggressive with other dogs before spaying,since she has been spayed she is alot worse, and we have stuggled controlling her weight,unfortunately we didn't have a choice other than to spay.

With any operation including spaying and castration there is always risk attached, and I would not entertain putting my boy under a GA for no reason other than to stop unwanted puppies which as a responsible owner I am more than capable of doing.
There is absolutely no chance of my boy escaping from my garden as I am always with the two of them even outside and in summer the patio door is always open so I can keep a very close eye on them,likewise he will never get the chance to escape through an open door,we always crate the dogs when our door goes.

He very rarely goes offlead so again he won't get the opportunity,if I die before my dogs they will be pts,not passed around,they are my dogs and my responsibility.

by Guest Mon Nov 21 2011, 14:16

If I die before my dog, then my son or daughter will have him. If they can't or won't, then it's in my will that he be pts. Horrid thought, but that's worse case scenario - hopefully never to happen!

Like Sal, I am more than capable of not allowing my dog to mate an in season bitch. I know we've crossed swords before about this, Carly, and I don't want to again but I feel that (in my case) castration would be unnecessary surgery, and I am not prepared to put my dog through that.

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