Ronald we have a problem ( Houston )

Good afternoon from Ronnie and I.

At our last vets check up, 2nd time since we rescued Ronnie the lady vet mentioned castration again. But this time she said he was at risk of theft ( for obvious reasons ) Claire is now quite concerned that she will be approached by someone and Ronnie will be stolen. She feels very uneasy when left with him say outside of a shop.

He is booked in for the op 29th March. The only reasons I'm agreeing is because 1) Claire 2) my only concern is a female on heats scent nt.

Can anyone help me on number 2 please ? By this I mean will he bolt off and chase the scent ? Heard a awful story about one Staffy that ran off the park and into the road after getting the scent of a bitch in season.

Also he has been cocking his leg for 2/3 months now very keen on marking outside but not in the house, and has showned no signs of domination or aggression towards dogs or humans.

I don't want him done till he is 18 month or 2 years of age. But I always have no intention of breeding him as no papers but I will if the risk of him bolting to get to a bitch on heat.

Any advice on this much appreciated. I've read both sides of the argument is his growth plate set at 13/14 months ?

Jamie

I definitely agree with castration, you wouldn't believe how many people with dogs in season still walk them to the park.I always feel sorry for males as its just their nature to get to females in heat. I've heard stories that males will jump over high gates and basically do anything to get to females in season. I think you are ding the right thing, plus anything to make a dog less desirable to thieves is always a good thing

Hiya thanks for your reply.

Yeah to stop the threat of him being stolen is the biggest reason for me, he is never with out me though. But the thought of people trying is enough for me, even though they would have to be a brave one to try it.

It's the side effects of having it done too early that I don't like hence growth plate question.

To be honest I've not heard of too many dognappers looking at the under carriage to see if it's all there before trying to leg it with the pooch but it might be useful if they subsequently learn he isn't fit to do the errrm deed.

I do totally agree with having them off for fear of unwanted pregnancy though. Given the choice I would wait till about 18 months just so that he has reached maturity. As for still wanting to get to females, I wouldn't have thought so but then again I've only ever been owned by girlie Staffies

Never had a male staffy just mia but met a few intact males of the 2 legged and 4 legged variety.There are pros and cons to castration tbh its up to the individual of course . Jamie a male dog can smell a female in season for upto 3 miles.
Why should I get my dog neutered?

There are lots of reasons why neutering is a good idea. Here’s a few:

For male dogs:

Neutered male dogs are less likely to roam, which means they’re less likely to go missing, get hit by a car, get in a fight and get hurt.
Unneutered dogs can become frustrated and may try to escape.
Castration significantly reduces the chance of them getting prostate disease and reduces the risk of some cancers.
An unneutered dog is more likely to show aggression to other dogs, whether they’re on or off the lead.
An unneutered dog is more likely to be the target of aggression from another dog.
For female dogs:

Neutering greatly reduces the risk of them getting breast cancer, particularly if carried out before the first season, and infection of the womb (called pyometra). Both of these are seen quite often in older, unneutered dogs and they can be fatal.
Pregnancy and birth can be risky to the mum.
Many unneutered female dogs have a false pregnancy after a season and, although this is natural, it can cause behavioural and even medical problems.
For you:

An unneutered dog is much more likely to direct their amorous intentions towards your favourite sofa – or your visiting auntie.
When a female dog is in season she attracts a stream of hopeful male dogs to the front door. In fact, male dogs have even been known to break down doors and fences trying to reach a potential mate.
If a female gets pregnant you’ve got the responsibility of having to care for her during her pregnancy, birth and looking after her litter – and that’s before the challenge of trying to find good homes for the puppies. Some breeds of dog can have as many as 12 puppies in just one litter. That’s a lot of mouths to feed and the costs will soon add up.
Female dogs in heat can be messy – they produce a bloody discharge for three weeks or more.
Got mia spayed at three after rescuing her.

Please look at all the pros AND cons regarding early neutering.  Yes,  there ARE cons,  and some of them are quite important to know.

Please have a read of this (which will hopefully give a counterpoint to the pro-neutering info)...

www.doglistener.co.uk/neutering_definitive

It's a fairly long read,  but worth it.

Not all males will bolt hell-for-leather after an in heat bitch's scent. Some will, but by no means all. Not all intact males will hump,  and even those who do often respond well to training.

From a personal perspective I would always wait for full maturity as,  as well as growth plate problems, dogs (and bitches) benefit very much from the hormones released during their 'adolescent' stage. Many early neutered dogs remain  'puppy-ish' & that can bring its own problems,  especially when meeting & greeting other dogs as tge over-exuberance can offend both the other dog & the other owner!

Thanks for all you advice on this.

Letter came this morning for his operation he ripped it up well the corner haha

Will cancel this op and do it after summer October time he will be 18 months old.

We did bump into a Rotty who was on heat, we stood 2 meters away as I talked to the owner Ronnie behaved no differently he wasn't even that interested in her, so all being well he isn't that bothered humping his bed as stopped also.