Best time to neuter?

[keller]

I'm wondering about the pros and cons of doing it early, or waiting. My vet said she wouldn't do it before my dog (3 mo beagle) was six months old so if I wanted to get it done sooner, I'd have to go elsewhere.

There is virtually no chance of him getting to a female dog, so I don't feel that I need to rush on that account. I don't want to wait so long that he picks up more aggressive tendencies though. So, is there any good reason to try and get him fixed before he's six months of age? What are the risks/benefits of doing it sooner, or waiting until he's six months or older?

 

[aelizilly]

Hello Keller.

Well, Bailey is just over 4 months now, and I had planned to get him fixed this month, but I believe because of finances and my schedule I am going to wait a month or so. So far I haven't discovered any crazy aggressive behaviors from him, but we'll see how it goes for the next month or so.

But, to really address your question, my vet had no problem doing it now at this age, so maybe it's just a preference of your vet. I can't imagine any damage being done by waiting until he is 6 months to have it done. Maybe some other members will provide a more logical/medical reason.

 

[Fran27]

6 months is just fine. It's also the best time to do it according to my vet. Boris was neutered at 6 months, but Tips at 5 because it was in his adoption contract, although the vet would have rather waited until 6 months.

 

[bubbatd]

I think you'd be much more comfortable going with your vet's recommendation. If you trust him, this way if any problems arise , he can't throw it back in your face.

 

[keller]

Thanks everyone. I know that 6 months used to be standard, but I've heard that there are benefits to getting it done a bit earlier or later. Since my puppy is all ready having a bit of an issue behaviorally, I don't want to take any chances.

I always try to do research when it comes to things like this because I know people who have had hits and misses in the past with this particular vet* . At this point, I go there, because she has the only office in the area, but try to be as informed as possible. Which is a good idea no matter who the vet is, of course.

*of course, she's only human and can't catch everything.

 

[Gallien Jacks]

What problems are you having with him? 6 months is the earliest here that a vet will neuter, but be warned that neutering wont stop any behaviour problems

 

[keller]

He's very nippy to the point of drawing blood. I talked to the vet about it, and she said it sounds like he's got a domininant temperment. She told me some things to try, and some people here gave me some ideas, so he's making improvements, but slowly. I've read that neutering can stop a dog from wanting to challenge other animals. Since he all ready has issues with people, I don't want to compound it by allowing him to get to the point that he wants to fight other dogs all the time if possible. I know that some wrestling, and little spats will be normal though.

 

[rottiegirl]

He's very nippy to the point of drawing blood. I talked to the vet about it, and she said it sounds like he's got a domininant temperment. She told me some things to try, and some people here gave me some ideas, so he's making improvements, but slowly. I've read that neutering can stop a dog from wanting to challenge other animals. Since he all ready has issues with people, I don't want to compound it by allowing him to get to the point that he wants to fight other dogs all the time if possible. I know that some wrestling, and little spats will be normal though.

Well, you should get him neutered ASAP. His dominant behaviour could be hormone-triggered . When he is neutered his testosterone level is lowered. Just my opinion.

 

[Zoom]

Find yourself a good trainer while you're waiting for the six month mark. Habits established prior to neutering aren't going to magically disappear. It sounds more like he may not have learned much, if any, bite inhibition. What do you do when he nips you that hard?

 

[keller]

When he bites hard, he's removed from the area for a timeout. We also tried holding his muzzle, but he'd bite again after he was let go. We also do exercises before the problem occurs to teach him submissive behavior. Such as feeding him by hand, NILF, and praise for playing without nipping. We've come a long way, and I don't expect his problems to dissapear with a surgery. I've read that lots of dogs never become animal aggressive if they're neutered. If he's one of them, then that's one less issue that we have to work on, and I'll be grateful for that.

 

[Tugger's Mom]

Well, you should get him neutered ASAP. His dominant behaviour could be hormone-triggered . When he is neutered his testosterone level is lowered. Just my opinion.

This is good to hear......!!!! My Alpha-male 4 month old beagle is biting when he's anxious or is tired and it's driving us crazy because we're using words like "NO" and "No bite" and "Stop" and "Time Out" (with consequences) ....and it seems these words come out of our mouth constantly. But he doesn't care.

Also, Tugger doesn't like to be cradle held (like they want us to do so that when he's at the vets he'll behave....) and he thrashes violently to get out of the hold.

On top of all this--he's been revving those male engines of his since he was 3 months old.....he's definitely testosterone aggressive!!!!

If neutering him will calm my dog down to a level that we can feel like we are in control, I will be delighted!!!

 

[rottiegirl]

When he bites hard, he's removed from the area for a timeout. We also tried holding his muzzle, but he'd bite again after he was let go. We also do exercises before the problem occurs to teach him submissive behavior. Such as feeding him by hand, NILF, and praise for playing without nipping. We've come a long way, and I don't expect his problems to dissapear with a surgery. I've read that lots of dogs never become animal aggressive if they're neutered. If he's one of them, then that's one less issue that we have to work on, and I'll be grateful for that.

Is he just play biting or is he serious? I dont see any reason to wait until he is 6 months to neuter. My moms chow mix got neutered when he was 3 months, and it didnt cause any problems. I agree that neutering him now will not solve the problem, but it could help a lot. Once he gets the testosterone out of his system, he will be easyer to deal with. He wont try to "challenge" you as much. And he will be less liklely to become dog aggressive. Just my opinion.

 

[rottiegirl]

This is good to hear......!!!! My Alpha-male 4 month old beagle is biting when he's anxious or is tired and it's driving us crazy because we're using words like "NO" and "No bite" and "Stop" and "Time Out" (with consequences) ....and it seems these words come out of our mouth constantly. But he doesn't care.

Also, Tugger doesn't like to be cradle held (like they want us to do so that when he's at the vets he'll behave....) and he thrashes violently to get out of the hold.

On top of all this--he's been revving those male engines of his since he was 3 months old.....he's definitely testosterone aggressive!!!!

If neutering him will calm my dog down to a level that we can feel like we are in control, I will be delighted!!!

Neutering will probably help, but he could be teething also. Does he have any chew toys?

 

[Tugger's Mom]

We have no children....so Tugger is one spoiled puppy. And this is our first puppy or pet since we've both been children living with our parents....so he gets plenty of attention! (Are we perhaps paying too much attention to him?)

We do have plenty of chew toys and we also have the round stick rawhide and twist it on his back teeth to have him get his frustrations out that way. It could be teething, toooooo....but his nose curls when he bites...so it's more frustration and anxiousness.

So funny--I'm downstairs, and I can hear my husbands calm voice through the floor upstairs.....and he's probably holding Tug and all I hear him saying in a soothing low voice is "no.....no......no.....no". Ah....it's 8PM.....past Tug's bedtime.....so he's probably tired.

 

[keller]

Also, Tugger doesn't like to be cradle held (like they want us to do so that when he's at the vets he'll behave....) and he thrashes violently to get out of the hold.

Oh, I know how you feel. This is what I was told to do too. At this point, I can only get him in this hold when he's tired. Any other time, he'd either freeze, with this terrified look on his face, or and bite, scratch, growl and squirm trying to get free. My puppy has a problem with playing too hard (prob. as a result of coming to live here at 7 weeks), and he also bites when he's angry. For one thing, he doesn't care to be told "no," and will try fighting to get his way. When he was a bit younger, he'd growl if someone picked him up and tried to move him. Like I said though, we've been making progress. I used to be able to count on getting a new scar every day. It's not nearly that bad anymore. It's good to hear that neutering might help. He'll also be going to classes next month, and with the progress he's all ready made, he should do well.

Thanks everyone for all of your advice.

 

[lpollockandrsn]

Male dogs really don't reach sexual maturity until closer to 8-10 months of age, so he really shouldn't be producing much testosterone yet. Kind of a preadolescent stage. 6 months old should be just fine but I would find a good trainer to help with the behavior issues.
Maturity, socialization,obedience class, lots of chew toys, and consistency sounds like a good plan of action! Pups are such a challenge, but such a treasure.

 

[rottiegirl]

Male dogs really don't reach sexual maturity until closer to 8-10 months of age, so he really shouldn't be producing much testosterone yet. Kind of a preadolescent stage. 6 months old should be just fine but I would find a good trainer to help with the behavior issues.
Maturity, socialization,obedience class, lots of chew toys, and consistency sounds like a good plan of action! Pups are such a challenge, but such a treasure.

Smaller dogs mature faster. My chihuahua started lifting his leg to urinate at 3 months old. He sprayed everything!

 

[Dizzy]

Just a note - repeating commands will make them meaningless.

If you repeat No.. No!... no.. no over and over, the word will have no impact

Ask once, and if you don't get the action you want, then time out.

If you get the correct behaviour - praise!

Also, if your dog nips in play, as SOON as he does it, say NO stand up and walk away, or fold your arms and turn your back to him.

Ignore him till he is calm, then carry on playing calmly.

You have to be persistant and do this EVERY time or it won't work. He will realise that biting = no play.

 

[amymarley]

I believe you need to find a trainer that deals with aggression as a speciality. Your male is too young to be producing test. on that high of a level, plus I have seen female dogs that young acting badly.

Neutering at an early stage may help "marking," but your pup sounds like he needs expert training and fast. I know female dogs that lift their leg.... Training can be hard and fustrating and you may have to find and go through 10 methods before you find your solution.

 

[MyDogsLoveMe]

hehehehe neuter the hubby sure j/k