Dog Spayed or Neutered

Having your dog spayed or neutered is a serious decision for any dog owner. Unfortunately, there are myths surrounding dog sterilization that need to be cleared up.


A Neutered Dog

Many people mistakenly believe that getting a male dog neutered turns the dog away from strong-willed behavior.
This is not true.

While neutering will reduce testosterone, it is not eliminated. Besides, a dog’s personality is not dependent on testosterone as much as certain sexual behaviors are dependant on this hormone. Thus, the personality remains intact after neutering.

A male dog with a dominant personality will still enjoy roaming and will continue to assert his aggressive behavior after neutering. If aggressive behavior has been a problem, then neutering will usually not change this behavior. Dogs with strong personalities need proper training in order to learn good conduct. They need training, not an operation.

Male dogs that are submissive will often show a happier, vibrant personality and are often more affectionate after neutering. These dogs will have less desire to roam and mark territory. If they are neutered before sexual maturity, there is a very good chance they will retain an agreeable, submissive nature after neutering.


A Spayed Dog

Many people mistakenly think that getting a female dog spayed turns the bitch into a depressed over-weight dog remorseful over the loss of her unborn puppies.

That is not true.

In dogs, becoming overweight is not due to a personality change. It is purely a physical problem. While it is true that spaying is a factor in gaining weight, it is not a major factor. Weight gain is primarily a matter of an over rich diet or overfeeding, not of spaying or neutering.

Another factor in weight gain in older dogs is lack of exercise. Older animals tend not to get out and about as much as younger animals and this is certainly true of all dogs. Another factor in weight gain is an inherited predisposition of some bitches to be overweight.

Older dogs, whether they are spayed or neutered or not, need to be exercised, taken on walks, and they need a less rich or less high-energy dog food as they get older. This is all part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

As for spayed bitches being remorseful, as far as is known, spayed bitches do not mourn the loss of their reproductive ability and do not miss the rearing of pups. We tend to fall in love with puppies because we humans have imagination and we are an emotional species. However, as far as we know, dogs do not have emotion as we do. While we may imagine that dogs display loyalty and affection, it is thought such behavior is actually instinctive and not emotional. To dogs, reproduction and the several weeks of rearing a bitch performs are solely programmed behaviors.

I should also point out that male dogs do not recognized their own pups as their own and they take no part in the rearing of pups.


To Spay or Neuter, Or Not

This is a difficult decision. However, it is often worthwhile to have your pets spayed or neutered. In general, it makes for more content, happy pets that are more affectionate to their human family. I hope I have cleared up some of the myths surrounding having a dog spayed or neutered.