I have a male lab that is a year and 5 months old. He is the most playfull dog in the world! when he was younger i house broke him and he is VERY good about not going to the bathroom in the house, and will go to the door. He does not hump things either. lately I have been thinking about getting him "chopped" but i dont want him to act differently. The only problem i have with him is he jumps up on people when walking in the door (which im working on) and if he gets loose outside he does not come to me (which im also working on) what affects will having him neutered have on him?
2007-05-17 07:55:42 · 27 answers · asked by RJ9 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Dogs that are neutered are fewer health problems than dogs that are not. Unwanted puppies are another problem to consider. So many unwanted dogs are killed in "shelters" or just abandoned. I firmly believe that unless you are going to be a reputable breeder, that screens potential owners and has a home for each puppy before your dog is bred, or used as a stud, you should have your dog fixed.
2007-05-17 08:01:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Neutering really won't change his personality at all. He's not aggressive by your description, so there won't be any change there - that's about the only behavioral change that neutering improves - aggressive male dogs sometimes become less so. He'll not be inclined to break out or chase after a female in heat. But it probably won't fix the training problems you have either. What it will do is prevent reproductive cancers and other diseases and eliminate any chance of him fathering an unwanted litter. Definitely get it done.
I have not seen the weight gain problem people describe. People who have fat dogs just feed them too much or don't get them enough exercise. I don't think it's a problem. The one neutered dog that I now have that had a weight problem was hypothyroid. As soon as he was on thyroid meds, his weight problem vanished.
2007-05-17 15:02:35 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are over 16 THOUSAND labs in rescues:
Labrador Retriever 16529
http://content.petfinder.com/breeds/Dog
You dont want him to run out and get some dog pregnant and add to those numbers. Your dog will NOT act differently, just a bit more calmer. My peke was a hyper little thing when I bought him home and was neutered at 6 months and stayed his same hyper self. Now hes older and his more laid back, but that comes w/ age.
Neutering him will also stop him from running away to females in heat. It will also help w/ your training. His hormones wont be all over the place and he will pay more attention to you. It will also lower his chances of getting cancer. You sound like you really love your dog, by neutering him you can add a few more years to his life!
Hope that helps!
2007-05-17 15:40:08 · answer #3 · answered by glamourl0ve 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with having him neutered. Like someone else wrote,it will not change his personality. He may actually listen better when outdoors as well, because he won't be so affected by the scent of dogs in heat. About the jumping thing...I usually warn people before they enter the house in case they don't know of the dogs behavior. You can tell them that when he jumps to turn around and face the opposite direction of the door. That way it sort of sends a message to the dog that this behavior is unacceptable. Also, putting a knee up when he goes to jump sends a quick message to him. If neither of these things have an affect on him, then try putting a leash on him when you know someone is going to visit and pulling him down and saying NO sternly. Reward him with a treat when he obeys so he catches on.
2007-05-17 15:24:19 · answer #4 · answered by pink_avocado 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you would be very responsible to have him neutered. IF anything he'll calm some...but he will still be playful. It is sad that there are so many people that do not spay or neuter and their pet gets loose and gets pregnant or impregnates another dog and then there are several more dogs out there that end up on the street and uncared for. Several more that end up in last chance shelters. It is just so sad. We just rescued another dog about 2 weeks ago. It is awful to go into a place like a shelter or pound and feel as if you are picking and choosing because there are SOOOO many deserving pups out there that just want to be loved. I wish I could adopt them all. God bless!
2007-05-17 15:02:59 · answer #5 · answered by Marriedtothearmy 2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you should get your lab neutered. It should changed your dogs actual personality, but it may calm him down a little bit. Also, since your dog is only 5 months old he may not have picked up the bad habits that dogs get from all of the testosterone in their bodies. They will tend not to mark their territories if you get them fixed before they start. It may also help with the whole humping situation, your dog may pick it up later if he doesn't do it now. Lastly, it's best to wait to get the operation until your dog is about 6 months old, so their bodies can still get some testosterone so they can mature well enough. But yes, do get it done, it should have nothing but good results! =)
2007-05-17 15:04:19 · answer #6 · answered by brainstewie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Neutering usually solves more problems than it creates. Your dog is probably more likely to change in personality if he goes through puberty "intact" than if you get him neutered. It's better for his health and might help a little with his urge to roam (though both that and the jumping can really only be fixed by your continued training). Neutering can help with some behavior issues, but the main reasons to do it are for your dog's health and to prevent pet overpopulation.
2007-05-17 15:07:59 · answer #7 · answered by Demon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless you plan to breed him, I would get him fixed. I wouldn't breed him unless he is show dog quality. Having him neutered will not significantly change his behavior. I have had male dogs that I've adopted at a year of age or older that I have had fixed and there were no real temperment changes. They don't tend to roam as much looking for females and they aren't as aggressive with other male dogs. Also, having him neutered will increase his life expectancy. Some people say that if you fix a dog/cat that they will gain weight, but that is simply not true--all my friends who are vets agree. Animals gain weight when they are feed too much or not exercised enough. If it were me, I'd get him fixed. You'll prevent him from impregnating other dogs and breeding unwanted puppies.
2007-05-17 15:03:25 · answer #8 · answered by larey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
Unless you have plans ( and the resources) to breed him, you should neuter him. It won't make him fat, it won't make him lazy, it shouldn't change his behaviour much at all, other than he won't feel the urge to roam in search of females in heat. Unneutered male dogs can get testicular cancer as they get older, they are at greater risk of being hit by cars or lost, as they roam, most counties charge a higher fee to license an unneutered/unspayed dog. Some people feel that a neutered male is more devoted to his master/family/job because they aren't getting conflicting messages from thier hormones. Some people also feel that neutered males are less aggressive and territorial than thier unneutered counterparts. Neutering is almost always the best way to go, for both you and your dog (-:
( in my experience, the dog dosen't seem to miss his missing parts either...)
2007-05-17 15:09:04 · answer #9 · answered by sheila n 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, aside from giving him a longer, healthier life, and giving you the joy of knowing you are a responsible pet owner, not a lot will change. Be happy not to be contributing to the overpopulation of unwanted dogs.
He may "mellow" a little bit faster but labs are bouncy kids until they're at least 3 years old.
If he's an active and trim dog now - chances are he'll stay trim and active after surgery.
2007-05-17 15:25:56 · answer #10 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋