My dad seems to have a problem with getting dogs neutered...?

Question

My last dog, who passed away 3 months ago to the day, was never neutered. (I know, sue me). He lived a happy life. A little hyper, but a good life. We wanted to get him neutered several times, but my dad has thing against getting dogs neutered (or anything to do with man parts being cut, really).

My golden retriever is about 5 months old now, so next month, we're going to the vet to get a little snippy-snippy, but I have this feeling my dad is going to intervene. What are the side-effects of having the dog being neutered (psychological, really)? Do they act differently, or live a shorter life (I think he believes in the latter. He said something about a hormonal unbalance)?

Answer 1

It has scientifically been proven that men have issues with getting there male dogs neutered. Honestly i think you should just not tell him. he probably wont notice. And male dogs are sooooo much better when neutered.

1.they cant make any more dogs!

2.they dont mark everything they see.

3. they dont try to run away and get out of your yard to get to a female.

4.they dont mount everything they see.

GET YOUR DOG NEUTERED! :)

Answer 2

I've noticed a lot of men have this problem.  They seem to think that dogs are as obsessed with their "man parts" as humans are.

Getting a dog neutered has more pros than cons, if you never plan on breeding.  You won't have to worry about your dog escaping from your yard, and possibly impregnating a female dog.  They can smell a ***** in heat from a mile away, and will do whatever they can to get there.  Your dog can play with other dogs without you having to be paranoid that there's an unaltered female in the group.

The chances of him getting testicular cancer is zero, and the chance of many other types of cancer is cut.  Marking behaviours and any aggressive tendencies will be lessened.

If he's concerned about hormones, then you could wait til he's a bit older, but honestly, many dogs are fixed at 6 months of age, and they're fine.

Answer 3

Men frequently have a problem with their dogs being neutered. They seem to see it as an attack on their manhood- they wouldn't want it to happen to them, so they wont let it happen to their dog.

There are MANY advantages to neutering a dog.

Firstly- It prevents testicular cancer.

Secondly- it stops them wanting to breed with every ***** that they can smell in season and therefore helps to stop them from straying (which stops them from being caught by the dog catcher, stolen, hit by a car, etc)

In these ways it can help to prolong your dogs life.

Thirdly- it should help to stop your dogs dominant, manly, behaviour eg. fighting with other entire dogs, constantly marking territory.

I have heard people say that their dogs were a bit upset at their owners after the op, but really I think its more because they are a bit sore and groggy after the surgery and more upset about feeling unwell than because they have lost their manhood.

People say than neutered male dogs have more of a tendancy to put on weight- (personally I think its more because they dont run away or stress over the girls anymore) but if you are feeding your dog right and exercising him regularly there is no reason why he wouldn't stay a happy, healthy puppy.

Answer 4

Actually, it is quite the opposite. An unaltered male dog has a higher chance of testicular cancer as well as other reproductive issues later in age. He will also have more of an urge to roam and even run away in search of a female to mate with, therefore exposing himself to more dangerous situations. A female in heat can be "smelt" by a male for up to 2 miles away. The concern some individuals have is that once they fix their animal, that they will increase in weight as well as become lazy. This is only the case if the owner allows this to happen. A proper life style adjustment if required would be sufficient to curb this from happening. As far as you psychological concerns, I do believe that it would be far better for a non-breeding stock male to not have all the hormones surging through his body at all times not understanding why he can not fulfill his desire to mate. Without those hormones in place, I would think they live a much happier, less stressful existence. That is not even touching on the overpopulation issue of shelters from unwanted litters from irresponsible pet owners. If for no other reason, have your pet neutered so no more unwanted animals are brought into this world.

Answer 5

If you do it at six months of age, there will be no changes in his behavior, nut if you wait until he has had more time mature, say one year on on, there may be some behavior issues, such as he might be more irritable, and not care to play as much. That is what happened when we got are Mini Schnauzer neutered at 6, he hasn't been the same since. neuter him though, as long as you do when he is six months old, he will be fine, and it will increase the length of his life.  

Answer 6

no, it doesn't effect their life span. It actually removes the risk of other disease your pup might (hopefully not!) get otherwise and it does change their behaviour but it makes them happier, they really don't know the difference.

get your dad to read this or just tell him the info from it

http://www.waggytailrescue.com/spay.htm

I'd ask your dad directly why he doesn't want it, if it's just because he doesn't want his dog running around without 'boy bits' there are fake ones you can get, or even chemical neutering which just stops the production line so to speak. Though these costs more. I also have an argument for 'well i wouldn't want to done to me!' but i wont post that here ;)

edit: also point out to your father that you are removing the issues with hormones BEFORE they start, which is why pups are neutered young, it stops issues that can develop because of hormones before they start which also makes for a happy mind! If the hormones aren't started then how can they be unbalanced?

Answer 7

There is no down side to neutering. It doesn't affect the coat, they don't get fat.. They do live longer healthier lives, don't get testicular cancer, they have less a tendency to roam or mark in the house etc. Just take the dog and let your dad deal with his issues.. He maybe should seek counseling over his love of a dog's testicles.

Answer 8

Have him neutered there is nothing that will happen to him. It really helps in the long run. It really does help to have it done. Less hiking up the leg and peeing everywhere. Also it helps with the excess humping that can comes with an unneutered dog.  

Answer 9

Men are always sensitive about snipping there.:) Domestic dogs are happier neutered because they don't have these urges that they can't satisfy living in captivity.

Answer 10

they live longer because it cuts the risk of tescular cancer.  it also helps mellow him out just a little bit if he hasnt yet hit maturity at the age of 6-8mo's .  he'll not want to roam or get free to search for that female thats in heat in that 1 mile radius.  his agression towards other males wont be as hi risk when having a female in the area .  he wont mark his territory if he hasnt already.   there is no hormal imbalance. just will look like he had just got a bad hair cut for the first few months.  and the risk of him impregnating a female and making unwanted puppies added to the population.. i think if u want to u should. let him know. alot of dogs are already in shelters we dont need any more unwanted ones.

Answer 11

I'm sorry to hear of your loss!

If you are not going to breed the dog, you should have him neutered.  It will not hurt him, make him live a short life or anything like that.  The surgery is actually very simple, less than a teaspoon of blood is lost, and only takes about 15 minutes (I just watched my Irish Setter be neutered last week).

Some vets like to wait until 10 to 12 months of age to neuter.  The reason for this is that it gives the male dog more time do develop their hip (back end) area.  They tend to look "less girlie" from behind - despite not having their male parts.  Talk to your vet as to when they prefer to neuter a dog.

I think your dad just has issues with the thought of having parts removed.  Ask your dad if it's okay to spay a female dog.  It will be healthier for your dog - it will reduce his chance of several cancers.

Snip away my friend.

Answer 12

     Actually, it is better for the male dog to have them neutered, for health reasons.  If you don't plan on breeding the dog, neuter them the sooner the better.  There are no psychological problems at all.  Pain is minimal, they are up and moving around within hours.  The main benefits of neutering, is it prevents cancers, such as testicular and prostate, and they do tend to live longer and healthier lives.  

     I've had all of my boys neutered, and trust me, they still play and act like normal boys, with no psychological effects from the neutering.  You are smart for wanting to neuter your Golden Retriever.  Do it for his health.  Good luck and tell your Dad it will benefit the dog.  

Answer 13

If the dogs aren't neutered, they are usually more aggressive and they hump things. When they are, it doesn't hurt. They don't even know it happened. It doesn't really make a difference in the dog except for a more pleasant disposition. It is a good idea to get them neutered or else they will do anything to get to a female (Human or dog) and they will be aggressive as I've said before.

Answer 14

Here is the truth! The dog will have a less likely hood of certain cancers A PLUS..The dog will not have erratic behavior usually because of a female in heat.   It will in now way decrease  life span!

Answer 15

In my dog's care book, it said the only downside to neutering is that a dog can have less of a glossy coat.

But I don't know what psychologically, sorry :(

Answer 16

Actually, neutered males are typically:

.  Calmer, less hyper

.  Less prone to roam the neighborhood

.  Less likely to get prostate problems or cancer

.  Less likely to mark their territory

.  Live longer, as they don't have the health issues that unneutered dogs do.

For the dog, there is no psychological difference.  However, many humans have an issues with altering the dog, like your father, who feels it is not right.

Answer 17

I don't think there are any downsides to having a pet neutered if he is going to be "just a pet".  As a working dog, there are plenty of downsides, but those wouldn't apply to your case, I am assuming.

There are actual health benefits to having him neutered, so just the opposite would be true about him "living a longer life" by not getting neutered.