Seeking wisdom regarding neutering at what age?
- Thread starter CAllen
- Start date
ghggp
Moderator
I know many feel the later the better these days. I will be waiting 18 months for my boy Liam. He is not showing and humping behavior thank goodness. Nor is he marking in the house.
They say at 18 months the growth plates close and that is when you should consider fixing your pup. I personally do not believe in the 6-9 month timeline.
I fixed one of my shelties at 6 months and he never developed a full coat.
Sandy in CT
Premium Member
I was trying to wait until at least a year, but Brodie began marking Kooper's pee outside, was humping like mad (more of a dominance issue). He started marking outside on my deck, hit my sliding doors multiple times. When it started in the house, I made the call after the second or third 'accident' inside. You don't want bad habits to become common behavior. Brodie was neutered at 8 1/2 months and we've had not a single issue since! Do what is best for all of you.
mimiretz
Forums Enthusiast
We were going to wait until a year. At 6 months Oberon started marking everywhere, to the point that I couldn't take him with me anywhere. I thought he'd be happier going places with me, so we had him fixed at 6 months. No issues since then.
Hanne
Forums Sage
TheDailyPainter
Forums Enthusiast
I'm on the fence about this as well. River is 18 months and not exhibiting any issues. I had a talk with my vet about this last month and both she and my breeder said take it case by case. Also said you don't have to do it at all. There are new studies out there to consider and although the risk for prostrate cancer goes down, other problems may crop up. Hormones play many roles in the body which are important. It's a really hard decision as I know we all want what is best for our pups. Right now I'm still fence sitting.
ghggp
Moderator
I am attaching a very interesting video on the subject. While everyone needs to consider individual circumstances it helps to have information to contemplate pros and cons.
I know if Liam was showing strong tendencies to hump and mark in the house I would have had him fixed before now. However, he is being very good. Anyway, the attached video is food for thought.
I know if Liam was showing strong tendencies to hump and mark in the house I would have had him fixed before now. However, he is being very good. Anyway, the attached video is food for thought.
Wendy C
Forums Enthusiast
We saw our Vet a couple of weeks ago to have the talk about Cooper. Cooper is a humpamaniac, he marks outside not in making our walk a bit longer in time. lol. My concern is him humping the Grandkids (the youngest is 4). The Vet said that if the situation gets out of control we will do it before the Dec. / Jan. Timeline (Jan. Would put him at 11 months old). She reminded me that it takes up to 3 weeks for his hormones to “calm”. On growth plates which I also brought up she said it is much more of a concern with large breed dogs?? Every dog is different and every families needs are different and you have to do works for you.
Ann
Moderator
I agree with Gloria...if you can wait till later, around 18 months, the current thinking is that it's better for the dog's health. However, if he exhibits behavioral problems like marking etc., I'd do it sooner. The tradeoff is that neutering earlier does affect the coat growth on most males. You won't get the same full coat, since the undercoat is not as profuse.
But behavioral issues are harder to train out once they're established. So the choice is definitely on a case-by-case basis, depending on your dog and your needs.
But behavioral issues are harder to train out once they're established. So the choice is definitely on a case-by-case basis, depending on your dog and your needs.
ghggp
Moderator
Just a question... do you immediately stop him from humping? Liam tried it twice and I was after him as soon as he made a move ... he has not done it since.