The Importance of Spaying/Neutering (Sterilisation)
Neuter a male dog - by Louise Thompson (Accredited Animal Behavior Consultant)
There seems to be big "hang ups", myths and "old wives" tales about this simple medical procedure, which is usually given as reasons by owners as to why they do not want to have their dogs "fixed".
This simple procedure is performed under general anesthetic by your veterinarian when your male puppy is about six months of age. In dogs, it has been scientifically proved that there is a direct link between the production of testosterone and dominant aggressive behavior. The profile of a typical dog who has attacked and mauled or killed a child is a male dog between the ages of 24 and 30 months, which has not been castrated. What is even more disturbing is that a good many of these attacks are by the family pet dog - in their own home! Most of these incidents could have been avoided and even prevented!
The following dogs are all potential 'attack' dogs:
- Dogs that have had no learning or education.
- Dogs living behind solid walls without stimulation (visual, mental or physical).
- Abused dogs.
- Dogs that are kept chained up for long periods of time.
- Dogs that have been extensively physically punished.
- Dogs who have been teased and tormented by children and developed a negative association.
- Dogs that are taught "aggression" by ignorant trainers and then triggered by a situation.
- Overtly indulged dogs that are given all the privileges of leadership in the human-canine pack.
- Dogs that are over-protective, either of their environment (territory) or their owners.
- Injured or sick dogs (defensive aggression or fear/pain biters).
Unless a dog is a show animal, a top breed champion dog registered with the Kennel Union of South Africa and winning at breed and/or obedience dog shows, neuter him!
Even a pure bred dog (without Kennel Union registration papers) is worthless. A pure bred registered dog that has not proven himself in the ring is also worth less than a winner, so neuter him!
One male dog can father hundreds of unwanted mongrel "randomly bred" puppies a year. Many of these unwanted pups end up being abused and used for many horrendous purposes, from dog fighting bait (for big money) to animal experimentation or just unloved, unwanted and dumped so, neuter him!
The SPCA destroys many thousands of dogs each year due to careless breeding. You do not need to add to the statistics, so neuter him!
If your dog is of a fighting breed and you are expecting a baby in the near future, neuter him!
If your dog gives any hint of aggressive or dominant behavior, neuter him!
If you have more than one male dog of different ages and want to avoid future aggression/ fighting when the lower dog reaches maturity, neuter the lower ranking (victim) dog at an early age to avoid status aggression.
The advantages of neutering a male dog:
- Neutered dogs live longer - the risks of prostate cancer are eliminated.
- Neutering lowers dominant aggressive behavior towards owners by 65%.
- Neutering lowers inter-dog aggressive behavior by some 65%.
- There is a reduction of straying and wandering by some 80%.
- There is a reduction of inappropriate urination/marking behavior by 70%.
- Neutering also lowers the male dog's urge to mount by some 70%.
- Neutering focuses attention and concentration.
The advantages of neutering greatly outweigh the disadvantages!
Dispelling the neutering myths:
Neutered dogs put on weight!
So will you if you eat too much and don't exercise enough!
Neutered dogs make poor watchdogs!
How can that be? Neutering focuses attention and improves concentration.
Neutering my dog will make him a wimp!
Only if he was already a wimp to start with. Neutering does not change, and can not change your dog's basic character.
In closing I might add, that unlike their human counterparts, the only time that a male dog thinks of sex, is when there is a bitch in season within range and without a headache! The rest of the time, the male dog is more interested in his supper!
A must-read for all pet owners:
Spay a female dog
Help spread the word about the dog and cat over-population. Forward this Word document to all your friends!
Bank Details
Absa
Account: 4059749310
Branch: 580105
Reference: 50003950025
(Manual Payments)
Investec Private Bank
Account: 50003950025
Branch: 580105
(Internet Payments)