What do you think....

[Canula2000]

I called a trainer that was referred to me for aggresive dogs. I talk to her about my girl and am planning a first private training session next week. Overall I liked her but am curious about her advice...one of the first things she told me to do was get my girl spayed. Though I have thought this might be a good idea I am hesitant about it because I am still hoping I can show my girl in the future if only for the fun of it. I have never really liked the advice to neuter your dog because he is aggressive. I believe it is a training issue not a hormonal issue. What do other people think??
On a positive note I have had family from out-of-town visiting and Fanci has been great with them. She hasn't bark at all and has been a real sweetheart. Maybe she is coming around!!

[flyballmom]

I didn't know that spaying would "tone down" a female? Thought that was advice for males and testosterone levels? But I'm FAR from an expert....anyone?

[Bec]

This may be way off base but I had heard that spaying an already aggressive female could worsen the problem. I would however get more than one opinion from a behavior expert or someone that is experienced with Rotties. If you want to show for fun you can still do obedience or agility or flyball, etc. if she is spayed. Personally I fix ALL my animals (except fish ) because it gives me peace of mind.

[Judi W]

Regardless, if the bitch has aggression problems, she is neither for showing or breeding so neither of those should be reasons for not spaying. I do not know whether the spaying a bitch will have any affect on her behavior. Like Beth said, it is sometimes hoped that it will help a dog although that is usually problematic.

[Greg_1111]

Unless you plan on breeding her, spaying is probably a really good idea. eliminates a lot of problems. I was very apprehensive about it at forst. But soon realized that it has many benefits. The least of which isn't the fact that with every heat cycle, their chance of contracting breast cancer increases substantially. Then you have to consider accidents, and a litter of pups that you hadn't acounted for. Don't forget about the heat cycles. If she is an inside dog, get used to little red spots everywhere. Having pups is also hard on a bitch. So, unless you are really serious about breeding her and dealing with the responsibilities of the litter and all it means. spaying is a very good option. The SPCA reccomends it too. They are the ones that have to deal with the unwanted pups that sadly get put down on a regular basis

[SABELLESMOM]

If a dog has aggression issues, she shouldn't be bred or shown, IMO. If she were mine, I'd seriously consider spaying.

You have a good deal of work ahead of you regarding the aggression. While I have no personal experience in this, I do have a friend who had a tough road with one of hers. She now does agility with him, too.

Good luck with your girl. I hope things work out well!