Early Spay/Neuter

[RottenMutts]

I've read a lot of you talking about how *bad* this is and why it's a problem for you. Re: The dogs need the time to grow properly, etc. Just out of curiosity, why does this hold over to shelter animals, rescues, etc.

I've been reading back a few pages (or a dozen) picking up training information and I did find a couple of things that hinted that it was *sad* when a shelter or rescue group spayed or neutered animals @ 8 weeks.

Now I DO understand that it's not ideal for the growth of the dog, at times. However, when you are dealing with rescue pups, all the vet and home checks and 'deposits' in the world won't assure that they DO spay the dog before it's bred.

Add to that the number of accidental breeding threads....Even by RESPONSIBLE breeders admitting that these things have and can and do happen...

I guess it comes down to- Are there problems that I'm unaware of? What are your conerns? Because while I understand the reluctance on a certain level I feel like rescue prespectives kind of got glossed over.

I DO Spay and neuter at 8 weeks. Why? Because at or about 10 weeks is when the dog is most adoptable, most trainable, and has the easiest time bonding to a new owner and adjusting to a new home and situations. The dogs bounce back quickly.

But mostly, and admittedly-- NO WAY is one of the dogs that comes into my home (or cats for that matter) going back out again to make more unwanted pets. Accidentally or otherwise.

I also think it's interesting to see this board. I honestly spend so *much* time on rescue boards and other places who are dealing with the even more misunderstood and popular and overbred lab that I just don't often get another point of view.

It's enlightening and educational. Somethings I doubt I'll ever bend on, but I'm certainly learning a lot in the meanwhile.

Even if my only 'rotts' are also half rott and half... well something with hound ears and white http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/ima...ons/icon12.gif

[JoJo]

I believe there isn't one person on this board who would disagree with you on making sure that any rescue dog not be altered, no matter what age it is. These dogs got into the rescue system because of irresponsible owners in the first place and who in their right mind would want to contribute to the over population by releasing a dog intact on a persons word that they will spay/neuter when it gets older. I don't think you will get an agruement from anyone on this point.

Now that being said.....I have an intact male and plan on keeping him that way even though I'm getting apposing reactions. I didn't get him thru the rescue system. I am a responsible owner. If I neutered him at 18 months or 2 years old, I truely believe he would not have matured to his full potenial. He just turned 5 and believe it or not, he just fully matured mentally and physically. I call him a late bloomer.

JoJo

[Judi W]

I believe that in rescue/pound dogs early desexing is quite appropriate. Those who are planning on serious work with their dog should be acquiring a dog with a "known" and appropriate background from a responsible breeder.

[MeganNoel]

I only have real experience with cats on this but in my opinion if you do not have a well bred animal and you are not planning on breeding it you should have them spayed/neutered. Though I do kind of agree with waiting til they are a little older so that they can get some benefit from their hormones.

My parents fixed every cat they have ever had. Males a little sooner than females but always after they were a few months old at least. My parents had 2 siamese cats that they bred for 3 litters each and then had them fixed too. As for our new Rottie rescue. He is not fixed "yet" but we will be having that done in the next couple of months for sure. I have no intentions of letting him be a father.

[Judi W]

I don't know anyone who plans a working career for a cat nor any importance in mental or emotional maturity. Being desexed or intact is strictly a reproductive issue with them.

[MeganNoel]

Well I do know that the cats my parents had fixed younger were far less muscled and seemed to get fat easier than those who were older (like strays brought in as adults). I don't know anything about the breeding/showing/working curcuit for dogs but most people I have met (until this board and one friends parents) just have dogs for pets, no other purpose in mind.

[Birdie'sMom]

I haven't heard anyone disagree with rescues being spayed/neutered before they are adopted. In fact, people here have even advised it.

[German Vanegas]

Originally Posted by JoJo

I believe there isn't one person on this board who would disagree with you on making sure that any rescue dog not be altered, no matter what age it is. These dogs got into the rescue system because of irresponsible owners in the first place and who in their right mind would want to contribute to the over population by releasing a dog intact on a persons word that they will spay/neuter when it gets older. I don't think you will get an agruement from anyone on this point.

Now that being said.....I have an intact male and plan on keeping him that way even though I'm getting apposing reactions. I didn't get him thru the rescue system. I am a responsible owner. If I neutered him at 18 months or 2 years old, I truely believe he would not have matured to his full potenial. He just turned 5 and believe it or not, he just fully matured mentally and physically. I call him a late bloomer.

It is a matter of responsible dog ownership and that is all there is to it!

[RottenMutts]

Actually cats DO have obvious changes and effects from being allowed to mature with their sexual organs. They tend to be more muscular, male cats get larger, broader and head and chest shapes change. Females also tend to get larger though the physical changes are less obvious. You can definately see a difference. Mentally they tend to be more laid back, and calmer, but they also have a higher prey-drive and lower tolerance for other animals sharing their space. Territorial issues become more obvious, as do litterbox ones since that falls into the same category.

And yes, it is a matter of responsible dog ownership. I KNOW people can keep animals in tact without breeding should they choose to do so. It's more work but it's doable. Though I definately, definately remembered some sympathy being expressed I'm glad that it's not an issue for you all. I DO spay/neuter really early, even my pets.

Then again I have animals hopping through my life on a fairly rapid basis that ARE in tact when I get them. I don't need accidents ;-)

[Judi W]

I was not denying that there was an effect in desexing cats, just that the careers for cats are quite limited

[RottenMutts]

I know. I wasn't trying to be confrontational. I simply went off on a tangent. And you're very right. Careers are EXTREMLY limited. Damn beasts (which was not sarcastic, but fond.)

[Sargeant_C]

Umm so when do we have a rott neutered cuz I am not breeding Sarge. I was thinking when he was about 6 months old would be a good time. He was born in May and I thought October I should have him fixed. Should I stick with this schedule or do it earlier or later.
And when I had my cats fixed they were the same ol same ol. Only difference in them is they umm shoot blanks now. hehehe

[Judi W]

What are you expectations for your dog? What is your experience in working with dogs? Do you have any intact bitches in your household? Do you have any hesitation about being able to deal with and work with an intact dog?

[JoJo]

It is a matter of responsible dog ownership and that is all there is to it!

Well German, maybe for the more experienced dog owner, but I really have to think twice for someone who does not have the experience with a rottie. I'd feel better if they had the dog spayed/neutered unless they purchase the dog from a COE breeder, have full intensions of working/showing the dog and be guided all the way. As for just a companion, being a newbie to the breed I say spay or neuter. Maybe down the road after some experience under their belt and proven responsibility an intact dog would be fine. JMO

JoJo

[German Vanegas]

Originally Posted by JoJo

Well German, maybe for the more experienced dog owner, but I really have to think twice for someone who does not have the experience with a rottie. I'd feel better if they had the dog spayed/neutered unless they purchase the dog from a COE breeder, have full intensions of working/showing the dog and be guided all the way. As for just a companion, being a newbie to the breed I say spay or neuter. Maybe down the road after some experience under their belt and proven responsibility an intact dog would be fine. JMO

I just don't believe that in order for a person to own a Rottweiler, and be capable to manage it, the dog has to be neutered, as in the testicles make the dog too much dog for the person to handle Well, if that's the case, how about a sweet Golden Labrador Retriever or a Boston Terrier? Instead, some people casually choose a potentially high-strung defensive Rottweiler that requires firm pack leadership and way more commitment and devotion for its proper upbringing... Again, there are other breeds and so many choices, therefore, choose wisely. If a Rottweiler has to be castrated to make it less masculine and easier to handle, I don't believe that person should own a Rottweiler. Really! JMO too