I have searched this site for more information on neutering dogs and from what i can see everyone has their own opinions on the subject.

We take our 5 month old dobermann to training classes and yesterday the topic of neutering came up. Our trainer who is also a dog behaviourist advised that this can sometimes stop behaviour problems developing as they get older such as aggression and sexual issues.

She advised us to contact our vets which i did this morning only to be told the total opposite by her!

I don't know what to do now... any help would be appreciated!

Cheers,

Lou

PS I am aware that 5 months is to young to have him done but want to get clued up on the topic as soon as i can!

As far as behaviour is concerened castration can cause more trouble than it cures, if it cures any. Let your boy grow up to a fully developed adult and only castrate it he has health problems. Why would you want to do otherwise. You took on a dog knowing what was involved, yes he may be a pain between his puppyhood and when he becomes an adult but you would have accepted that when you took him on. Ask your vet to tell you how to check his testicals for lumps and then enjoy your boy as he should be not as a enuch.

I agree with Jackie - don't think neutering a male dog should be done just as a matter of course, only for real medical reasons.
Downside of neutering in my view
Entire male dogs can pester a neutered dog & I do mean pester - won't leave them alone (possibly trying to work out what the neutered dog is!)
If you should have more than one dog at one time, the neutered dog might not learn his proper position in the pack,
other male dog/s could let the neutered one get away with things that they wouldn't let a full male younger dog do then the neutered dog thinks he can boss the older ones & if the older full males ones don't like it you can get a lot of nasty verbal carry-ons (been there, got that problem currently - dog neutered before he came to me).

Upside of neutering (possibly)
When out neutered dog shouldn't usually get himself into too much trouble - such as two full male dogs squaring up to each other - both doing the big 'I am top dog'.
Never had too much trouble with my full males due to training, seeing what the dog approaching is like, reading the dogs' body language, nipping things in the bud, etc.

Above my opinion - have had up to seven dogs (two bitches, spayed) living together & all out together off lead.
Depending how many dogs are approaching will put some on lead as won't let so many dogs go up to one all at once.
Currently got six dogs, usually out with five as oldest has heart problems so prefers to stay home most of the time!
Steph

Hi There
we have a 17 month entire dobe ( well entire apart from any brain :D )
As he hit 6 months the hormones kicked in and he became a bit :rolleyes: more of a handfull ,he has never shown any aggression to other dogs ,in fact the complete opposite and he does not try to hump everything with or without a pulse !
So far I have not seen any reason to neuter him -although I have threatened to do it myself on more than one occasion
I was told it wouldn't change any adolescant behaviour anyway so I didn't see the point ,but each to there own :)
Liz :)