What do people think about castrating male dogs. Is it necessary in all cases? what is the best age ? I have been agonysing over the decision, he is booked in for Friday morning this week !!!
Main reason is he keeps humping mid air and looking really upset about it, also hoping it might stop him biting and trying to be dominant? He is only 14 months.

Did not want to get Alfie done but he has developed a lump on each and the vet thinks it part of his testicles and the best thing to do is remove them so he is going next month to get them removed and I am coming round to the idea has last night he humped his bed until he 'um um' I was nearly sick, the smell was bad and I had to stuff it all in the washer as Alfie was licking it, nice! Then today I caught him pinning my little girl, who is only crawling, to the ground humping her, which I was not impressed with, Grace was giggling though!  Also he is always mouthing at us and never ever settles down at night, we have to put him in the kitchen when we want a cuddle on the sofa as he just jumps at us and rubbing his balls on our legs.
Did not want to nuter him as he does obediance and is very clever so was hoping to pass his genes on but for his health and a quiter home life it is the best thing, stick with it he will be a happier and more relaxed dog, what his he??  Alfie is a tibetian terrier X boarder collie and is 7months.xx

Hi, Bo is a bearded collie and not a sex pest ! if he was I would have felt better about doing it. Most vets have said it will ensure he has a longer life, as they often develop testicle cancer when older. He is only 14 months, and has never humped other dogs. Its only his early morning RISE, that seems to cause him to get stressed. Plan is going ahead for Friday !! Boo hoo, am so worried !

As a matter of interest, why are you having him castrated if it upsets you so much? True, he won't get testicular cancer, but in my experience it's not exactly common &, when & if it does occur the dog can then be castrated with little risk of the cancer having spread. I'd concentrate my attention on diverting him from his early morning rise - there's no guarantee that having him castrated will stop him humping anyway.

If you've no plans to breed him, I can't see the problem with having him castrated. He'll probably be happier in the long run if he's getting upset about his natural urges.

It all depends on the dog - I have a friend who has several dogs and bitches. The two bitches are spayed. Two of the dogs are entire but never bother, but the other is a bonk monster and won't leave the bitches alone... well he wouldn't until she had him castrated. He's smashing now and much calmer and happier in himself.

I believe like anything in life there are pro's and con's, choosing to have your dog castrated can be an agonising decision unless you have no other choice in the matter, if it's purely the fact that he is a young athletic dog and his humping is getting to the point where it gets so he just won't stop, why don't you ask your vet about chemical castration first??

I had my male Dobe castrated last Tuesday.  I dont regret it.  I had no intentions of using him at stud and I also have 3 bitches in the house.  He is a vwd carrier and two of my bitches are so it was best I had him done to avoid any accidents - cheaper in the long run than kennels fees when the girls are in season.... :-)

Unless he is likely to be a top stud dog then I see you have nothing to lose but maybe some gain by having him castrated.
I have lost a dog to testicular cancer and improved behaviours of others so my advice is do it.  It is not a miriacle cure for behaviour but can make life a lot easier.

Bev

Thank you everyone, he has been looking at me so sorrowful all night, I am going to go ahead with it first thing in the morning ! Im only worried about the aneasthic. I really hope it will calm him down, and stop him walking around like john wayne and humping the air ! nothing can distract him, he looks very very uncomfortable and distressed when it happpens ! hopefully, this will make him feel calmer, and he will forgive me !!

OMG!  I've just replied to your grooming post!  It really is important that you master the grooming because castration will make a Beardie coat more woolly and more difficult to groom.

Thanks liisa, how was your dog afterwards, can they still jump up into the car or would i be best to walk him home ? How long did it take him to get back to normal. Did he try to naw at his stitches.

Anesthetics are really very safe nowadays and many have a reversable injection that can be given to bring them round almost as quick as they go under.
My lad was done 3 weeks ago and came out of the vets the same afternoon looking very fit and healthy and full of beans.
He being a typical JRT did try to nibble the stitches for the first 3 days so had to wear a buster collar and then again for the last few days when they started to pull.
Stitches were out after 10 days during which time it is lead exercise only. Take your dog home in the car after the op as they have had a general anesthetic and surgery and although they may appear normal walking home would be far to much for them.
Please bear in mind though that although the dog has had the op it can take 6 weeks at least before he is unable to produce pups and up to 6 months before any hormonal driven behaviour starts to subside.  Will add though that after only 3 weeks my JRT has already stopped humping anything and everything and not trying to be so dominant.

Bev

Thanks Bev, and it's good to know that someone can spell Anesthetics as I obvioulsy cant !!

Anaesthetics! ;)

Hee Hee - Yeah bev, learn to spell !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have 4 out of my 5 dogs done but I wish I waited long storey lol... Junior is still intact and Iam keeping him that way.... I think that is a personal choice but for me if its not broken no reason to fix it. I believe they are born this way so why remove them. If you do decide to have your animal altered I think it is best to wait till the animal is fully mature before doing so and only if you can be responsible to make sure no accidental breedings take place.

All in all I think it is a personal decision and you have to do what you feel is right :)

As I originally asked the question, thought I would just update you that Bo was 'done' today, they used a light anaesthitic on him and few hours later when i went to pick him up, he was as lively as when I left him !! I could not believe it, he was totally fine ! am so releaved and pleased.
I bought him home at 3.30 and he has been having the odd snooze but is totally fine ! the scar is not too bad either !

Bless his little heart ! I came so close to cancelling this morning, but am gald its over and done with now !!
He is due his booster - but I forgot to mention it to vet, but think its probably best to leave that till he is totally over his op ? does it have to be done at exactly same time every year ?

Thanks again everyone

Do you want another headache??? :)  Look at this thread on the same board!!
More on Vax/Boosters from C O` Driscoll

For boosters I do all of them and yearly one till they get their 3 year rabbie, then I only take mine in once every 3 years and get their booster and rabbies. Thats how I do mine, I personally don't think they need all these shots. That choice is up to you :)