I had my youngest (Hollie) spayed eleven monlths ago......she is now a year and a half and as mad an a hatter.      Because she was spayed so young, will she always have the mentality of a pup?

You don't say what breed Hollie is but it is my belief that most dogs don't mature until 2 years or more(I have heard that certain breeds are still 'loopy' until they are 4+), our youngest HV has just gone 2 and only recently has begun to settle but is still immature in some respects. She was 'done' 3 months after her first season, so that made her about 14 months when spayed, in the USA they routinely neuter dogs(those in rescue centres)at a very young age, ie before the bitch has had a season, in order to control the population. I can't see why it would make a difference to when the dog settles, different dogs mature at different rates so Hollie probably needs a little more time to settle. Hope this helps and I am sure plenty more peeps will be along to offer their help and advice soon.

Hi Emily Rose

Hollie is a Tibetan Terrier and I had her spayed before her first season on my Vets advise (I'm not sure that I agree with this but went along with it because of the health benifits and I don't want to breed from her).     I just wondered if spaying at such a young age.... whether the dog is fully matured and if this would make a difference.

In my expereince of several aged bitches that were spayed very young, they are still very puppy like and in fact it is a problem as they behave like puppies rushing around too much for their elderly constitutions, buty maybe I just know some looney OAP bitches.

Maybe we have found the answer to eternal youth!!   I just hope that she will grow up before she wears us out.

I'm afraid some dogs just refuse point blank to grow up. My Bethany was one. She may never change but you find that after the first 7 or 8 years you learn to accept it!

Best wishes, John

Sounds like I could be in for some fun!    Never mind.....she's worth it!