FAQs
Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions
Should I neuter my dog?
In general, you should neuter if:
· You are not taking active steps towards breeding
· You live in a populated area with dogs
All dogs, whether they are spayed, neutered, or intact have testosterone and estrogen receptors all over their bodies. The hormonal changes in dogs are almost impossible for humans to observe, but the scent of an "intact" (unneutered) male and a female in heat exert an influence over other dogs around them, instigating unwanted social behaviors that might not otherwise occur. It is worth noting that intact male dogs and un-spayed female dogs devote energy and attention to the whole field of hormonal/procreative behaviors we cant “see” and, yes, it does affect –through distraction– efforts to train them. A challenge for them and a challenge for the trainer and owner.
Does a neutered male or spayed female "lose" anything, such as verve, nerve, energy, vigor, vivaciousness etc? Absolutely not. If you heard this, it is false and a myth. Period.
Keep in mind an intact dog can be docile, very obedient at home, and well socialized to other familiar dogs … but as soon as that dog enters the dog park or walks down any urban street, their hormonal signature becomes a marker and sometimes a threat to other dogs who will respond. I encourage owners of intact dogs to politely inform the other dog owners, on approach, that you have an unneutered male or female in heat so that the other party may take preventive actions to avoid unwanted actions or confrontations between the dogs.
Also, bear in mind that while some neutered and intact dogs alike exhibit harmless instinctive behaviors such as humping, lunging, pecking, even excessive licking, and "rough playing," these actions are not always welcomed by other dog owners and often considered annoying and inappropriate in certain social settings. What might start as harmless playfulness can surprisingly escalate quickly into snapping and actual puncture bites just by the mere presence of an intact male.
Each dog is unique and its socialization skills, breed etc. will certainly define its behavior in public.
In summary, if your unneutered puppy or dog is a housedog and you don't take him/her on walks to unfamiliar settings/venues etc., then basically, leaving your dog intact should pose no problem. The decision to keep your dog intact should also be made with your veterinarian since allowing your young dog to mature physically before neutering or spaying is an important consideration. But, if you are taking your intact dog into public and/or unfamiliar social settings –I would highly recommend neutering. In general, neutering and spaying insures a more calm life for you, your dog, and other dogs and their owners in the neighborhood –fewer surprises, less stress.
How do I find a good breeder and how is puppy training involved once a puppy has been born?
To begin, my definition of a good dog breeder is:
- a person who raises puppies and facilities birth successfully.
- someone who is concerned with the health and training environment of a newborn litter and their parents,
- maintains a clean environment.
- facilities raising puppies that are friendly
- they limit the variety they offer
- they are knowledgeable about their dogs.
They DO NOT always have puppies available.
That’s only the short list, but finally….
Look for breeders who do those things because they know that raising a litter of puppies for 8 weeks and caring for their mother correctly takes a lot of time, effort, love, space, and money
Over the years I’ve found that responsible breeders typically, but not always, sell directly to pet owners. Responsible pet owners typically, but not always, take their time deciding on their breeder, their type of dog, and trainer.
How do I find a good trainer and whom should I take advice from?
There are excellent dog trainers and, sadly, some real lemons, with little experience, no certified instruction in dog training, etc. –just eager to make a buck in a professional field that is highly unregulated.
A lot of what a pup needs is common sense –lots of love, care, attention, good food, exercise, a clean pen and a sense of security but after that, honestly, there are formative behavioral and socialization milestones that only a professional will be keenly aware of and can successfully teach you and your pup in the short window a pup is most open to learning. If you miss the "window" of optimal learning for a dog (starting at 8 to 12 weeks), all poor behaviors will ingrain deeply and take mighty effort to later correct.
If you have a beloved adult dog with a behavioral problem that presents a risk factor for your dog, other dogs, or family…. seek out an Animal Behaviorist who possesses a graduate-level education in ethnology,
learning theory, comparative psychology, biology, zoology, and animal science.