Hello Hp'ers,
I have a male dog and there are un-neutered females nearby who are forever in season. So,,,,it is a constant challenge, as he is a rampant fellow, and an extremely sensitive sense of smell! However, these owners nearby not only have several females but also males. Quite a pack. They fight over the girls :(. Our Jack escaped, and came back having been given quite a battering.
As is often the case, our Jack the Lad goes on the prowl.
I have wanted to have him neutered for a long time, he is about 5 now...but OH refuses, saying it will make no difference to his ardour (my words not his;)).
Have you found that neutering your male dog has reduced their natural urges and interest at all?
Absolutely. Both male and females changed temperament after neutering. I wouldn't hesitate. Tell your OH to relax - it's not him being 'done'! (Although my husband said he felt closer to our old boy after he'd had his vasectomy!!)
It can take a few months to notice the difference but it does calm them down. Also, if you're not breeding from him then you will also be lowering the chances of him getting "male" cancers later on.
My Dad had his springer spaniels done and the difference was more apparent in the bitch, the dog didn't seem to change that much.
It's funny to watch the dogs chase after the bitches when in season, they're such flirts!
Well, it is a frequent occurance as one female after another are in season....some still feeding pups, when another cycle arrives.
I have quite an upsetting day TBH. He came back badly injured, I have nursed him, and he is recovering well but it is upsetting to see. His rear legs were badly bitten, being attacked by three dogs!
He hurts, I weep! We have had to lock him in a pen in the past for his own safety.
I think I will have him neutered and tell OH after the event. I am not chancing the little fella going through all this again.
Just to add....little fella's a bit brighter this morning but still cannot really walk properly, and licking his wounds.
However,,,OH took him outside for a piddle this morning..and the little sod still tried to head for the neighbours "itches! (Don't expect our Jack the Lad had thought this out properly...if he can hardly walk how does he think he might possibly mount????....:rolleyes:)
I'd go ahead, Fleur. If there's any chance of saving him from going through such a bad time again then what have you got to lose. (OK so he's got something to lose - but it will be for his own good.)
xxx
My Dad got his springers done reluctantly just recently after years of letting them be natural..some times I think it's sad to alter with their bodies and to interfere with nature, but just as there can be over crowding with people (like we are currently experiencing in Britain) the same theory applies to animals I guess, and of course it does calm them down and other benefits. It's always a sad experience walking round the RSPCA, and other re homing centre and seeing the amount of unwanted/abandoned animals, I find it very sad.
I doubt it'll make much difference to him roaming - as at his age, it'll be a habit by now. However it is still most definitely in his best interests to get him neutered. Just dont expect miracles, as he's been doing it for 4 years now, it'll take more than neutering to stop a learned behaviour. I'd look into raising the fence too 😉
It stopped one of our past dogs seeking out female company, but he was much younger than your boy at about 18 months old. He would jump our 6ft fence, he tried once after neutering (very soon after) and realised it hurt when he tried, never did it again.:D