Dog Obedience Training

What is the best age to neuter a dog

Deciding to neuter the dog or not is a difficult decision for a dog owner. Dog owners have varied reasons for neutering the dog but the most common reason is to reduce the population of unwanted and homeless dogs. It is a dog owner’s responsibility to make sure that the pet would not contribute to the population of stray dogs.

To neuter a dog, a small incision is made on the skin to remove the testicles to prevent the dog from reproducing. Neutering though is not done solely for the prevention of reproduction as dog experts attest that this surgical procedure give the dog a healthier, happier and longer life. Healthier – because a neutered dog will not be open to the risk of testicle cancer. The hormone level of a neutered dog is controlled thus bad behavior that is associated with mood swings will be controlled as well. Neutering is said to give a dog longer life as aside from minimizing the risks for some health concerns, neutered dogs have no inclination to roam thus accidents that can lead to the death of the pet is avoided.

The benefits of neutering a dog is established but dog owners still have doubts on the right time to have the pet neutered . Neutering has many unfounded beliefs. Many owners believe that if the dog is neutered at an early age the physical development as well as the personality of the dog will be affected.

Dogs are affectionate and playful by nature but if a dog is neutered before it has reached sexual maturity, the procedure will have a negative impact on the admirable qualities that make dogs wonderful companions. Dog experts refute the veracity of these beliefs. The dog’s personality and physical development will not be affected if the dog is neutered before it has attained puberty. When is the right time to have the pet neutered?

Actually, a dog can be neutered at any age but of course this does not apply to newborn puppies. A pet owner would learn from the breeder the age of the dog but if the pet was obtained from a shelter considering the right age for neutering would not be possible. The neutering procedure can be done on a dog at any age providing the testicles have descended but as the primary reason for neutering is to prevent reproduction, it would be best if the dog is neutered before it has attained sexual maturity. Dog experts generally recommend neutering at 6 months of age especially for small breeds that reach puberty early. Dog experts recommend neutering large breeds at about 1 year of age as Great Danes, GSD and other large dogs take longer to mature sexually.