Facts About Spaying and Neutering

Millions of dogs are euthanized each year because they are not wanted. Unless you are planning on breeding your hunting dog, you should be sure to get dogs neutered and bitches spayed. There are many myths about spaying and neutering that need to be dispelled. They include a conception that the personality of the dog will change, that the dog will be less aggressive, that the dog will be obese or lazy. These are not true. There is no reason at all not to spay or neuter your hunting dog unless you plan to breed If you do plan to breed, you should do so responsibly.

With so many unwanted animals, it does not make sense not spay or neuter your dogs. The myth that spaying or neutering changes the personality of the dog is just that - a myth. The reason people believe this is because spaying or neutering is usually done around 6 months of age, the time of puberty in a dog. This is a time when the dog will have a change of personality anyway. He will be come less playful and high strung at this stage of his life as he nears adulthood. This is not due to the spaying or neutering, but because of his nature.

Another myth is that females should be able to have one litter before spaying as it will make them a better animal. This is not true, either. There is no evidence that a female will be gentler when they have a litter. They will still have the same personality as a dog displays indifference towards their offspring at about 8 weeks of age.

Dog that are neutered are less aggressive. This is another myth. Aggression is a personality trait, not one that has anything to do with neutering. Your dog will still be an active hunting companion when you are in the field if he is neutered. In fact, the scent of female dogs who may not be spayed will be less distracting for him. The same rule applies for bitches. They do not go in heat and are not a distraction for the other dogs. If anything, neutering and spaying makes dogs better hunting companions.

There is the problem of obesity. Dogs tend to eat more if they are spayed or neutered. But obesity can easily be rectified by making sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise and, if necessary, a little less of the pet food. Being aware of this concept can help you help your dog avoid obesity after spaying or neutering.

A responsible hunter should make sure that his dog is spayed or neutered. Remember, when your dog gets out, it can sire or breed litters of puppies that are not wanted. The result of a dog getting out is often a mixed litter that are usually only good for pets. With so many dogs in shelters and even wandering the streets, you are only adding to the problem if you do not spay or neuter your canine hunting companion.

Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to bird dogs. Visit their site for more information on training bird dogs and hunting dog supplies including a wide variety of dog leads, shooting glasses, and Marshall Radio dog tracking collars.