Leerburg / Dog Training Articles / Health / Neutering Male Dogs: Should You or Shouldn't You

Neutering Male Dogs: Should You or Shouldn't You

By Ed Frawley

URL Copied!

I get many emails asking if they should neuter their dogs. Neutering animals is an important income stream for many vets, which is why so many vets will advise you to neuter. The fact is unless your male dog is a monorchid (only has one testicle), you should not neuter your dog (male or female).

I used to argue that neutering would cure dominance or aggression problems if the neutering was done before 1 year of age. I have since learned that I was dead wrong. Those people are going to have to read my article on Dealing with a Dominant Dog and follow the directions there.

What Dogs Should Be Neutered

I used to believe that neutering would prevent older male dogs from developing prostate problems. Studies have since proven me wrong on that issue too.

Working dogs that are born with one testicle should be neutered but not until they are 2 years old. If these dogs are not neutered, they run the risk of developing testicular cancer at about 5 years of age. Neutering before 2 years is going to affect the dog's fight drive and working ability. Neutering after 2 years is not going to affect the dog's working ability.

I have come to believe that neutering our dogs causes so many health issues with the dogs that it's simply not worth the risk. Watch the video below and form your own opinion. I can tell you that we don't and won't neuter our dogs.

Dr. Becker: The Truth About Spaying and Neutering

Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, discusses all about neutering or spaying in pets.

Shop Training Supplies

Enroll in Training Courses

About Author

Ed Frawley

Ed Frawley is the founder of Leerburg. He has been training dogs since the 1950s. For 30 years, Ed bred working bloodline German Shepherds and has produced over 350 litters. During this time, Ed began recording dog training videos and soon grew an interest in police service dogs. His narcotic dogs have been involved in over 1,000 narcotics searches resulting in hundreds of arrests in the state of Wisconsin. Ed now solely focuses on producing dog training courses with renowned dog trainers nationwide. If you want to learn more about Ed, read about his history here.