 Neutering Male Dog for Service Work?
#353465 - 01/12/2012 09:25 PM |
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I have a male GSD that is now 13 months. In march he will be going away for 2-3 months for training with VetDogs for me. I talked to the breeder/trainer who will be working with the dog and he recommends that I get my dog neutered. Stating "This will help keep him from becoming aggressive". I know that the discussion here is usually regarding Competition and Police dogs. This dog is to be used for assistance in mobility, balance, etc.
Advice and discussion please.
-Ken
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Re: Neutering Male Dog for Service Work?
[Re: Ken Eric ]
#353470 - 01/13/2012 12:05 AM |
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Aggression can be genetic or a learned behavior. Training is much more important then if the dog has his nads on not.
Base you decision on nutting or not on what you want and don't let someone else influence your decision.
As to sending the dog away for training.......I'm not big on that.
The person doing the training will have control over the dog. That doesn't mean that you will. Is there a follow up where YOU learn how to work with the dog? That's critical IMO.
old dogs LOVE to learn new tricks |
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Re: Neutering Male Dog for Service Work?
[Re: Bob Scott ]
#353476 - 01/13/2012 09:07 AM |
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As to sending the dog away for training.......I'm not big on that.
The person doing the training will have control over the dog. That doesn't mean that you will. Is there a follow up where YOU learn how to work with the dog? That's critical IMO.
I agree, if no follow up I would not do it. Is there not a club or local trainer so YOU will be the one the dog is working for?
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Re: Neutering Male Dog for Service Work?
[Re: Ken Eric ]
#353477 - 01/13/2012 09:19 AM |
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Is this where he is going for training?
http://vetdogs.org/
I'm guessing he is to learn much more than sit, stay, come.
For what looks like his intended purpose, there is probably no reason to keep him intact.
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Re: Neutering Male Dog for Service Work?
[Re: Ken Eric ]
#353479 - 01/13/2012 09:49 AM |
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I wouldn't think there would be any reason to keep a service dog intact, I'd think removing the potential of such a large distraction would be important for a service dog who's primary focus should always be its partner. At 13 months it's not as bad as some organizations who do the early castration thing. I wouldn't worry about it unless you are specifically concerned about a hip issue (that would prevent the dog being a mobility dog anyway I'd imagine)
That being said doing it because "it will prevent aggression"...really? That sounds like a generic response they just give out, I'll bet if you speak to the trainer they'll tell you something that makes a lot more sense....
Also, isn't it common practice for a service dog to be 100% trained before it ever meets its handler? It sounds like this would be the same thing except that the handler chose the puppy he wanted
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Re: Neutering Male Dog for Service Work?
[Re: Ken Eric ]
#353487 - 01/13/2012 12:05 PM |
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for VetDogs I agree to the cut
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Re: Neutering Male Dog for Service Work?
[Re: Ken Eric ]
#353492 - 01/13/2012 12:28 PM |
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I am with Bob. I think that the decision is yours to make if you want to get your dog neutered. I have a service dog who is neutered because we signed a spay/neutered contract with our breeder. If I had a choice, I probably wouldn't do it.
Did you know that testosterone is NOT the cause of aggression and violence?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091208132241.htm
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right" |
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Re: Neutering Male Dog for Service Work?
[Re: Charlie Snyder ]
#353498 - 01/13/2012 12:51 PM |
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Is this where he is going for training?
http://vetdogs.org/
I'm guessing he is to learn much more than sit, stay, come.
For what looks like his intended purpose, there is probably no reason to keep him intact.
I agree. For service-dog work, the fewer distractions, the better. Testosterone won't make a dog aggressive, but it can certainly increase temperamental intensity in some lines, and the frustration isn't helpful either. While the decision is ultimately an individual one, IMHO neutering can sure simplify things in this case.
Jamie, some service dogs are trained by their handlers, some are raised by them and trained by someone else, some are acquired from organizations. There are all manner of configurations 
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Re: Neutering Male Dog for Service Work?
[Re: Jamie Craig ]
#353499 - 01/13/2012 12:53 PM |
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I wouldn't think there would be any reason to keep a service dog intact, I'd think removing the potential of such a large distraction would be important for a service dog who's primary focus should always be its partner. At 13 months it's not as bad as some organizations who do the early castration thing. I wouldn't worry about it unless you are specifically concerned about a hip issue (that would prevent the dog being a mobility dog anyway I'd imagine)
That being said doing it because "it will prevent aggression"...really? That sounds like a generic response they just give out, I'll bet if you speak to the trainer they'll tell you something that makes a lot more sense....
Agree^^
Not positive, but I think it's common for service dog organizations to wait a little longer to spay/neuter dogs. I think they usually do it after the dog returns to the organization from the puppy raiser (at 12-14 m/o).
FWIW, I think VetDogs is a pretty reputable organization. From everything I've heard about them, I'd trust them to help with the specialized training for a service dog.
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Re: Neutering Male Dog for Service Work?
[Re: Ken Eric ]
#353965 - 01/20/2012 01:11 PM |
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There is a 25 day follow up with the dog at their facility to train me to the dog. This is a abnormal donation. It may save me up to 2 years in the waiting time for a dog. They typically use labs. I wanted a GSD and I wanted to host my own puppy. The downside, is you have to interview and buy your own dog. He is actually quite good, currently working in a minimal capacity to his age and ability. His x-rays are super regarding hips.
He is currently distracted with by my other dog (female, fixed, rescue GSD 10yo). This is surely a pack thing, as she is the boss for now. He has started marking over her pee marks. The trainer highly recommended I use the Leerburg/Ellis DVDs to bring him up from a puppy.
I am waiting to talk to the trainer/breeder again. I see that many of you have some respect for the organization, and that is good to hear. I will let you know what happens. Thanks.
Please Support VetDogs.com
Regards,
Ken
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