This isnt really a health "issue".. but I didnt know where else to put it.

Next week Im having my girl spayed (she will be almost 7 months- I know dogs are spayed sooner in the US, but here they are spayed closer to 8 months - regardless, she hasnt had her 1st heat cycle, so its all good. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> )

Im curious - anyone have opinions on whether or not spaying calms a dog down? They say neutering does.. but spaying?

Ive seen yes and nos on this subject, and am looking for personal thoughts based on personal experiences.. or those of someone you know.

Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

PS, I did search through some of these threads with 'spaying' mentioned and I didnt see this addressed specifically - mostly it was discussions about other health issues and depression in heat cycles..

Im mostly curious to know if you all think it will calm a hyper female. Not spaying in hopes of this - just wondering if I met get lucky and see it happen anyway.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Spaying doesn't calm a dog down UNLESS the reason for the hyper behavior is due to hormones, cystic ovaries or false pregnancies, etc..

Females spayed (and males who are neutered) at a young age tend to remain more "puppyish" in appearance and behavior due to not having the same hormone make up as intact dogs..

Hyper dogs are usually dogs that don't get enough exercise , in my experience and every dog has a different activity requirement... I have several Malinois so I consider myself an expert on this! Tired dogs are usually not hyper, intact or spayed. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

Spaying doesn't calm a dog down UNLESS the reason for the hyper behavior is due to hormones, cystic ovaries or false pregnancies, etc.. .....Hyper dogs are usually dogs that don't get enough exercise , in my experience

Part 2 of this is an opinion that I cheer whenever I see it in "print," because SO many dog issues are minimized and even eliminated by plenty of structured exercise! C.E.R. has had more experience, I'm sure, than I, but I have had enough to know that.

Part 1 is the generally accepted veterinary opinion, too, as far as I know.

For example, at http://www.veterinarypetcare.com/dogspayandneuter.html
we read this: "Apart from sexual activity, spaying has no effect on a female's temperament. A bitch will not be ruined for obedience training or hunting." (END QUOTE)

Thanks for the input! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


I should specify, the hyperactivity that Im referring to is more the excitement when someone comes over the house. Even when they come in and ignore her for 10 minutes and remain calm and quiet, no drama or anything.. shes ready to pop. Her tail wags so much its a wonder she doesnt knock herself over.. lol... (and yes, I do realize this means she's not 'trained' yet.... we're working on it.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )

When we are alone, when I come home, when the bf comes home, she sits calmly and waits to be acknowledged. (this was a huge step, when she finally managed it!! took weeks! you can see her bubbling, but she manages to sit still..!)

IMHO, she gets plenty of excerise. She gets 2 hours of solid exercise every morning, rain or shine, playing fetch and running her exuberance off. She comes home tired, sprawls across the floor for a few hours and is ready to do it all over again by evening. And then we walk (very briskly) for more than 2.5 miles before bed. Same results as above.

And thats not including the handful of 30 minute walks she gets in between for pottying.

I dont know if you consider her to be at a 'very young age' right now, but I want it done before her first heat cycle to ensure a marginal risk of cancer..so next week it is. She will be 7 months.

I know where you all are coming from and I appreciate the opinons - I was just curious as to whether or not any owners felt they saw a change (for better or worse) in their dogs activity level after spaying, despite mainstream veterinary opinion stating it doesnt have any effect..

But like I said, Im not spaying her in hopes of that!

Thanks again <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />