I would only neuter as a cure, never as a prevention. There are many ways to prevent diseases/puppies/behavioural problems. Proper training, proper nutrition (raw food with the necessary supplements), proper veterinary care (no annual vaccines, but frequent checkups, etc.), and proper containment of a dog is more vital than cutting his nuts off. I shudder when I see people proudly proclaiming that their dogs don't need sexual hormones or that the neutering never affected their dog. I always wonder how they know. Can their dogs talk to them and say, "Hey, no big deal!"? Instead of 'cutting things out' and hoping it solves the problem, why not look at the dog as a whole and see how he functions and try to give him the best in the world? You can give your dogs healthy food to 'prevent cancer', and your bitch can get a hysterectomy instead...there are cases when the neuter and spay thing is essential, but not for everyone IMHO.

 Quote:

but with zero sexual outlet?

Why else do you think dogs lick themselves?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

 Quote:

but with zero sexual outlet?

Why else do you think dogs lick themselves?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I know why. "Because they can!" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

 Quote:

 Quote:

but with zero sexual outlet?

Why else do you think dogs lick themselves?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I know why. "Because they can!" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I hate to say this but...exactly. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I don't want to go into detail on what my male dogs will do when they're left 'alone' to themselves. Just like teenage boys. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Again, if the animal is kept and confined properly, why should 'accidental breedings' be a problem? It's responsibility for your animals that should be the focus, not 'just' spay or neuter.

Also, I would like to add, I respect the opinion of someone who chooses to neuter or spay their pet, i.e. I do not hound them with information after information in the hopes of making them change their mind. I've done my share of research on my part, have taken my responsibilities, and have decided on what's best for my dogs. I really think an argument on something like this between caring dog owners is unecessary--our efforts should be spent on teaching people proper dog care (as a whole). In the end, shouldn't this be what matters? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

 Quote:

.......here are cases when the neuter and spay thing is essential, but not for everyone IMHO.

Please read this thread about neutering:

http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/showf...rue#Post4154070

Sorry...I just have to ask why you're assuming I'm breeding/planning to breed pet dogs.

 Quote:

All the statistics and percentages my vet gave me when he advised me to neuter my dog as a pup don't mean squat to me, to me these things are training issues.

On the leg-lifting in the house, I agree totally. With not neutering at all, I definitely disagree. I would not neuter at an early age because the lack of testosterone causes bone plates to elongate, resulting in a tall, gangly dog; but when you are faced with a serious prostate infection and the near death of your dog, you might wish you'd neutered and spared him that. Believe me, you haven't lived until you've had to pass a catheter on a very uncomfortable 80 pound dobie because his prostate is so swollen he can't pee! Luckily my guy was a very forgiving dog, and we got him through it, but in retrospect, I wish I had him "fixed" after he sired his last litter. In a case of prostatitis, you really have no choice but to neuter. Our little "ankle-biters" (Affenpinscher, Malti-poo and Schipperke X) are all neutered/spayed, as is my Weimaraner bitch. The only intact dog on the place is our new GSD bitch. For me, if a dog is not going to be bred, why not cut his chances of testicular tumors and prostate problems to zero and neuter after his physical development is complete? Heck get him some "neuticals" if you want to keep up appearances! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

....I respect the opinion of someone who chooses to neuter or spay their pet, i.e. I do not hound them with information after information in the hopes of making them change their mind......our efforts should be spent on teaching people proper dog care (as a whole). In the end, shouldn't this be what matters? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes, it should.

Glad we can agree on that then. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

Marion, are you saying you leave your 6 yr. old pitbull "guard dog" outside unattended so it could "take off for days", to roam if it feels like it? If that's the case, you've likely got bigger problems to worry about than spay/neueter questions. You'll benefit from reading the articles on this site. If i see a stray, i consider it a dangerous dog. It's amazing to me that some people just don't get it, because it's their dog, AL

Marion -

Neutered or not please contain your dog, most especially a pit bull....we are fighting for their existance, a free running pit is an accident waiting to happen and news story waiting to be aired, the fact that a pit is being used as a guard dog troubles me a bit as well....hopefully you mean alert dog, my pits could be led off by a stranger with waggy tails and happy faces (the proper people temperment).