I (we) support rescues, hold adoption events, teach fosters how to foster "better", and pour into the dog world every day. This is about education, nothing else. It just needs to be said.
We have a HUGE problem with irresponsible pet owners allowing their dogs to breed - by not caring, not knowing, and even some that do it because they think they want puppies. The problem is many of those cute puppies do not meet standards of the breed (which is incredibly important, and why well-bred puppies actually cost what they do). Inconvenient FACT: being AKC registered does not mean quality, it means lineage is traceable, but means absolutely nothing beyond that. I will also include a picture of a German Shepherd puppy from a pet store that is registered with either UKC or AKC. It is a shame what irresponsible people are selling, even commercially.
When we look at the roaming dogs, hoarding dogs we really need to consider they may be interbreeding which poses even more issues for the offspring they produce, that nobody wants to talk about. Yes, they can have mental deficiencies! We rescue these pups, then "fix" them, and place them in homes, blindly; with zero idea of what issues they might have. We only know the new owners want to provide love and care. Many do, many become frustrated and send their pup back to the rescue or shelter. I've seen some dogs returned several times. It should make you question why. It should make you cry. It should make you sick to your stomach to know this inncoent animal has been bounced around so much, and had been so misunderstood.
For those that are being "responsible", please quit saying you "fixed" your dog. There was nothing wrong with your dog being intact! It came into the world that way. Irresponsible humans need to be FIXED.
Neutering a male dog DOES NOT STOP AGGRESSION, MARKING, WANDERING...it stops procreation. Anything beyond stopping procreation of unwanted puppies is just not good science. Sure, you CAN reduce the chances of testicular cancer by not having testicles, but you can also reduce heart disease by not having a heart!
Do you know what early spay and neuter does? It robs the dog of needed hormones for mental and physical development. It can cause brain issues from the sedation, leading to seizures later in life. It can cause incontinence in females. It can cause unwanted weight gain due to the lack of hormones for regulating the system. One local veterinarian I spoke with before posting this also suggested the increase in bone cancers in dogs that are spayed early. It is a difficult discussion, for sure, but one that needs to be had.
In male dogs, it EMASCULATES them. I've attached a definition for reference. An emasculated male dog is more likely to act inappropriately with humping behaviors because it is, for the lack of a better word, lost. They are often times weak in character, which can pose some behavioral issues for their owners. Not all neutered males have issues, but many do, especially with very early neutering. Next time you see an early neutered male, compare his penis size to that of an intact adult male dog. Ask yourself if it matters. I will tell you, it does.
From Miriam Webster:
Definition of emasculate
transitive verb
1: to deprive of strength, vigor, or spirit : WEAKEN 2: to deprive of virility or procreative power : CASTRATE
Synonyms for emasculate UNNERVE, ENERVATE, UNMAN, EMASCULATE mean to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action. UNNERVE implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act. unnerved by the near collision ENERVATE suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort. a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure UNMAN implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit. a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle EMASCULATE stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential. an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards
So, how do we make it better and still stop procreation? Train your dog. Care for your dog. Watch over your dog properly. In short... BE RESPONSIBLE. Puberty is around 7-10 months in males. Neuter post puberty, at 12-15 months. Spay after the first heat cycle which comes typically between 7-14 months.
I'm trying to be logical and sensible when I say this, not condemning or judgmental. If the mess is too much for you to deal with for one heat cycle, perhaps getting a female pup isn't for you. If the responsibility to do training & exposure, and govern is too much, perhaps you shouldn't get a dog. Really examine what it takes to raise a dog, especially one with possible issues you may not see for a long time (different drives can creep up after 12 months or so, as well as the last fear stage being between 6 and 14 months). It must be considered that you are actually taking away the natural tools that were provided for your dog to deal with many issues including behavioral problems. Whichever path you choose, be responsible.
