To neuter or not?

  • SpinnerDave
    S.E. Iowa
    Posts: 669
    May 8, 2005 at 5:14 am #205106

    My pointer /Shorthair pup is about a year old now and I am thinking about having him neutered . Will this affect his ambition in the field? My other bird dog is a female and I dont need any pups. Both of these fine dogs were from accidental litters. With him left in tact its only a matter of time . Will it affect his desire to hunt?

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    May 8, 2005 at 2:24 pm #6963

    I would definitely have it done. It will probably help him in the field. It calmed my dog down and it also eliminates the risk of testicle cancer.

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    May 8, 2005 at 2:24 pm #361824

    I would definitely have it done. It will probably help him in the field. It calmed my dog down and it also eliminates the risk of testicle cancer.

    grampajimh
    Delmar, IA
    Posts: 255
    May 8, 2005 at 4:46 pm #6964

    As long as he is a year old I would have him neutered. It will make him more manageable.

    grampajimh
    Delmar, IA
    Posts: 255
    May 8, 2005 at 4:46 pm #361842

    As long as he is a year old I would have him neutered. It will make him more manageable.

    tom_gursky
    Michigan's Upper Peninsula(Iron Mountain)
    Posts: 4749
    May 8, 2005 at 9:14 pm #6965

    I agree completely…had my Lab fixed at 6 mos.

    tom_gursky
    Michigan's Upper Peninsula(Iron Mountain)
    Posts: 4749
    May 8, 2005 at 9:14 pm #361855

    I agree completely…had my Lab fixed at 6 mos.

    Jira
    Posts: 517
    May 8, 2005 at 9:15 pm #6966

    Agreed.

    He’s not going to get any birdier, and he’ll listen better in the field. I have a few buddies who think differently and my dog hunts right with theirs… and like 3 weeks ago I helped one guy chase his 4 year old lab between houses and down streets and went home to find mine laying in the front yard, chewing a stick, watching my wife mow.

    Jira
    Posts: 517
    May 8, 2005 at 9:15 pm #361856

    Agreed.

    He’s not going to get any birdier, and he’ll listen better in the field. I have a few buddies who think differently and my dog hunts right with theirs… and like 3 weeks ago I helped one guy chase his 4 year old lab between houses and down streets and went home to find mine laying in the front yard, chewing a stick, watching my wife mow.

    clarkk
    Eagan, MN
    Posts: 174
    May 25, 2005 at 4:30 pm #7546

    Unless you are planning on using him for breeding get him de-nutted. Prey drive has nothing to do with testicles. He’ll hunt whether he has ’em or not. Because he may be less active he may be prone to putting on weight. So make sure you manage his diet so he isn’t carrying excess weight for hunting season. Fat, out of shape dogs on opener lead to disappointments, injuries and sometimes dead dogs.
    Clark

    clarkk
    Eagan, MN
    Posts: 174
    May 25, 2005 at 4:30 pm #364827

    Unless you are planning on using him for breeding get him de-nutted. Prey drive has nothing to do with testicles. He’ll hunt whether he has ’em or not. Because he may be less active he may be prone to putting on weight. So make sure you manage his diet so he isn’t carrying excess weight for hunting season. Fat, out of shape dogs on opener lead to disappointments, injuries and sometimes dead dogs.
    Clark

    fishfry1
    North Hudson, WI
    Posts: 8
    June 2, 2005 at 9:34 pm #7855

    Had my lab fixed @ 6 months. He is always full of energy, and has yet to put on any fat after reaching full size (1 yr old or so – he’s 3 now). Great hunter too, especially loves those pheasants. No worries – do it.

    I used to think unnutting was cruel/unusual punishment but it can keep your dog safe from neighbors who like to shoot dogs that get out and go after some female action…my dad found out the hard way on that one.

    fishfry1
    North Hudson, WI
    Posts: 8
    June 2, 2005 at 9:34 pm #366034

    Had my lab fixed @ 6 months. He is always full of energy, and has yet to put on any fat after reaching full size (1 yr old or so – he’s 3 now). Great hunter too, especially loves those pheasants. No worries – do it.

    I used to think unnutting was cruel/unusual punishment but it can keep your dog safe from neighbors who like to shoot dogs that get out and go after some female action…my dad found out the hard way on that one.

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