Neutering Dogs — The Whole Picture: Pros, Cons, and the Right Time

It’s one of the most frequent and emotionally charged questions I’m asked:“Should I have my dog neutered — and when is the right time?”

Whether you share your life with a bouncy young male or a gentle young bitch, the decision to neuter (castrate or spay) is a big one. It’s not just a medical procedure; it’s a choice that can influence your dog’s body, emotions, and behaviour for years to come.

My aim here is to help you understand both sides of the story — so you can make a calm, informed decision that fits your dog’s individual needs, not just general advice.

🌿 What Neutering Actually Means

• Castration removes the testicles of a male dog, stopping the production of sperm and reducing the hormone testosterone.

• Spaying removes the ovaries (and sometimes the uterus) of a bitch, stopping her seasons and eliminating the risk of pregnancy.

Both procedures prevent reproduction, but they also remove the sex hormones that influence growth, confidence, muscle tone, and behaviour.

Hormones don’t just drive mating — they play a quiet, crucial role in helping dogs mature both physically and emotionally.

🌟 The Possible Benefits of Neutering

1. Preventing unwanted litters The most obvious advantage — no accidental puppies. With rescues already overflowing, this can feel like a socially responsible choice.

2. Reduced risk of certain health conditions

• Castration removes the risk of testicular cancer and reduces prostate disease.

• Spaying prevents life-threatening womb infections (pyometra) and ovarian cancer, and greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumours if done before repeated seasons.

3. Fewer hormone-driven behaviours Castration can lessen roaming, marking, mounting, and constant interest in bitches. Spaying can prevent distressing false pregnancies and hormonal mood swings.

4. Simpler household managementIn homes with mixed sexes, neutering removes the stress of keeping dogs apart during seasons or managing frustrated behaviour.

5. A more stable hormonal balance for some dogs Certain dogs become calmer and less restless once their hormone levels settle, especially those that find seasons or sexual frustration overwhelming.

6. Living with a bitch in season can be a messy process that lasts 21 days.

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   ⚖️ The Possible Downsides

1.   Confidence and emotional development Testosterone, oestrogen, and progesterone help shape emotional resilience. If a dog is anxious, reactive, or still finding their confidence, removing these hormones too early can heighten fearfulness, sensitivity, or reactivity.

In short — neutering does not “cure” behaviour problems. In some cases, it can make them worse if done too soon.

2. Physical growth and joint health These hormones also influence bone density and muscle development.Early neutering can result in lighter muscle tone, longer limbs, and, in large breeds, a greater risk of joint issues later in life.

3. Weight and coat changes Many dogs gain weight more easily after neutering, so diet and exercise must be carefully managed. Coat texture can also alter — often becoming thicker or fluffier, especially in breeds like spaniels, setters, collies, retrievers and all the long coated breeds.

4. Possible urinary incontinence in bitches This is uncommon but can occur, particularly if spayed too young. It is usually manageable but important to consider.

5. Behavioural habits remain Behaviours that have become learned patterns — such as humping, barking, or guarding — won’t disappear simply because hormones have changed. These need calm, consistent behavioural training alongside any physical change.

🕰️ Finding the Right Time

There is no universal age that suits every dog. The right timing depends on breed, size, temperament, and confidence level.

As a general guide:

• Small breeds: often mature around 12 months; neutering may be considered after this point.

• Medium breeds: around 15–18 months.

• Large and giant breeds: ideally between 18–24 months, once both body and mind are fully developed.

For anxious or reactive dogs, I sometimes suggest waiting longer and focusing first on building calmness and confidence.

If you’re uncertain, ask your vet about chemical castration (Suprelorin) — a reversible implant that mimics castration’s effects for a few months. It’s a safe way to observe how your dog might respond before making a permanent choice.

For bitches, I recommend waiting until at least after their first season, often their second for large breeds. This allows the hormones to support proper physical and emotional growth before being removed. I always have my bitches spayed when they pass the age I might breed from them, around 5 or 6, as the incidence of life-threatening womb infections (pyometra) increases with age, and this avoids what would be (expensive) major surgery in an older bitches.

🌸 When Waiting is the Kinder Choice

If your dog is still unsure of the world, struggles around other dogs, or shows fear-based behaviours, rushing into neutering can unintentionally make life harder for them.

Give them time to grow in confidence, teach them to feel safe, and allow those natural hormones to do their job before taking them away. When they’re emotionally balanced and physically mature, the decision becomes clearer — and kinder.

💬 My Advice as a Behaviourist

Before deciding, ask yourself why you’re considering it.

• Is it for health?

• Convenience?

• Behavioural reasons?

Talk with both your vet and a behaviour professional who knows your dog personally. Between you, you can weigh the health benefits against your dog’s emotional needs.

There’s no shame in waiting — and no rush to decide. The most compassionate choice is the one made with understanding, not habit.

❤️ In Summary

Neutering can bring genuine benefits — for health, population control, and in some cases, behaviour. But it’s not automatically the “right” thing for every dog, nor should it be done by the calendar.

Each dog deserves to be seen as an individual: body, mind, and heart. When we honour that, we make choices that truly support their lifelong wellbeing.

If you’d like help deciding what’s best for your dog, you can complete my online questionnaire at Getting to know your dog at thedogcalmer or contact me directly for one-to-one guidance.

🐾 Avril Munson — Clinical Canine Behaviourist📞 07505 277374 ✉️ avril@thedogcalmer.com

Helping dogs and their people find calm, understanding, and trust.