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Post by chantrelle on Mar 4, 2014 19:55:23 GMT 1
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Post by julz on Mar 4, 2014 22:15:01 GMT 1
Why don't you give it another 3 months or so, and re-asses it.. would be worth finding out if his daddy or granddad had any problems if you can (on the aggression front or health)
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Post by gwenoakes on Mar 4, 2014 22:54:39 GMT 1
Clare my daughter has a male GSD puppy and she was speaking to the vet last week about castration. His advise was 'if' his behaviour warranted it then do it. By behaviour he meant humping etc, but if not then dont and if she had it done definitely not until he had stopped growing which in his case would be around 2 years old.
I really detest the myth that a dog will put on weight after being 'done', whether male or female. The ONLY reason a dog or bitch puts on weight is if the owners allow it to. Cut down on the food, increase the exercise and no problems.........simples.
There is also some information out about injections for parvo etc in dogs which states that if vets say your dog needs booster injections each year they are actually breaking the law. From what I remember, Clare has all the details, you have the initial injections, then you can either do yearly for 3 yrs and get a blood test, or after the first year you get a blood test which tells whether your dog has immunity to all the diseases. It says all vets are able to do this test on site and some dogs have had life long immunity from just a few years boosters after the initial start.
I am not clevr enough to put this info on here but my other daughter is coming on Fri and if I remember will ask her to put it up.
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auburnalia
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Post by auburnalia on Mar 4, 2014 23:09:50 GMT 1
Thanks guys.
I too have waited until he has stopped growing, I do like to ask why before doing anything and lots have said to wait until fully grown so 2 was my thinking too, hence the decision now.... interesting what claires vet said, same as my behaviourist* when I asked her... she has two entire males who live in perfect harmony.
I think maybe you're right Julz, if in doubt do nothing! He is still quite bouncy and full of beans but I do think thats just him, I can't see that changing by chopping off his manhood? And anyway I'll never truely know!!
*edited to say I don't mean "my" behaviourist, I don't think I need one (yet!!)... she was Tia's and we keep in touch as I value her advice.
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auburnalia
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Post by auburnalia on Mar 4, 2014 23:14:03 GMT 1
Gwen, I know what you're trying to say re injections and had heard that myself... be nice if kennels/dog walkers etc could get up to date as currently they wont take your dog without an up to date vaccination card... same as kennel cough, I've never vaccinated against that as it doesn't prevent it!! Waste of time totally! Always worth asking: why?!
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heidi
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Post by heidi on Mar 4, 2014 23:27:01 GMT 1
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Post by julz on Mar 5, 2014 11:41:50 GMT 1
Tara used to get Kennel Cough all the time if she didn't have the vaccine... until I knew there was a yearly one she would have the 6monthly ones, then get another dose of KC, we had to wait til she was over it before she could have another dose of the vaccine... while she was on the vaccine, she never developed kennel cough.. since she has had the yearly dose (one dose) she's never had kennel cough again. If your dog is prone to kennel cough I think the vaccine is worth it as it can break the cycle. Proof enough for me.
as for the other vaccines.. you know im a walker.. dogs in my care need to have their boosters as my insurance deems it. I think some insurance companies won't insure your dog without them.
Vaccines on cats.. I had mine done every year as both had cat flu as kittens.. they weren't allowed out until they were in full health which was around 6 months old. For kendra esp she had to have it every year as at the end of the course you could see the disease returning.. she stopped having them at 8yrs old because of the stress (she hated vets) and because she rarely went out. Salem no longer has them as he's nearly 13 and I personally don't think he needs it anymore. he never had cat flu as bad as she did
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Post by julz on Mar 5, 2014 11:46:51 GMT 1
I think maybe you're right Julz, if in doubt do nothing! LOL this reminded me of the time my sister was learning to drive a car (she had a motorbike licence) she was unsure weather to go at a roundabout and thought about it too long, then decided she would... her instructor used his brake and pointed out a car that would have hit because she took too long... his advice was,... If in doubt... STOP!
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Post by julz on Mar 5, 2014 11:49:38 GMT 1
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Post by kristine on Mar 7, 2014 19:09:47 GMT 1
It shouldn't change his personality... but it seems like on some dogs, it changes them for the better. I agree with keeping them intact (horses too) until sexual maturity. Sexual maturity gives the structures a chance to develop as they are meant to... and theres speculation that this will eliminate some of the urinary problems males dogs and horses can develop. I believe this to be true, although I don't fault rescues who spay/neuter everything that walks through the door. Its the best they can do against a tidal wave of unwanted pets. I have an intact male Kelpie who is pretty studly. It a pain dealing with him sometimes, although he's not aggressive and fairly well trained, the urge for him to mark everything is there. I don't give him run of the house because of this, but he is crated inside. He might be good enough to breed, but it hasn't happened yet. If it weren't for that, I'd take him to the vets with no hesitation. To my thinking, a neutered dog has the potential to be a happier dog because the desire to wander for ladies is eliminated, and its a little safer to turn him out with the other dogs to play. In this area, if your dog gets out and is picked up by animal control, you face an additional fine for un-neutered pets. You are a responsible dog owner... and your dog seems very happy, well trained and content. Its a tough decision, esp. if your boy behaves so nice that he doesn't give you a reason to get him cut! Your twins are beautiful, too! They are lucky to have a good dog buddy to grow up around
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Post by jackiedo on Mar 7, 2014 19:32:47 GMT 1
My old Lab russ was castrated because I have entire bitches, and nothing else. His behavior was fine, he was not aggressive, I just did not want any accidents. his coat has gone soft and he perpetually moults, he also has tumors elsewhere, but we are managing his condition with drugs and blood tests, the most troublesome is on his throat. If your dog is no problem, why worry? naturally in packs not all dogs would rise to the status where they could mate.
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auburnalia
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Post by auburnalia on Mar 14, 2014 22:00:22 GMT 1
Well, Hugo has had a reprieve. I've cancelled his castration. I'll not hesitate if his behaviour changes but he's just so perfect as he is I'm going to leave it and face the future when the future happens.... Charlotte has started crawling so I took down the room divider So she could move about, I was worried Hugo being so big would knock them over but he's been amazing, so so so gentle. Licks them a lot but hey ho. He so doesn't need his manhood to go. I am so pleased with how lovely he is with the girls. I am very lucky!!
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Post by julz on Mar 16, 2014 16:59:51 GMT 1
Don't worry about Hugo licking the girls.. Out of dogs, cats and human's, dogs have the cleanest mouths.. humans have the worst
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