The Aussies 2019 - Members version

Should you get your dog neutered?
In Australian Terriers and other breeds where the
numbers are in decline, many of the breeders will not
want certain dogs neutered. They could be at the
centre of the future of the breed. This is not just the
dogs desDned for the ring, but there are many
companion Aussies that have much to contribute to a
breeding programme. Where this is a sensible plan,
breeders will talk about this to the potenDal new
owners. However, not all male dogs are suitable for the
breeding programme and owners are always advised to
check with the breeders to ensure that it would be a
sensible move to allow a dog to be part of someone’s
breeding programme. In some breeds, owners
someDmes think breeding a couple of dogs to get a nice
li2er and to earn some money is a great idea, But it can
go seriously wrong. For the well being of the parents
and the pups it is always essenDal to seek advice.
Some enDre dogs can become aggressive, or ‘swagger’ more
in the presence of other dogs, parDcularly males. This can
create mini aggressive acDons – even from dogs that are
normally not inclined to this behaviour. Quite simply, they are
vying for dominance in the local populaDon. Other males can
get very confused and have been known to try and mate
neutered males and play with them as if they are bitches.
But every dog is different. Some owners, with enDre males,
never see any of these behaviour changes and life goes on as
normal.
However, it's mistaken to think that males will generally be
more affable acer castraDon. Acer all, castraDon only affects
modes of behaviour linked to the sexual hormones.
Aggressive behaviour that can be traced back to a lack of, or
flawed training, or incorrect housing condiDons cannot be
prevented by castraDon.
Some dogs may develop a health issue and it is a no
brainer at the dog should be neutered. Others seek a
male that can be neutered to live with a bitch. They
don’t want pups and the operaDon on the male is less
intrusive. Although, some owners readily admit that
their bitches do egg on even neutered males and
although there can be no pups, the dogs are sDll
extremely interested!
Dogs ulDmately don't learn obedience through an operaDon.
If you have problems with your male dog, you should first
find out what is causing its aggression. CastraDon can only
provide a remedy if your dog's aggressive behaviour is
directly linked to its sex drive. In order to tackle general
behavioural disorders like territorial aggression, or
relaDonship problems, castraDon is certainly not a suitable
opDon.
There are instances where neutering for health and well Incidentally, the male's so-called hypersexuality expressed by
being is the right thing to do.
it trying to mount objects and mime sexual intercourse is no
reason for castraDon to take place. You can discourage such
behaviour with consistent training measures and lots of
physical acDvity.
Veterinary Advice
Some owners find that their vets are very keen to
neuter dogs and bitches for that ma2er, who are purely
pets and wont be used in any breeding programme.
They can be very persuasive and can make owners feel
irresponsible and uncaring should they say NO.
It is essenDal that an owner looks at the reason and
results of any neutering. It might be a comparaDvely
easy operaDon in a male, but it is sDll an operaDon and
if there is no reason for it, then an owner has to
consider why they should put a dog through the
experience. The decision has to be yours and it is
important to look at the whole picture before making
it.
What are the behavioural advantages?
The two major advantages to behaviour are the removal
of sexual urge and in many instances reducDon in
aggression when linked to the sex drive. If an enDre
male dog gets a scent of a bitch in heat, he can have a
personality change. He could start licing his leg in the
house; he could bark more; he could be anxious, stop
eaDng, go deaf to commands on walks – there are a
string of reacDons. Some do lead to the dog wanDng to
go and find where the bitch lives. Some bitch owners
are unaware of how walking in public places throughout
their bitch’s season can make life very complicated for
male dog owners.
Neutering does not fundamentally change their character.
Neutered dogs lose neither their spirit nor their intelligence
and are every bit as acDve as their ‘enDre’ counterparts. So,
they are just the same, with a few rough edges smoothed off
when it comes to girls!.
What are the medical benefits of neutering?
The huge health benefits of castraDon are that it u2erly
eliminates the chance of tesDcular and prostate tumours and
the chances of hormonal (testosterone) dependent diseases
– like anal adenomata. These problems could significantly
impact on your dog’s health, so removing them from the
equaDon can make sense.
What are the disadvantages?
Body parts that aren't directly linked to sexuality can also be
subject to change acer neutering. For instance, groomers and
breeders who see their neutered dogs ocen comment on a
change in the hair structure acer the procedure. The
undercoat becomes thicker and overruns the shiny top hair,
so that the coat appears duller and unkempt.