Question on Neutering…
My DDB is a little over a year old . I had originally planned to have him neutered at 18 months but he is becoming too aggressive (constantly showing dominance) to my older Labs who are altered and gets aggressive when people are in sight when walking on a lead. I did take him to obedience and he does an excellent job on the lead as long as there are no other people around, but when we do see someone he’s very intimidating. He growls and barks and the hair on his back stands up, thankfully he does not pull. This is rather embarrassing and not the behavior I want displayed when walking by friends and neighbors.
So I’ve decided to do the deed. In my quick research I found that altered dogs are often taller than non altered dogs.
I was always under the impression that neutering your dog early will stunt their growth. My question is what the definition of “growth?†Does this mean that an altered dog will be taller and leaner vs. unaltered dog will be shorter and heavier?
If I wanted a taller dogue should I neuter sooner?
Thoughts?
Link to one site http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advice-online.com/male-dog-neutering.html
“4. Loss of testosterone as a result of desexing may result in delayed growth plate closure:
Animals that have been desexed early in life (before the age of 12 months) tend to exhibit delayed closure of their growth plates. Growth plates are the cartilage bands located in the ends of the animal's long bones, which are responsible for making the bones grow and elongate during juvenile bone development and formation. As a result of delayed growth plate closure, desexed animals will often be taller and longer in limb than entire male animals. Whether this increase in bone length should be considered a problem or benefit really depends on the individual owner, but some people choose not to desex animals early because of it (i.e. there is a concern that these animals may be more prone to orthopedic injuries).â€
My DDB is a little over a year old . I had originally planned to have him neutered at 18 months but he is becoming too aggressive (constantly showing dominance) to my older Labs who are altered and gets aggressive when people are in sight when walking on a lead. I did take him to obedience and he does an excellent job on the lead as long as there are no other people around, but when we do see someone he’s very intimidating. He growls and barks and the hair on his back stands up, thankfully he does not pull. This is rather embarrassing and not the behavior I want displayed when walking by friends and neighbors.
So I’ve decided to do the deed. In my quick research I found that altered dogs are often taller than non altered dogs.
I was always under the impression that neutering your dog early will stunt their growth. My question is what the definition of “growth?†Does this mean that an altered dog will be taller and leaner vs. unaltered dog will be shorter and heavier?
If I wanted a taller dogue should I neuter sooner?
Thoughts?
Link to one site http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advice-online.com/male-dog-neutering.html
“4. Loss of testosterone as a result of desexing may result in delayed growth plate closure:
Animals that have been desexed early in life (before the age of 12 months) tend to exhibit delayed closure of their growth plates. Growth plates are the cartilage bands located in the ends of the animal's long bones, which are responsible for making the bones grow and elongate during juvenile bone development and formation. As a result of delayed growth plate closure, desexed animals will often be taller and longer in limb than entire male animals. Whether this increase in bone length should be considered a problem or benefit really depends on the individual owner, but some people choose not to desex animals early because of it (i.e. there is a concern that these animals may be more prone to orthopedic injuries).â€