Castration or 'neuter surgery' as I've heard it called.

[TheTecknician]

Is this operation now more commonly done than it once was ? I read in a book years ago that vets were reluctant to do the surgery as it could potentially change the dog's character. I guess there has to be a very sound reason for doing it. I know female dogs are routinely spayed, as were ours many years ago after a litter or two of youngsters. We never had any boy pooches.

It seems to be less common now. I've had dogs since I was a child, they were always neutered. I have an 8 year old border collie now,and I am surprised by the amount of people with dogs and bitches not "done". Have been going to the same vet for over 25 years, he always recommend it. Met a lady in the park a few weeks ago, acting furtive, said she was worried because her bitch was in season. When I met my second DH,he had an unspeyed bitch, she used to have phantom pregnancy and rip the carpet up, nesting.

I think vets seem now to regard it as more of a finely balanced decision than they used to - i.e. they don't (for male dogs) push it as the obvious default; they are more careful about encouraging you to look at the individual needs of each dog.

I've noticed that change of attitude in the time between my previous dog's puppyhood and my current dog's youth.

The two dogs that I know have been 'fixed' recently are both in Florida and are both crossbreeds. Perhaps attitudes are different there.

My last dog was neutered at 6 months (20 years ago). This was the norm then. She lived a long and healthy 17 years. Current pup has had one season and will be having another before being spayed. It is still recommended for females after they have had 2 or 3 seasons, depending on size.

Males it is not recommended as a matter of course unless there are physical or behavioural benefits.

It's a personal decision but based on the research I have done, my own experiences as a trainer and the opinions of my vet I am happy that this will be the right decision for my dog going forward.

I think it's more finely balanced for males as the drop in testosterone effects their confidence and can really exacerbate any behaviour problems if not done at the right time.

Plus there is the implant to try it out, so to speak.

For females it's still recommended but not until physically and emotionally mature. We meet in season females on walks - personally I'd not take the risk and we walk in deserted places with dog on a harness and long line when in season but it does seem to be more common than it was.

Needless to say, male cats that haven't been fixed are a whole different business!