I want to get my dog neutered, boyfriend disagrees! Help!?
I have a 7 month mini dachshund, and i love him dearly! I am planning on getting him neutered in the next few weeks, but my boyfriend doesn't think it's right. I really need some ideas so that I can change his mind! The dog was bought by both of us, belongs to both of us, but lives with me. I bought the dog so that I could have a companion, NOT to breed him. I don't know if he doesn't want to get him neutered because he wants to breed him some day, or if it's just a man-type thing. all I know is he thinks the procedure will hurt our dog. I tried explaining that there are so many puppies & dogs homeless and in shelters, and being put down because of people being irresponsible breeders. If i wanted to be a breeder, I would want to do it responsibly, but I don't know how to even start with that, i don't know what to do, don't have the time, money to put into it. I don't think he understands what a Backyard breeder even is... PLEASE give me ideas of what I can tell him, how i can convince that it is the right thing to do to keep our pup safe and healthy! Thanks... sorry for the rant. lol
2008-10-27T12:35:13Z
Thanks for the advice.
I'm hoping to take him to the SPCA animal shelter to SHOW him all the poor puppies and dogs due to irresponsible breeders. and the health problems might get him to change his mind, because I know he cares about the dog a lot!
I'm definitely getting him neutered, one way or another. I just want his support and not to start a stupid argument.
Thanks every one!!!
Socion2008-10-27T12:33:50Z
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You are correct to want to neuter your dog. In addition to the reasons you listed, your dog's behavior is another. When he reaches sexual maturity, he may develop behaviors such as humping, or running away or being otherwise distractible because he won't be able to think of much else other than finding a mate. Ask your boyfriend how he would like it if HE couldn't do anything about HIS sexual urges...frustrated!
Making a decision to spay a female is probably easier, I guess, because afterward it isn't noticeable that they are missing parts. But really, it doesn't take long to get used to seeing your male dog without his little coconuts....tell bf "life will go on, I promise".
If he lives with you then its you that are going to suffer the consequences of not neutering him, so its you who should decide. It is an easy operation for a male dog, stops him getting cancer, he will live longer and a more healthier life and you will save a fortune in vets bills. You are unlikely to suffer him running away to find any female dog in heat within a 5 mile radius, 'marking' his territory every time he goes for a walk at every corner, he is likely to be a more sociable dog and unless he is a champion and you know about conformation and bloodlines you should not breed. If you want a stud dog then you have one (good or bad) if you want a pet then get him neutered! Why is it always the man who doesn't think it is right, it is not your boyfriend you are asking to be neutered just your dog and at 7 months old get it done now before the dominant nature takes hold. I have to say you won't know anything has been done a few hours after the op as the dog will be up and about and acting as if nothing has happened, except he will have no balls and a much happier , healthier, longer life.
Neutering your dog will prevent testicular cancer. Neutering your dog will curb marking. Neutering will reduce the urge to escape and wander in search of a mate. Neutering may help other behavior problems. Since the dog lives with you, you're the one that has to deal with behavior problems, so you should have a say here. The surgery is minor, done under anesthetic, and most pups are playing again as soon as the anesthetic wears off. The younger they are when neutered the faster they heal.
Maybe in "guy" terms- by keeping him intact and unaltered, he might feel frustrated by not being allowed to breed. Fixing him will allow him to lead a more peaceful, comfortable life. No proof for this, I could just see a guy's mind working this way.
You are absolutely right that neutering is the best thing to help stop pet overpopulation. If your boyfriend prevents you from neutering the dog, he is part of the problem. Please don't let him stop you from being a responsible pet owner. I hope you can convince him.
Most men don't like the thought of "castration" it brings to mind their own manhood, so yes, you will experience resistance. A neutered dog is less likely to escape and wander miles from home, it removes the "roaming" instinct. An unfixed male will travel 10 miles to find a female in heat. It also eliminates testicular and prostate cancer later in life. If you want your little guy to live a long life then neutering is the best thing for him, otherwise come 7 - 9 he'll start to develop tumors and eventually you'd have to get him neutered to stop them [happened to my dads dog at age 9]. It's less painful for him at 7 months to get neutered than it is at 9 years. Also neutering prevents humping of you and your guests, aggression towards other dogs and even people.
Neutering is the healthy thing and the responsible thing to do for your dog.
Tell your boyfriend that a responsible dog owner gets their dog altered.
Or take your b/f to an animal shelter and say this is because the owners didn't bother to spay or neuter their animals and this is what has happened to them. One trip to the shelter is very "unsettling" to anyone, in fact it's darn right heart breaking.
Estimates across the country indicate that over 10 million animals will be humanely euthanized at shelters each year, due to the sheer fact that there are not enough homes. And most of them are not simply born on the streets, or put down due to health problems. But often they are the offspring of cherished family pets, even purebreds. Maybe someone's dog or cat got out just that one time or maybe the litter was intentional, but efforts to find enough good homes failed.
Still the result is homeless animals that have to be euthanized because there are more dogs and cats entering shelters than there are people willing to provide them with loving care. Even if you do find homes for your pet's puppies or kittens, that means there are fewer homes available to take in other pets from shelters. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats.
Licensed veterinarians perform the spay or neuter operation while the pet is under anesthesia. Depending on your pet's age, size and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days. Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches removed. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you, however, so it may be worthwhile to take your boyfriend with you to speak to the vet before the operation.
Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered. You can assure him of this.
Also, neutering can drastically improve your pet's health and life expectancy. The idea that pets become fat or lazy when they are spayed or neutered is a myth. Sterilized pets lead healthier, longer lives. Neutering reduces the risk of both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Neutering also will make your pet more affectionate and less likely to roam, get in fights, or become lost.