How can I convince my dad to neuter our dog?

We have an American Pit Bull Terrier.
wait, let me say that again. American Pit Bull Terrier.
And my dad doesn't want to neuter him.

I've tried to tell him the benefits of neutering. Less aggression, no risk of cancer, no piddling everywhere, no humping everything under the sun, etc-etc. I've also tried to explain to him that it doesn't make them fat, lazy, less of a male, sad, I could go on. But he just says "it's a man thing" or "it's too much money." When I come back with "real men neuter" or "you can get discounts if you go to the right place," he comes back with "I don't want to." If I say anything else after, there is going to be an argument.

It's just, ugh. I mean if we're going to have an apbt then obviously we need to get him neutered. I'm lucky I convinced my dad to help me train him. And no, I'm not paranoid of them or anything. I know they can be good nice dogs if raised right, but the key phrase there is if raised right. And I think that part of raising a dog in today's world is to get it fixed.

I suppose some of you are wondering "oh, well why can't your mom just take him to the vet?" and the answer there is that she doesn't care. She considers him "your dad's dog." I'm not complaining about her because dad was the one to get him, so I think he should be the one to neuter him if mom won't.

And yes I know, families like mine probably shouldn't even have a dog. I mean, ->raizn dawgz, we're doin it wrong<-. But I know one thing I won't be able to do is to get dad to get rid of him, and I want to keep him too. Right now the problem is neutering, help please? :)

PS. I know this was long and got rant-ish at points. thanks for reading~

2011-01-24T09:33:12Z

Some of you made good points on not neutering him. But I forgot to mention that my dad is not being very responsible as an owner in the first place. His methods of training are to yell, repeat sentences like the dog can understand english, and spank... Also he refuses to make him heel on walks. It looks like I'm going to wind up being the main care taker here, and I prefer dogs that are neutered. The only problem is I'm a kid with no car/money. We also have a neutered Beagle who is not happy about giving up his position to the pit. I think having two neutered dogs would make it easier later on, if you know what I'm trying to say here.

Anyway thank you for contributing everyone. (:

Anonymous2011-01-22T19:03:09Z

Favorite Answer

You just have to persist.
I had the same problem with my male Labrador- my dad wouldn't let him get neutered. Charlie, in the end, lived and died a intact male.

Try to get your mom on your side. That'll help- show her pictures of abandoned, unwanted animals on the internet.
And just ask your dad a lot. Do some more research. Talk to responsible apbt breeders about why neutering is good, and show your parents the emails. Hopefully, the apbt should be accepted by the AKC as a breed soon, but until then, any pups he would have would be pretty much worthless.

And make sure he doesn't have any contact with unspayed females. It'll help a lot if he never considers himself a stud dog, and it'll make things a lot easier even if you never get him neutered.
Again, unneutered males can be a pain in the butt, but stud dogs are much, much worse.

Just keep on persisting, with the knowledge that hopefully, you'll win the war. :)
I do think it's great that you respect your dad enough not to argue with him. My dad and I are both very hard-headed, so it's a little different in my case. ^^

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Hot Mama2011-01-23T02:48:43Z

how old are you? Why can't you just get him fixed? May sound mean, but what you are doing is the right thing and your dad is in the wrong. Not only can you get a discount but you can get it done for free, call the local animal places, they can help you with this. I had a APBT I love the breed, but they do tend to be like their owners, so if your dad wants to just be lazy in having this dog, I would say you have the wrong breed. Too late, you have him! Honestly I hope you the best! That is a tough situation. Call a local vet or animal control and ask them what they suggest.

22

Rayven ~ SCAdian girl2011-01-23T02:42:22Z

Honestly if your parents are capable of being responsible and keep your dog from mating and there is pressing medical concern, drop the subject.

Fixed dogs still hump and fixing does not stop that. Training more than anything does. Testicular and prostate cancers are low occurring in male does. Neutering actually INCREASES the odds of prostate issues.

you have an APBT, dog aggression/prey drive is a breed trait. Neutering will not eliminate that. If your dog has low drive and AGAIN responsible owners that is not a factor either.

You can't push your father into doing something he doesn't want and honestly its not your place. Stop badgering him about it. your mother has also clearly bowed out of the discussion as well.

Puppylove having an intact dog is NOT irresponsible. letting the intact dog BREED when the owner is not a responsible breeder IS.

Seriously do not go the quilt trip route, one its immature and two it never works on parents with a brain.

64

Anonymous2011-01-23T16:50:44Z

I was able to completely change my dog from being an annoying dog puller that would try and run me to the ground and bark at any other dog he would come across, to a dog that would stay by my side no matter where we go. This was a HUGE improvement and makes our walks so much more enjoyable.

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Big Puppy B2011-01-23T02:44:04Z

You made valid points. Also try bringing up the point that in most places (you'll have to check) dog licenses become cheaper once the pet is fixed. A 1 time of fee for the surgery will make a life time of yearly renewals much cheaper.
Keep pushing. It is much more responsible to have him fixed. He shouldn't have the dog if he's going to be irresponsible. Harsh but true.

**EDIT Although for some owners neutering is not a necessity and they are able to take precautions but in the case where owners simply can't be bothered.... it is those dogs who have 'accidental' litters.

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