doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com New pup decision...

I think with any dog, know the breeders, scope out the parents.My male gwp at 2 is extremely gentle. I live in Illinois, and I like the ability to hunt in the cold. previously had a weimie, weak in the cold weather

Matt, first of all welcome to the Board where you will surely find very well founded opinions about your query (surely better than mine).

I would never consider neutering a dog. I think that in an extreme case of bad temper it might be considered, but that is not a common trait amongst Labs. In any case I would follow Jakearoo's advise and wait to see how he develops. Plain common sense tells you that he won't develop adequately lacking a whole set of hormones. Also consider the possibility of eventually having his offspring when he is getting old. JMTC

JC

We have a two year yellow lab we neutered when he was just shy of a year. He was starting to show some behaviors we weren't willing to be tolerant of when females in heat were around. We haven't seen any diminishment of drive for hunting or energy. But every dog would be different. I don't think there is a problem with waiting to see how the dog turns out. I think getting the dog in lot's of birds and the use of positive training has worked well for our situation. Good luck.

My GSP is a real hardhead, but I always say it's easier to control an aggressive dog than it is to build up a timid dog. When he was three, my wife got a female Brittany and I had him neutered just to avoid that hassle. Afterward Jake actually became a little more biddable and shows some sign of affection for me, whereas before he was quite aloof. He is probably the best dog I've ever had and I would neuter another aggressive dog again, but only after he has matured. As a comparison, my daughter's Lab was neutered as soon as he dropped at about six months. He's still a pup at four years.

I don't know the answer to your question, friend. Why do anything unless it's necessary? The Lab is one of the most tractable breeds. I've owned only male Labs for the past 40 years and have had no reason to consider the question.

Any male is going to act naturally with a female in heat. I always put my dog in the kennel when anyone is foolish enough to bring a female in heat to my premises, knowing I don't let my dog "play" under those conditions.

If you neuter wait until he is at least 18 months and finished growing. Early neutering results in taller dogs becaus the growth plates stay open longer, that lanky build can lead to joint problems because their anulation is not what it should be.

Here's an interesting summary of the available research on spaying and neutering, it runs counter to a lot of what you hear.

Research Summary

DH

I'm on my fourth female field-bred English springer. All have been spayed.

- All have been excellent gun dogs with strong hunting drive.

- All have been fit, high-energy dogs with far more stamina than the humans they hunted with. Neutering does not make a dog fat - careless owners do that.

- Unlike 'intact' bitches, none of my dogs have had to be left at home during the hunting season, or kept out of training or field events, because of being in heat.

- Unlike many 'intact' males, they have never run off in quest of romance.

- Unlike 'intact' males, they empty their bladders fully, which means they can be left longer in the car or kennel.

- None have had to be kenneled when visited by canines of either sex. None have had temperament problems. All have been highly socialized.

Two of the four were very alpha bitches who tended to dominate the male dogs they hunted with. The other two were moderately submissive to dogs, but aggressive hunters.

All four have been superb family dogs.

IMHO, unless you intend to breed your dog - and are willing to put up with the inconveniences of owning an 'intact' dog or bitch - there are no downsides to neutering.

I have a neutered male gsp and an intact male Britt, as well as an intact female gsp. The male Britt is a good heat thermometer, but we don't really have a problem with the two. (Both kennel dogs.) I also have a neutered male gsp. He was pretty laid back even as a youngster, but at the time I had 3 intact females around (including his dam), and it seemed easier to fix him than fix them. The only time he's not laid back is when it's time to hunt. Then he becomes very, very eager.

My wife finally talked me into having my male yellow Lab, Suwannee neutered after he was about 6yrs. old and had been driving us nuts digging out of the fence and running off to see his girlfriends. Afterward, he lost all interest in wandering, but he was as good in the field as ever.

Just my experience...Geo

I won't reveal what my choice is but feel that this thread is full of very unscientific evidence from both sides. There must be a better way to make a decision than to read threads such as this one. No disrespect meant to the posters. I was tempted to post my experiences too, but common sense won out over temptation. Sorry, guys, I was disturbed by some posts.