Castration?

[gaynor363]

Hello. My Bobby is 15th months old (approx, we re-homed him,so can't be exact). He's a Jack Russell who's a babe! I don't know whether to castrate or not.The vet says it's best,but sometimes I think they want the money! He's quite tame really, has only tried to 'mount' once or twice. He does get very excited and bark/yap at cyclists/joggers etc.

Any advice please?? I do not want to put him through pain if it's not neccesary...

[winny]

My shepherd didnt seem in too much pain when I had him done. (Well he didnt complain as much as hubby when I had him done anyway). He was 4 after rescue (the dog not the husband. he is still waiting to be rescued) and very wild and it did calm him down a lot. One thing I would consider is if you let him off the lead or he is likely to escape you dont need unwanted babies!!

[gaynor363]

Like your style Winnie! Hope your hubby didn't read the reply (he he). Your right we don't want any unwanted puppies, but we are very careful not to let him out of sight...always a chance I suppose!

Thanks

[Bellringer]

It brings tears to my eyes. But, get his nuts knocked. It saves more unwanted dogs and calms him down. Especially as he is a Jack Russel. It won't hurt him, except perhaps his dignity, but watch his weight afterwards.

[lankeela]

If he is mounting at this age he will only get worse as he matures. I'd have him done now, it will save him the anxiety of worrying about finding a mate, or mating whatever is near, and will definitely calm him down.

Castrated males are normally much more placid than entire ones.

By the way, it will not hurt him, they give them an anaesthetic and aftewards they are very soon back to normal.

[lankeela]

By the way, if he isn't too happy about being 'done' just tell him "the joggers made me do it"!

[gaynor363]

Thanks for you answers. Generally seems that I should have him 'done'. Still don't like the thought of it though!!

[leelapops]

Hi gaynor363, did you make a decision?

winny between making him sleep downstairs with new pups, and getting him snipped, I have a lot of sympathy for your hubby!!! *lol*

We got Jack done at just over a year; he had started to 'mark' the house when we moved and we had no plans to breed him and create a litter of unnecessary pups. Neither did we want him to decide of his own accord that he wanted to have little Jacks! As a result he is loyal and stays close by when off the lead. He is less wary of male dogs, and less keen on females!

The op itself (which worried me sick!) meant that we gave him no tea the previous night due to the anaesthetic, and took him in at 9am. The vet said he'd be out by 3.30pm but called us at 2pm to get him. He was fine, just a little woozy (the only time in 2 years that I've had a peaceful evening!) and didn't miss his pair.
If you're concerned about his "dignity", then balance that with the health and behaviour advantages. And Bobby's doggy friends will probably admire him for being so responsible!! Jack doesn't get laughed at in the park... ;)

Lisa x

[gaynor363]

Thanks Lisa for you reply. It was very helpful and informative. What breed do you have? I just don't know what to do. Bobby is a jack Russell as I said but he's not that 'nutty' and I fear it could calm him down just that bit too much - after all he wouldn't be a JR if he wasn't a little naughty!! Seriously though I just can't decide for the best. It's no good asking the vet as the'll just say "have him done"!

I need to make a decision before too long I realise that, someone said it's ok to leave it until he's 2 years, apparantly that's a good age. Any remarks on this anyone??

Thankyou all again for your kind replies, it's been nice to talk to you....

[leelapops]

Hey :)
Jack is a Collie, and believe me he still has plenty mischief in him! He has matured a lot; but that's a natural progression anyway. Castration has only done him good, he is so full of love (and full of beans!) but now I know he won't get away to visit a lady, or be at risk of any cancers down there.

I would recommend it; it really didn't seem that painful (I asked him, he seemed OK!), and as I said, you just need to weigh up all the benefits with that 5 hours at the vet.
My Vet did say that before 18 months or after 8 years is best. I hope you find an option right for you :)

Lisa x