What age should you neuter your doodle?

[Donna,Riley and Charlie]

I was just told today that you should not neuter until at least 18 months. It will help them have an even better chance at not having hip problems, and it will keep them from getting bigger too. It also helps their coat fully mature. Does anyone know about this? What are your thoughts?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

There have been lots of discussions about when to neuter your pet. Try going to the forum section and typing neutering in the tag line. Personally, I am a fan of neutering early.

[Adina P]

Generally most people get their dogs neutered between 4-6 months. That is the most commonly accepted timeline for neutering because it leaves the least chance for males to develop naughty habits related to hormones...and for pets there's not much reason (in my opinion) to put it off past that time unless you've got a pure breed you're going to compete with in conformation shows.

MANY doodle breeders are starting to do Early Spay/Neuter around the age of 7 weeks----before pups go to their new families. They do this to protect their lines and prevent owners from irresponsibly breeding their dogs without the breeder's consent. Pups also heal very quickly at that age.

There is some controversy surrounding early spay/neuter...but I haven't seen a whole lot of strong evidence for or against (health-wise). As to the growth thing...it's a MINOR difference that isn't even visible to the naked eye (as far as noticing a height difference)...less than 1 inch I believe.

Here are past discussions:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/when-is-the-best-time-to

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/dog-vasectomy

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/early-spay-and-neuter

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/early-spayneuter-vs-waiting

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

I always heard to get it done before 6 months old, before puberty so-to-speak. I got Bailey (now almost 13 yrs old) neutered at about 4 months old. The vet at the time told me it will prevent both the behavioral and health issues that are associated with the sexual maturity hormones in dogs.

[Libby & Bentley]

My vet recommended between 4 and 5 months of age to best prevent behavioral issues. We are doing it early on at 17 weeks.

[Mommy2Max]

I think Adina did a great job giving you information.

My original vet wouldn't do it before 6 months old. I believe that was the standard at the time he went to school to become a vet and he chose not to change that practice. However, Max marked one of his toys one evening and that was enough for me. I found a new vet (great vet) who did it for me on his 4 month birthday (LOL what a gift huh?) Max hasn't marked or had any other problems due to neutering. He is closing in on 10 months old.

FYI: I was also hoping that it would stop him from humping/mounting. It has greatly improved but, it hasn't stopped. Max air humps upon over excitability vs. sexual excitment. He doesn't mount legs at home anymore but, will attempt to mount weaker/older dogs. Little stinker is preying on the weak! :) I work in doggie daycare and if I leave the room and come back, he air humps towards me. Apparently, he is telling the other dogs to back off his mama - Gee thanks Max (flowers would have been a better choice). he does stop as soon as I say "bad play!"

[Donna,Riley and Charlie]

That is too funny!! Our neighbors have a goldendoodle and it has been humping for a while and he is just about 3 months old! My labradoodle hasn't started yet. He is 12 weeks old.
Thanks for all the info.!!

[Donna,Riley and Charlie]

That is too funny!! Our neighbors have a goldendoodle and it has been humping for a while and he is just about 3 months old! My labradoodle hasn't started yet. He is 12 weeks old.
Thanks for all the info.!!