Will neutering change my dog's personality? Are there any risks?

It depends on what you mean by "calm him down." Neutering will generally make male dogs less apt to roam in search of females, and may also decrease mounting and urine marking behavior - but otherwise would not be expected to have any significant effects on personality or energy levels.

It is recommended to neuter most males who are not intended for breeding. AT Teddy's age, it will not decrease muscle mass or change the pitch of his bark. Neutered males are generally considered better pets because testosterone can cause pets to be more reactive, aggressive, dominant and territorial. There are also many health benefits. Here is a link with helpful information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/benefits-of-neutering-castrating-male-dogs-puppies/ I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. There are certain health benefits for neutering dogs. Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and certain testicular tumors can be prevented by neutering dogs. However, dogs can also live happy and normal lives intact. Behavioral problems such as territorial aggression and marking may be reduced by neutering dogs as well. Once neutered, Dante will not behave more like a female, this is a misconception and does not happen. He may become more calm and not as hyper or aggressive once he is neutered and this is due to the reduction in circulating hormones following removal of the testicles. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hello. I am so sorry for your worries with Biggi. Please do not be afraid of the surgery to neuter him. It may not take care of all his problems with the prostrate gland, but may help. As long as Biggi is in good health as evidenced by normal blood work, has no obvious cardiac or pulmonary problems, then neutering him should not put him in any danger. All surgery carries a small risk, but if you trust your veterinarian, Biggi should sail through the surgery. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If you do not plan to breed him then it is best to have him neutered. He is a small breed dog so his size and proportions will not be altered by getting fixed at his age. Getting him fixed early decreases the chance of prostate problems and behavioral problems such as marking and aggression. There have been new studies in golden retrievers that seem to support an increase in ACL ruptured and bone cancer but the studies are newer and we are still learning about it and there are no results published in small breed dogs. However small breeds dogs are not prone to that injury to being with so you will have less to worry about. Based on this research, I would recommend getting him neutered now as the benefits are greater for your small breed dog

Castration will have the following benefits: No more icky discharge from the penis or prepuce, no incentive to roam and look for females, if the dog shows some aggression, castration will usually lessen aggressive behavior. A lot of entire males are constantly upset and excited if they smell females in heat ( and the smell can travel for a mile and more), No chance of making babies. Here is more info by the ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/spayneuter-your-pet

The only behaviors that will be affected by castration are those that are under the influence of male hormones. So for example, a dog’s temperament, training, and personality, are related to genetics and upbringing, not hormones. Neutering does not “calm” an excitable dog, and unless a castrated male dog is overfed or underexercised, there is no reason for it gain weight or become inactive. The undesired traits which are related to male hormones such as sexual behaviours, aggression, and urine marking will change over the course of a few days to a few months. I hope that is helpful information and I wish you the best of luck with Nipper's surgery.