How Can I Stop My Dogs

[ThaiLife]

I have Two Bitches One Three years old and the other is One year old both the same breed, over the past few month's they both have started to pee and poo in doors and nearly all way's in the exact same spot on the floor, when I first had them I managed to train them to do their business out doors, but for some reason they have now started to do this in doors , I think some how it may be related to some sort of territory marking between them both as they seem to be constantly trying to settle which is the pack leader and boss.

Ive tried to mask any old scent on the floor with strong floor cleaners, but they seem to go back to about the same position every time. I am really at a loss on what to do next , in some how stopping them both from this new habit

so any suggestions on how to cure this behavior would be most welcome.

[Bangyai]

I'm not sure how this works but you often see bottles of water standing in rows outside peoples houses. For some reason dogs do not like to do their business when they see this ??? Try standing a few bottles of water around areas they like to use. Secondly...use the net....the answer is sure to be out there if you look for it.

[bina]

wash the floor with vinegar; most floor cleaners ahve the same chemicals that dog pee does so it just makes the scent stay -- after all, its chemical scenting, not the scent that u smell...

do they also do their stuff outside or have they stopped, maybe they are avoiding something that is outside?

...sort of territory marking between them both as they seem to be constantly trying to settle which is the pack leader and boss.

and also, they could be vying for YOUR attention (bad dogs, bad bad dogs... )... try more indivual attention to each one, and you have to try to ascertain which bitch is the ruler... u have to give her more attention (sorry but thats how it works), and reinforce her role as the dominant of the two, and YOU have to be the most dominant of the two of them... try bossing them around a bit more (go to your beds, come here, sit , down, whatever... but become the commander). also, try making them work a bit for their food; give a hand shake, sit before getting the food in a bowl, whatever... this is more or less the same as u peeing in all corners and proving that u are the boss, and should also stop them from proving they are the bosses...

u didnt specify what breeds, as their are differences in breeds in how bitches relate. they do not always relate the same way as two male dogs (great pyranees and rhodesians come to mind) do... the squabbling can be more drawn out with no finish, as bitches have a different guarding set up (guard the litter/family, not large amounts of territory. thats why they are often better guard dogs , since they dont have that roaming drive).

and age has not much to do with dominance. dominance is more or less born in, and the pup learns where he/she is in relation to siblings and then stays in that place with other dogs (for the most part)... but depending on the breed, one year old can still be baby or can be adult (the larger the dog breed the younger a one year old is, so one year old is like teenager age. in boxers, 8 mnths is like the terrible twos for children, for instance. so it could be the one year old is just testing her boundries ... )

bina

israel

Edited September 23, 2008 by bina

[Nienke]

A 3 yr old and a 1 yr old, same sexe. Didn't pee in the house before, but have started now to pee on the same spot inside.

Sounds like marking and a rank struggle to me, as a result of the younger one growing up and feeling more and more physically and mentally strong.

First of all put something on the spot where the two girls are peeing all the time, in other words prevent that they can pee on that spot. For example, you can put bottles or a net as Bangyai suggest, a couch, or a big flower pot. And keep a hawkeye on them when they are in the house. The only ones who are allowed to pee and poo (mark) in the house is YOU (and your human household members) as right of the highest rank.

Secondly, observe your dogs when they interact. Who is still the number one? When you give attention to the number one, what does the number two? What do you do when the number one corrects the number two? And what did you do when the (at that time less than) 3 yr old corrected the puppy?

Thirdly, observe how the dogs respond to you? Do they really obey, or do they obey and ignore as they please?

Fourthly, is any of them spayed? If yes, at what age were they spayed and how was their behavior before spaying?

Be aware that your interaction with the dogs can have great influence on the behavior between them. In other words, if YOU give more privileges, which is usually more attention, to the number two or 'protect' the number two when the number one very rightfully corrects the number two, huge power struggles (fights) can develop.

As you already have noticed, it's not only the peeing that's going on between these two at the moment.

Nienke

Edited September 24, 2008 by Nienke

[silverhawk_usa]

Fourthly, is any of them spayed? If yes, at what age were they spayed and how was their behavior before spaying?

Nienke-

Could you elaborate on this please? I have a poodle that we rescued and she is about 15-16 months old. No problem with peeing indoors. I want to get her spayed soon. What age is best?

[Pdaz]

Easiest way to stop them ''peeing and pooing'' would be to stop feeding them

Not rocket science is it ?

[Nienke]

Fourthly, is any of them spayed? If yes, at what age were they spayed and how was their behavior before spaying?

Nienke-

Could you elaborate on this please? I have a poodle that we rescued and she is about 15-16 months old. No problem with peeing indoors. I want to get her spayed soon. What age is best?

I asked this question because female dogs with quite a confident (dominant) character can become more dominant after early spaying. This has to do with the drop in estrogen. The female becomes more masculine then.

More about long term health effects on early spaying and neutering you can find here:

http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHea...euterInDogs.pdf

http://www.littleriverlabs.com/neuter.htm

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24597888/

Margaret V. Root Kustritz, a veterinary reproduction specialist at the University of Minnesota, reviewed 200 studies and found that while spay/neuter surgery has benefits, it is also linked to increases in the incidence of certain diseases and conditions such as bone cancer, heart tumors, hypothyroidism and canine cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, as well as prostate cancer in male dogs and urinary incontinence in females. The extent of the risk can depend on the problem, as well as the size and sex of the dog, and the age the surgery is performed.

The risk of a type of cardiac tumor called hemangiosarcoma is five times higher in spayed female dogs than unspayed females, noted Kustritz. And neutered males have 2.4 times the risk of unneutered males. The risk was also higher for osteosarcoma (bone cancer): Dogs spayed or neutered before age 1 were up to two times as likely to develop the disease than those that hadn’t been altered.

Spaying and neutering may also heighten behavior problems such as aggression in some breeds and noise phobias in dogs altered at less than 5 months of age, she found.

If you would like to spay your dog, you better wait untill she is physically as well as mentally fully matured. I prefer not earlier than after the third heat cycle.

Nienke

[Cuban]

...do they also do their stuff outside or have they stopped, maybe they are avoiding something that is outside?

Mine use a small area of the compound for times that we close the gate to the outside Soi and our land next to the house. Over time that area of rough concrete became a bit smelly before I cleaned it up, one dog started using the main porch area as a toilet. It took me a few days to see which one was doing that, before I caught him in mid squat; as doggie will only understand punishment if it is direcly related to the crime. Yes, most of the time they 'go' when told to during walking morning/evening - if they are lucky mid afternoon with my wife.

The other thing I wanted to mention, I was going to put it in a new topic but related to the comment somewhere above about being the master of your pack. When did you last bite your dogs?

The other day one of mine walked alongside me while I had a bone (half a pig's foot) in my hand and snatched it from me. They are never allowed to take food unless they are sitting, to attention as it were. So he was told off most clearly, I believe that they will be easier to control (they will get much bigger) if they know I am the biggest top dog in the pack and I'm aware that it is their nature to test that relationship. So after a not too hard slap to the side of his mouth, the command 'give' (the drop it - give it to me, they understand this well from fetch play) then has he went into the puppy 'submit' pose I knelt down and made a fuss about biting his neck and ear while growling. Quite fun really - but in doggie culture he knows he has done wrong and is being punished by the pack leader.

The worst part was the doggie appeasement that I knew I would have to accept as pack leader, both dogs spent time licking me to show their subordinate status. I doubt many would consider this right, and is being too close to the dogs, but I feel it works for me/us. I seldom get any other trouble - they are social with new people, children and other dogs so I must be doing some ot it right.

[Nienke]

then has he went into the puppy 'submit' pose I knelt down and made a fuss about biting his neck and ear while growling. Quite fun really - but in doggie culture he knows he has done wrong and is being punished by the pack leader.

Actually, this is incorrect, Cuban.

When a dog shows submission, it is meant to show the higher rank that its rank is totally respected and to stop the aggression in the agressor. When the aggressor, then, completely against proper doggy language, keeps on showing aggression, the submissive dog can very well turn to fear aggression and bite. After all, the submissive dog already has done all in its power to show he accepted the correction and its position. It will not understand why the aggressor doesn't understand these signals.

Normally, when a dog corrects another dog this goes flashing immediately followed by ignoring. The other dog will immediately react with taking the challenge or submit. Most submit though, as most (normal) dogs will try to avoid fights (that is getting injured).

So, when you keep on 'biting' and growling after the correction and the dog already has showed submission, he will not relate this to the snatching anymore, but he will definitely 'think' you have gone basurk, with loss of trust or, worse, a fear growl or bite as a possible result.

Of course, once you have given the correction and the dog tries to snatch again, you are in your right to give an even stronger correction or to keep your dog on distance by foul staring and showing teeth. If the latter happens, can you PELEEZE make a VDO and show it in this forum.

Nienke

Edited September 24, 2008 by Nienke

[Cuban]

Good point - thanks for the observation.

I have a few videos of them so far - but fiddling with the camera is rare enough for it to be an event - so they stop being funny or cute and come over to see what's happening.

Generally they are good dogs - and resemble otters when they get fish, tonight for example.

Those that know them in the flesh say they are very beautiful doggies.

Thanks.

[Geroc]

I have Two Bitches One Three years old and the other is One year old both the same breed, over the past few month's they both have started to pee and poo in doors and nearly all way's in the exact same spot on the floor, when I first had them I managed to train them to do their business out doors, but for some reason they have now started to do this in doors , I think some how it may be related to some sort of territory marking between them both as they seem to be constantly trying to settle which is the pack leader and boss.

Ive tried to mask any old scent on the floor with strong floor cleaners, but they seem to go back to about the same position every time. I am really at a loss on what to do next , in some how stopping them both from this new habit

so any suggestions on how to cure this behavior would be most welcome.

Only one solution : taxidermy. They will immediately stop peeing, pooing, and barking.

[bina]

great minds think alike; nienke how do u always post what i write in more concise terms.??? ))...

cuban, do u let them clean out your nostrils???

bina

[Cuban]

cuban, do u let them clean out your nostrils???

Thank you for the recommendation but I'm not tempted they don't get that personal, if it works for you fine. And before you ask about bum sniffing - I think you are in the wrong forum if you seek such things.

[Mobi]

OK dog experts - can you explain what's going on with my gang of dogs?

I have two male shih tsus, both into their second year, and a spayed Golden retriever, who is now 3 years old.

They get along very well with each other and frequently play and chase each other around the garden.

They are very friendly with family and strangers and love kids.

Whenever I am home they follow me everywhere and stay with me all the time, sometimes licking my feet and all that jazz.

The golden and the older shih tsu (Somchai) love me to bits and are always hassling me to stroke them and Somchai always jumps up and wants me to nurse him, and then he licks my face etc.

The younger shih tsu (Yoghurt), is far more aloof and never seems to crave attention from me, but he always follows his cousin everywhere. He wags his tail when he sees me, but when I nurse him, he just sits on my lap patiently, but shows no outward sign of affection.

For some time now Yohgurt has been doing his business in the house. The other two dogs are fine, just Yoghurt. I also notice that he frequently licks Somchai's genitals, but Somchai never reciprocates. Yoghurt also cleans the golden's ears frequently.

After reading this thread, I have tried to be more loving and give more attention to Yoghurt, as I realise that had I probably been ignoring him more than the other two,

because of his aloofness.

I can't work out which of the 3 dogs is the leader. No obvious signs - what should I look for?

Edited September 25, 2008 by Mobi

[JohnC]

Yes, most of the time they 'go' when told to during walking morning/evening - if they are lucky mid afternoon with my wife.

At least your wife is regular! :D

Now I am left wondering if she "goes" when out walking mid afternoon or do the dogs follow her to the loo???

[Mighty Mouse]

After reading this thread, I have tried to be more loving and give more attention to Yoghurt, as I realise that had I probably been ignoring him more than the other two,

because of his aloofness.

You have already answered your own question. This dog is craving more attention from you and to get that attention, it is pooing in the house.

When you next see the dogs' business on the floor, you should not clean it up whilst the dog is watching. Wait until the dog is outside, then clean up. Your dog wants you to clean up after him so as to get your attention.

If the dog is going to the exact same indoor place to do its thing, you need to deodorize the spot. Dogs like to go back to a place that has familiar smells.

You now need to train the dog to do its thing outdoor. Dogs usually unload after eating their meal. So, next time you feed the dog, take it outdoor until it unloads. A long walk is a good start. Once the dog has done its poo outdoors, you need to praise the dog profusely and give it heaps of needed attention. A short period of playing with the dog. Use the same praise words each time. "Good dog" "Good boy" etc.

The dog will soon realize that when it does poo outdoors, it will get heaps of praise, lots of pats and can enjoy a game of ball or whatever with you.

Never leave the dog alone inside the house. Dogs need to learn the house rules. Once learned, you can then relax the rules somewhat as the dog will know what is good (praise) and what is bad. (no attention at all; "bad dog" "NO!!" etc.) If you must leave the dog alone inside the house, you need to restrict it to a small area until it is properly house trained. Where possible, incorporate a doggy door into your back door so that it has access to the outside.

Your efforts must be to encourage the dog to unload outside rather than discourage it from unloading inside.

[Cuban]

At least your wife is regular!

Fair - cop, poor sentance construction.

Once the dog has done its poo outdoors, you need to praise the dog profusely and give it heaps of needed attention. A short period of playing with the dog. Use the same praise words each time. "Good dog" "Good boy" etc.

...just as doggie starts making it's 'I'm going to lay one motions.' I use/repeat the "Poo trigger word" - hopefully they are learning that they get most praise for going when that word is used, worked over the past month or so - 6 month puppies.

Not wise that "Good Dog" becomes a trigger word for Poo on demand.

Edited September 25, 2008 by Cuban

[Nienke]

Not wise that "Good Dog" becomes a trigger word for Poo on demand.

SIT "Good dog" .... Oops

Sorry couldn't resist.

[Nienke]

Mobi, for understanding what rank each dog has and how they interact between eachother and with you and your family members I usually would like to see it.

However, I have seen it several times now that the number one goes more its own way (one could call that aloof, but if is it really aloof?) and the number two asks for a lot of attention. Very often people tend to give a lot of attention to who is nearest and asks for it. If that's the number two and the dogs are of the same gender and similar age, then it can result in hierarchy problems.

From what you write it seems that your dogs are quite fine with the situation as it is now. Therefore, I wouldn't be bothered too much by Yoghurt's 'aloof' behavior.

Sure, you can give Yoghurt more attention and affection IF he AND Somchai are fine with it.

Nienke

Edited September 25, 2008 by Nienke

[Mossfinn]

When a dog shows submission, it is meant to show the higher rank that its rank is totally respected and to stop the aggression in the agressor.

Nienke,

I have two Chihuahuas as you probably know one male and the other female, the female never shows submission to me ( no change there then ) but the male will often just turn over and lie prone, but this can be at any time and as we hardly ever discipline him it can't be to show submission.

So why does he do it? I always thought it was just to get his belly scratched, any ideas?

Good luck

Moss

[Mighty Mouse]

So why does he do it? I always thought it was just to get his belly scratched, any ideas?

Shouldn't Chihuahuas be classified as mice? I'm a Mighty Mouse, so I should know. They're not much bigger than I am.

If your mouse....er....dog lies on its back whilst pawing the air, it just wants to play, or as you have suggested, hoping for a tummy scratch. A submissive dog can be identified by its stance. Standing with head down, tail down, ears down, licking the underbelly of a dominant dog and/or sinking to the floor when you (the master) approach.

If it doesn't paw the air and doesn't normally sleep in that position, then perhaps it is a form of submission.

[Nienke]

Hi Mossfin,

There is the general misunderstanding that the hierarchy is kept by the higher rank dog continuous showing its higher status. In fact it is the other way around. It is the lower rank that actively shows submissive behavior towards the higher rank.

During passive submission a lower rank shows its lower position during domineering behavior of the higher rank. This often happens when the lower rank has shown impropiate behavior for his status, such as while testing its boundaries, and the higher rank will actively tell him so. This 'telling' starts usually just by raising (the tip of) the tail, putting ears up and forward, making itself bigger, stiffening, staring. etc.

If the 'lower' rank does not show passive submission, fights may occur. However, well-socalized dogs will usually avoid aggression at all cost. After all, an injured dog can bring the whole pack in danger. (We can and should learn a LOT from our dogs. )

In case of your male chihuahua, it can be that initially your dog just showed passive submission that, by now, has been conditioned in such a way that he knows that by lying on his back he will received a wonderfull belly-rub. And, of course, there is nothing wrong with a nice intimate moment with your dog.

At the kennel I have a St. Bernard male who has been conditioned as well. Often after a cuddle and a pet on his head, he will throw himself on his back in a request for a belly-rub.

The difference between what you write about your dog and the St. Bernard is that the St. Bernard first will rush to me and sits next to me for a cuddle. Only after he recieves the cuddle he will throws himself on his back. You write that your dog will immediately throw himself on his back, making me think that he is just a very submissive dog that loves his belly being rubbed.

Nienke

Edited September 26, 2008 by Nienke

[Mobi]

Mobi, for understanding what rank each dog has and how they interact between eachother and with you and your family members I usually would like to see it.

However, I have seen it several times now that the number one goes more its own way (one could call that aloof, but if is it really aloof?) and the number two asks for a lot of attention. Very often people tend to give a lot of attention to who is nearest and asks for it. If that's the number two and the dogs are of the same gender and similar age, then it can result in hierarchy problems.

From what you write it seems that your dogs are quite fine with the situation as it is now. Therefore, I wouldn't be bothered too much by Yoghurt's 'aloof' behavior.

Sure, you can give Yoghurt more attention and affection IF he AND Somchai are fine with it.

Nienke

Thanks Neinke.

I beginning to think that Yoghurt is the leader. Yes he is a bit "aloof', and he seems to be in control of the other dogs from the point of view of licking them in a 'controlling' sort of way. When Cookie (the golden) plays with Somchai, Yoghurt jumps on Cookie's back and sometimes tries to simulate having sex with her. Also Yoghurt is much more aggressive than Somchai when he plays with Cookie.

Giving more attention to Yoghurt seems to work; he runs to me more willing and friendly than before, and Somchai seems to be OK with it.

Also no mess indoors recently.

[KKK]

Fourthly, is any of them spayed? If yes, at what age were they spayed and how was their behavior before spaying?

Nienke-

Could you elaborate on this please? I have a poodle that we rescued and she is about 15-16 months old. No problem with peeing indoors. I want to get her spayed soon. What age is best?

Seems like I'm going to totally disagree with somebody here about spaying and leave myself open for all sorts of comments but here goes.

I've only done this twice, both times with Goldens.

First bitch allowed to have one litter of 6 pups at about 18 months old. I think it was her third season when she got preggers. Shortly after she got very sick with cancer in some of the female bits. She had to have a full hysterectomy but lived a full life after that. I did intend to have her spayed anyway but at that time (20 years ago) Thai vets all said one litter first.

Second bitch and about a year ago. When I got 'Honey' (see my avatar) she was about 3 months old. I started visiting vets to get the latest on spaying. All gave the same advice and quoted roughly the same price. Wait till she starts her first period...about a week after that bring her in and we'll do it. At about 9 months old she began her first period. I decided to research spaying via the Internet. Went to many sites and basically came up with: Spay before first period..for a Golden age 4-6 months old would be fine. I'm too late for that now. Don't wait till she has a period as that increases the risk of all sorts of cancers developing. Looks like I'll have to eat the risk. And don't spay while she's on heat. Now that I can control. Thai vets got it wrong but at least now I can make sure they don't mess up anymore. Spaying at that time can be troublesome with excessive blood loss. Period can last for as long as 5 weeks even if you don't notice any little blood drops on the floor. I waited 6 weeks after first period started and she was spayed with no problem. Some weeks later I met an American who has recently retired here. He had a Golden about 6 months old. In the states he was a breeder of Golden Retrievers. It was his one and only business not a hobby. He asked me why do Thai vets not want to spay until she has had a period. I said I don't know why but they all say the same. He said that on his dog farm they always spayed bitches prior to selling them as pets and that it was done at around 4 months. I said that is what I found on the Internet.

So be very careful what your Thai vet tells you. My suspicious nature makes me feel that they know they are doing it too late and do so deliberately so if something goes wrong they can have more of your money in fees. Check and research yourself and then order your vet to do what you think is best not what they say should be done. You are the boss...these are your dogs...it is ultimately your decision what and when to do something regarding their health.

Also remember that not all breeds are equal. You must consider that when trying to determine the timing of spaying/neutering. The timings I gave above refer only to Goldens I have no experience of other breeds.

[Mobi]

When I got my golden I did a lot of research on the subject of spaying golden retrievers both on the interenet and from a number of books that I bought.

There was just about 100% agreement that they should be spayed before their first period, which is what I did.

I agree that many Thai vets tell you to leave it until later, and even one vet told me that I had her spayed too early! I have no idea where they get this view from as the rest of the world seem to disagree with them.

Cookie is now over three years old and is a beautiful, very fit dog.

[Nienke]

From: http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html

...

Orthopedic Considerations

A study by Salmeri et al in 1991 found that bitches spayed at 7 weeks grew significantly taller than those spayed at 7 months, who were taller than those not spayed (or presumably spayed after the growth plates had closed).(1) A study of 1444 Golden Retrievers performed in 1998 and 1999 also found bitches and dogs spayed and neutered at less than a year of age were significantly taller than those spayed or neutered at more than a year of age.(2) The sex hormones, by communicating with a number of other growth-related hormones, promote the closure of the growth plates at puberty (3), so the bones of dogs or bitches neutered or spayed before puberty continue to grow. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered well before puberty can frequently be identified by their longer limbs, lighter bone structure, narrow chests and narrow skulls. This abnormal growth frequently results in significant alterations in body proportions and particularly the lengths (and therefore weights) of certain bones relative to others. For example, if the femur has achieved its genetically determined normal length at 8 months when a dog gets spayed or neutered, but the tibia, which normally stops growing at 12 to 14 months of age continues to grow, then an abnormal angle may develop at the stifle. In addition, with the extra growth, the lower leg below the stifle likely becomes heavier (because it is longer), and may cause increased stresses on the cranial cruciate ligament. In addition, sex hormones are critical for achieving peak bone density.(4) These structural and physiological alterations may be the reason why at least one recent study showed that spayed and neutered dogs had a higher incidence of CCL rupture.(5) Another recent study showed that dogs spayed or neutered before 5 1/2 months had a significantly higher incidence of hip dysplasia than those spayed or neutered after 5 1/2 months of age, although it should be noted that in this study there were no standard criteria for the diagnosis of hip dysplasia.(6) Nonetheless, breeders of purebred dogs should be cognizant of these studies and should consider whether or not pups they bred were spayed or neutered when considering breeding decisions.

Cancer Considerations

A retrospective study of cardiac tumors in dogs showed that there was a 5 times greater risk of hemangiosarcoma, one of the three most common cancers in dogs, in spayed bitches than intact bitches and a 2.4 times greater risk of hemangiosarcoma in neutered dogs as compared to intact males.(7) A study of 3218 dogs demonstrated that dogs that were neutered before a year of age had a significantly increased chance of developing bone cancer.(8) A separate study showed that neutered dogs had a two-fold higher risk of developing bone cancer.(9) Despite the common belief that neutering dogs helps prevent prostate cancer, at least one study suggests that neutering provides no benefit.(10) There certainly is evidence of a slightly increased risk of mammary cancer in female dogs after one heat cycle, and for increased risk with each subsequent heat. While about 30 % of mammary cancers are malignant, as in humans, when caught and surgically removed early the prognosis is very good.(12) Luckily, canine athletes are handled frequently and generally receive prompt veterinary care.

Behavioral Considerations

The study that identified a higher incidence of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in spayed or neutered dogs also identified an increased incidence of sexual behaviors in males and females that were neutered early.(5) Further, the study that identified a higher incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs neutered or spayed before 5 1/2 months also showed that early age gonadectomy was associated with an increased incidence of noise phobias and undesirable sexual behaviors.(6) A recent report of the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation reported significantly more behavioral problems in spayed and neutered bitches and dogs. The most commonly observed behavioral problem in spayed females was fearful behavior and the most common problem in males was aggression.(12)

Other Health Considerations

A number of studies have shown that there is an increase in the incidence of female urinary incontinence in dogs spayed early (13), although this finding has not been universal. Certainly there is evidence that ovarian hormones are critical for maintenance of genital tissue structure and contractility.(14, 15) Neutering also has been associated with an increased likelihood of urethral sphincter incontinence in males.(16) This problem is an inconvenience, and not usually life-threatening, but nonetheless one that requires the dog to be medicated for life. A health survey of several thousand Golden Retrievers showed that spayed or neutered dogs were more likely to develop hypothyroidism.(2) This study is consistent with the results of another study in which neutering and spaying was determined to be the most significant gender-associated risk factor for development of hypothyroidism.(17) Infectious diseases were more common in dogs that were spayed or neutered at 24 weeks or less as opposed to those undergoing gonadectomy at more than 24 weeks.(18) Finally, the AKC-CHF report demonstrated a higher incidence of adverse reactions to vaccines in neutered dogs as compared to intact.(12)

...

[Nienke]

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutering

...Health and behavioral effects

[edit] Advantages

In addition to being a birth control method, neutering has the following health and behavioural benefits:

Hormone-associated benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) is prevented.

Female cats and dogs are seven times more likely to develop mammary tumors if they are not spayed before their first heat cycle.[2] The risk is generally estimated at 25% over a lifetime in unspayed females.

Pyometra is prevented, either due to the removal of the organ (when ovariohysterectomy is performed) or due to the cervix remaining permanently closed because of the lack of oestrogens caused by spaying.

Uterine cancer, Ovarian cancer and Testicular cancer are prevented due to the removal of the susceptible organs. These cancers are uncommon in dogs and cats. In female rabbits, however, the rate of uterine cancer may be as high as 80%. [3]

Sexual mounting and urine marking by male dogs, as well as spraying by male cats, is reduced or eliminated, especially when performed in animals that have not yet reached puberty.

[edit] Disadvantages

[edit] General

As with any surgical procedure, immediate complications of neutering include the usual anesthetic and surgical complications, such as bleeding and infection. These risks are relatively low in routine spaying and neutering; however, they may be increased for some animals due to other pre-existing health factors.

Neutered dogs and cats of both genders have an increased risk of obesity. Theories for this include reduced metabolism, reduced activity, and eating more due to altered feeding behavior.[4].

Neutered dogs of both genders are at a twofold excess risk to develop osteosarcoma as compared to intact dogs[5],[6][7] as well as an increased risk of hemangiosarcoma[8][9] and urinary tract cancer.[10]

Neutered dogs of both genders have an increased risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations.[11]

Neutered dogs have also been known to develop hormone-responsive alopecia (hair loss).[12]

[edit] Specific to Males

Neutered male dogs display a fourfold increased incidence of prostate cancer over intact males.[13][14]

In addition, neutered male dogs are at higher risk than intact males of developing moderate to severe geriatric cognitive impairment (geriatric cognitive impairment includes disorientation in the house or outdoors, changes in social interactions with human family members, loss of house training, and changes in the sleep-wake cycle).[15]

As compared to intact males, male neutered cats are at an increased risk for certain problems associated with feline lower urinary tract disease, including the presence of stones or a plug in the urethra and urethral blockage.[16]

[edit] Specific to Females

Spayed female dogs can develop urinary incontinence.[17][18][19]

Spayed female dogs are at an increased risk of hypothyroidism[20]

Despite the risk of pyometra being greatly reduced in spayed females, Stump pyometra may still occur in this group.

[edit] Ambiguous

Most animals lose their libido due to the hormonal changes involved with both genders, and females no longer experience heat cycles, which are sometimes considered a major nuisance factor, especially in female cats. Minor personality changes may occur in the animal. Neutering is often recommended in cases of undesirable behavior in dogs. Studies indicate[citation needed] that roaming, urine marking, and mounting are reduced in about 60% of neutered males, but one study found little effect of neutering on aggression and other issues.[21] Intact male cats are more prone to urine spraying, while many common behavioral causes of urine marking remain in castrated cats ...

[Nienke]

From: http://saveourdogs.net/health.html

Veterinarians oppose mandatory spay/neuter laws

... A recent American Veterinary Medical Association report invalidates the claim by mandatory spay/neuter supporters that pets should be spayed or neutered for population control reasons, and invalidates the claim that spay and neuter is always healthy for pets. The report finds adverse effects from spay and neuter include increased risks of aggression, prostate cancer, bone cancer, bladder cancer, hemangiosarcoma, obesity, diabetes, ligament rupture, and complications from surgery. ...

... An objective reading of the veterinary medical literature reveals a complex situation with respect to the long-term health impacts of spay/neuter in dogs. The evidence shows that spay/neuter correlates with both positive and adverse health effects in dogs. It also suggests how much we really do not yet understand about this subject.

On balance, it appears that no compelling case can be made for neutering most male dogs, especially immature male dogs, in order to prevent future health problems. The number of health problems associated with neutering may exceed the associated health benefits in most cases.

On the positive side, neutering male dogs

eliminates the small risk (probably <1%) of dying from testicular cancer

reduces the risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders

reduces the risk of perianal fistulas

may possibly reduce the risk of diabetes (data inconclusive)

On the negative side, neutering male dogs

if done before maturity, increases the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer) by a factor of 3.8; this is a common cancer in medium/large and larger breeds with a poor prognosis

increases the risk of cardiac hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 1.6; this is a common cancer and major cause of death in some breeds

triples the risk of hypothyroidism

increases the risk of geriatric cognitive impairment

triples the risk of obesity, and with it many of the associated health problems

quadruples the small risk (<0.6%) of prostate cancer

doubles the small risk (<1%) of urinary tract cancers

increases the risk of orthopedic disorders

increases the risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations

For female dogs, the situation is more complex. The number of health benefits associated with spaying may exceed the associated health problems in some (not all) cases. On balance, whether spaying improves the odds of overall good health or degrades them probably depends on the age of the female dog and the relative risk of various diseases in the different breeds.

On the positive side, spaying female dogs

if done before 2.5 years of age, greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors, the most common tumors in female dogs

nearly eliminates the risk of pyometra, which otherwise would infect about 23% of intact female dogs; pyometra kills about 1% of intact female dogs

reduces the risk of perianal fistulas

removes the very small risk (<0.5%) from uterine, cervical, and ovarian tumors

On the negative side, spaying female dogs

if done before maturity, increases the risk of osteosarcoma by a factor of 3.1; this is a common cancer in larger breeds with a poor prognosis

increases the risk of splenic hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 2.2 and cardiac hemangiosarcoma by a factor of more than 5; this is a common cancer and major cause of death in some breeds

triples the risk of hypothyroidism

increases the risk of obesity by a factor of 1.6 - 2, and with it the many associated health problems

causes urinary spay incontinence in 4-20% of female dogs

increases the risk of persistent or recurring urinary tract infections by a factor of 3-4

increases the risk of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis, and vaginitis, especially for female dogs spayed before puberty

doubles the small risk (<1%) of urinary tract tumors

increases the risk of orthopedic disorders

increases the risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations

One thing is clear -- much of the spay/neuter information that is available to the public is unbalanced and contains claims that are exaggerated or unsupported by evidence. Rather than helping to educate pet owners, much of this has contributed to common misunderstandings about the long-term health impacts of spay/neuter in dogs. ...

[Mossfinn]

Shouldn't Chihuahuas be classified as mice?

That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said about them, they normally get called Rats

Good Luck

Moss

[Nienke]

How about: better to have 10 chihuahua's than 1 rottweiler as guard dogs? They're like piranha's.