Additional information to consider regarding the ongoing wellbeing of your dogs
Desexing your dog WILL NOT improve their recall
WILL NOT make them more obedient
WILL NOT make them calmer or give them less energy
WILL NOT reduce fear & anxiety (aggression)
World Small Animals Veterinary Association (WSAVA) position statement on desexing you dogs - Health and Behaviour Concerns in Dogs
Cancer Risks: Gonadectomy (removal of the testicles or ovaries) may contribute to an increased risk of developing certain tumours, including mast cell tumours, transitional cell carcinomas, osteosarcomas, lymphomas, and haemangiosarcomas. In males, the incidence of prostate gland neoplasia is higher in gonadectomised dogs than in intact dogs.
Urinary and Reproductive Tract Issues: Urinary incontinence occurs in 5–20% of female dogs at any time after gonadectomy, strongly triggered by the procedure—particularly in female puppies with an adult body weight over 25 kg. Prepubertal gonadectomy can also cause perivulvar dermatitis and recurrent infections of the urogenital tract. Additionally, while hysterectomy eliminates pregnancy risks, it could potentially increase the risk of vaginal prolapse (especially in brachycephalic breeds).
Joint and Orthopaedic Health: Gonadectomy performed at less than 6 months or less than 12 months of age has a documented negative effect on joint health in large populations and certain breeds, and prepubertal gonadectomy can trigger orthopaedic problems.
Systemic and Metabolic Diseases: The prevalence of obesity, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, and some immune diseases is increased after gonadectomy.
Behavioural Changes: In some dogs, aggression against strangers and family members increases after gonadectomy. Furthermore, prepubertal gonadectomy has been linked to anxiousness, a lack of confidence, and a general increase in behavioural problems.
Surgical and Procedural Risks: Pain management is mandatory as all surgical procedures are painful. Inadequate surgical exposure is the main cause of complications for inexperienced surgeons. Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant concern, and local or systemic adverse reactions can occur if non-surgical chemical castration injections are performed improperly.
Other considerations on your dogs behaviour
Genetics plays a massive role in dog behaviour—roughly 40% to 50% of behavioural variation across dogs is directly inherited, with the remaining 50% to 60% driven by environment, training, socialization, and life experiences.
Rather than working against each other, genetics sets the baseline range of potential behaviours, while the environment determines where within that range a dog's actual behaviour lands.
Key Behavioural Insights
Instincts & Motor Patterns: Breed-specific behaviours (like a Border Collie staring down livestock or a Pointer freezing) are hardwired motor patterns. You cannot "train out" a genetic drive; you can only manage, redirect, or shape it.
The Epigenetic Factor: A dam's stress levels during pregnancy (environment) can chemically alter how her puppies' stress-response genes are expressed (genetics).
The Socialization Window: Between 3 to 16 weeks of age, a puppy's environment has a disproportionate impact on whether their genetic potential for fear or aggression gets triggered or muted.
A Better Bond with Your Dog Starts Here.