Would you neuter?

Riley is 5yrs old and still entire.

When we first took him on the idea was always he would be neutered, however we wanted him to settle before the chop.

Although I tell everyone I meet with other dogs in the street he is bad with other dogs - he isn't. However, other (I presume entire males) do come a growling at him when they aren't under any control.
Riley is never left in a situation where he could run up to another dog (I have eagle eyes for other dog walkers ) but he only growls after being growled at on lead (which may be half my fault because I tend to tense up when a dog out of control runs up growling at us!)

He likes to wee on a lot of stuff out and about, but we are getting there with training that everything doesn't need to be wee'd on! And he has completely stopped trying to mark in the agility field which was the most important thing for us currently.

He is 'dominant' for a lack of a better word. He is constantly trying to guide me outside and protects the house. However, these are things we are addressing with training - but with everything it's taking time.

However, he is still nervous about certain things. The impression we have is he didn't get much attention previously and is my shadow in the house.
If me and my OH play fight (tickle etc) he gets really stressed out.
I was unpacking presents under the tree last night and moved my arm up quickly without realising he was behind me and he started cowering under the sofa.
Some might disagree this is nervous behaviour but it's just the conclusion I have come to and would be happy to hear otherwise.

The trainer didn't feel neutering him would impact his behaviour at this stage, and I tend to agree. He isn't mental - he can settle in the house - especially after training.

The only issue is other dogs out and about - which is an issue for me more than him really.

I have next week off and had planned to get him done, but the more I think about it the more I feel it may an un-neccesary.

To be very clear - I have mentioned ad nauseum that I run a ferret rescue and I completely disagree with breeding.
I would never ever breed him and like to think, given he isn't allowed off lead near other dogs or to meet other dogs outside - that I wouldn't allow any accident to happen.

Any opinions from more experienced owners on this?

Something to consider is that neutering a dog with nervousness issues can make the problem worse. Guinness was neutered before we got him, and I really wish he hadn't been because he is also a nervous dog.

Hi Niccie you say..
It sounds as though Riley is association certain moments/events with a previous experience which has caused him fear or pain .
I remember his 'history' and wonder how much of his previous problem was related to his treatment by others .
I don't think he is being 'dominant' either , it is natural for dogs to want to protect. Sometimes fearful unsocialised dogs will try to 'get in first' in the hope of putting off another dog.

Some will disagree with me but I am not in favour of neutering every pet dog (bitches I view differently). If the owner is responsible there should be no accidental litters.

Would I neuter Riley, based on the things you have told me no I wouldn't . The choice of course is yours

i wouldnt neuter him. it doesnt sound like any of the issues he has would be resolved by neutering.

i would never get asbo neutered, hes naturally nervy and i would hate to make him worse.

i wouldnt say he is being dominant over you. guiding you when you out isnt being dominant hes just being a dog, and is naturally interested in certain spots which to him probably smell more interesting and for being protective over his house, i wouldnt class that as dominant hes just doing his job.

asbo doesnt like it when i play fight, and will get scared with sudden movements. some dogs are just like that.

i wouldnt worry too much about the issues you have said, and i wouldnt get him neutered either.

I've always previously neutered my pet dogs on the advice of the vet, which is usually around 6 months. But I took on an older entire Jack Russell, who has the greatest temperament and he's never been a problem due to being entire - although he did start marking in the house as I have other neutered male dogs (it might even have been one of these who started it!). This I've mainly controlled by confining him in the kitchen when I'm not there to watch him, and the incidence of it has greatly diminished.

I've since been reading more on neutering and whether it's necessary, I have a 14 week old male puppy who I do plan to neuter as I don't want two entires in the house and he is fairly dominant, but I will leave him to mature before I do.

It doesn't sound like your issues will be resolved by neutering, it's training that's needed

Totally agree with this

Ditto^^

I wouldnt neuter either

Thanks Mini.!

It's a hard one with his behaviour because most of the time he is completely fine then suddenly something random seems to trigger something.... the amount of times I must suddenly move my arm up but it's never been an issue before for example!!


I think because I'm so used to having him around I need to remember he's probably still adjusting to a new home and there are still things we need to learn about him! Constant journey!

The only 'issue' with the door - we installed a post box outside the door and normally he is in the kitchen during the day - but when I am in, people flyering ignore the post box and he's obviously got access to the door!
He snaps quite scarily at them, although there is a sign for no junk mail and post box quite clearly next to door!

We had a slow start to training (think we went through two other trainers before the one we use now) but we are getting there.

Training with the front door is difficult though, we know we need to practise people knocking and distracting him. However, he can tell when it's me or my OH at door and having just moved to a new town we are just getting to know people.


Thanks everyone for your advice! I needed advice from more experienced dog owners before deciding not to neuter.

The money will go into the vet fund so it'll always be there is circumstances change but for the time being my mind has been reassured!

I wouldn't do it, I think the things you can't change by training him now are a lost cause and chopping off the comrades won't help with the issues you are describing. Sounds like you are doing well and the right thing with the training though .