Below are common concerns that arise when considering to neuter a male dog.

Concern #1: Castrated dogs are wimps.

Many owners equate the lose of testicles among dogs as losing the manliness factor. Many police dogs nationwide have, in fact, been neutered yet retain their trained aggression.

Concern #2: Males cannot get pregnant. So, why neuter?

By neutering, the natural roaming behavior in males is reduced. Although males cannot get pregnant, they can father multiple litters. Spaying and neutering are the best way to reduce the 4 to 6 million unwanted pets that end up euthanized each year.

Concern #3: Neutering will change the dog’s behavior.

Genetics and training are the most important factor is determining your pet's behavior although neutering can decrease roaming behavior, marking behavior and some forms of aggression.

Concern #4: All neutered dogs are sleepy and fat.

Following castration some people believe that netuered dogs are more sleepy and less playful. In fact, those behavioral changes are typical of puberty, the stage of life when most neutering occurs. The changes merely reflect your pet growing up. But don't blame obesity on being neutered. The fact is that any dog can become obese. Obesity should be controlled through proper diet and exercise.

Concern #5: If a male dog isn’t let near unspayed females, why neuter?

Castration is effective for medical reasons. By removing the testicals, testicular tumors, which are very common in older dogs, can not occur. Castration also prevents most diseases of the prostate: hyperplasia, prostatitis, cysts, and abscesses. Owners should castrate dogs who carry genetic diseases, such as hip dysplasia or other congenital conditions, to make sure that undesirable traits and disease aren't passed on.

Along with the reasons above, dogs that are cryptorchid (in which one or both testicles did not descend) should be neutered. Cryptorchid dogs are at much higher risk of developing testicular cancer, and the condition is hereditary.

When making the decsion whether or not to neuter your dog, it is better not to put your own perceptions and feeling inwhat your dog is thinking. Instead, stud the medical and social benefits to castrating non-breeding dog. Above all else, discuss the issue with your vet before any decision.