Thanks for the article ... thought provoking. I agree with some of your behavioral points -- (1) the male marking issue; and (2) neutering dogs with a "fighter" mentality, but while I agree that certain breeds have a genetic predisposition toward the fighter mentality, I'm personally not comfortable with across the board breed specific assumptions. I have two males. The 13 yr. old was neutered at 4-1/2 mos. old, he eliminates only outside, generally squats but sometimes lifts his leg. But even when lifting his leg it is only on bushes or trees on a walk, or the fencepost while in the dog yard, never ever will he lift his leg on the deck, the deck furniture or even the grill on the grass in the dog yard. My 8 yr. old intact male will eliminate either on a potty pad in the house or out in the dog yard. He always squats when using a potty pad and only ever lifts his leg in the dog yard if there happens to be a girl in season. He does not whine or bark or howl when anyone is in season but he will climb over a baby gate or a 2 ft. pen if given the opportunity. They were trained as youngsters and have never forgotten that I expect good behavior at all times.
From a health standpoint, I am concerned about the hormonal after effects of early spay/neuter, bone development or lack thereof in the larger breeds, and the risk of certain cancers.
That being said, I favor early spay/neuter because of the human element -- irresponsible people who do not confine their dogs, causing an overwhelming population of unwanted pets, causing tragic and untimely deaths by getting attacked by another animal or getting hit by a car, and irresponsible people breeding dogs that shouldn't be bred all for the sake of trying to make some money.
Overall I agree with you that much of the information put out to supposedly educate the public is overexaggerated propoganda.
From a health standpoint, I am concerned about the hormonal after effects of early spay/neuter, bone development or lack thereof in the larger breeds, and the risk of certain cancers.
That being said, I favor early spay/neuter because of the human element -- irresponsible people who do not confine their dogs, causing an overwhelming population of unwanted pets, causing tragic and untimely deaths by getting attacked by another animal or getting hit by a car, and irresponsible people breeding dogs that shouldn't be bred all for the sake of trying to make some money.
Overall I agree with you that much of the information put out to supposedly educate the public is overexaggerated propoganda.
