|
| Author |
Messages |
|
halt3rtop
Innisfil, ONT
JH
Posts:25
 |
| 02/26/2013 5:01 PM |
|
Ok guys, Bullet is now 1 yr and almost 3 mths old. I have seriously contemplated on getting him neutered, however, many fellow hunters tell me not to get him fixed, as there is a potential that he will lose his hunt drive, or require extensive work sessions to keep his "spirit" alive. Currently, being the offseason, I don't run him as often, but I do often play fetch with him and allow him to romp and have fun. My parents used to puppy sit him, but they are now currently afraid to look after him if I require the help, they have a fixed male german shepard named Remi. Bullet is the mischevious one. Always submissive, loves everyone, and has even been viciously attacked by another GSP back in december...unfixed male with some serious attitude problems. Ironically from the exact same kennel, and 3 yrs of age. Owner never trained him properly, and this is not the first time his dog has gone into attack mode. Funny thing is, although Bullet's leg ended up with 2 small puncture wounds, he still had his drive to continue to hunt even though limping, and he never growled or beared teeth at the other GSP. Only time I've seen him get "snarly" I guess you could say is when the breeder was looking after him. The bitch and sire that whelped my pup were bred again, and another 4 were born. A mere 5 weeks old, they out of curiosity went towards Bullet's food dish, and he snapped at the one pup. The pup backed away and all was good. What is your guys' reccomendations and your thoughts? I just don't want all my time and effort that I put into him to vanish once his hormones have disipated. I wanted a hunt dog AND family pet. Not a dog that would become virtually useless, or become so lazy I need to force him back into the field. |
|
|
|
|
Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:7839
|
| 02/26/2013 10:17 PM |
|
| I neutered my male at about 2.5 years and it hasn't slowed him down one bit. Also, I have seen no change in his drive. He is more focused, but that could just as easily be age and not the neuter, but I like the better focus. |
|
Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna)
Yellow Rose GSPs
   
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato |
|
|
Max2
Oneonta NY
MH
Posts:1111
|
| 02/27/2013 4:08 AM |
|
| My first male was intact for his whole life. Max on the other hand was neutered. We hunt & I have to say Max seems a little more layed back in everyday life but his ability to hunt & drive to hunt I think is perfect. Max is a hunting little machine & pleasure to be around. |
|
Chris |
|
|
Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:7839
|
| 02/27/2013 8:38 AM |
|
| With shorthairs I think the bird drive is so strong that it just overcomes even when the dogs get older and aren't as physically able to hunt. That drive still seems to be there even when the body isn't. My boy wasn't also didn't loose any of his enthusiasm even at home. LOL. He is still all energy. He is 4 years old now and is still the favorite Uncle with my younger dogs. He gets out and plays just as hard and as crazy as the pups do. |
|
Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna)
Yellow Rose GSPs
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato |
|
|
kpwlee
Raleigh, NC
MH
Posts:992
|
| 02/27/2013 10:59 AM |
|
Bugsy was neutered as a teeny pup (shelter dog) so I can't give you a before or after but he is ALL drive, and HIGH energy. He loves younger dogs (he's 7.5 now) and is non-stop play or non-stop work.
So I don't think testicles determine the temperament or drive of the dog. 
I do think its great to wait to neuter (18-24 months is about when I'd do it, personally) |
|
It's Bugsy's world...
http://dailyzoomie.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
halt3rtop
Innisfil, ONT
JH
Posts:25
|
| 02/27/2013 11:39 AM |
|
| a friend of my boyfriend has owned labs for eons, all his males have been in tact. he states that neutering only slows them and allows them to become "lazy bastards" as he's put it. lol. but, by the sounds of it, with the GSP, being a naturally highstrung breed, neutering will allow them to calm somewhat and their drive still up there. that was my biggest concern was him losing his drive, or all his training and time i've put into him being destroyed. like i say, he's only 1 yr and almost 3 mths now. if i do get him fixed, it won't be for another few months or so, not until the heat hits hard (less training i'd be putting him through, and more relaxing time to heal). |
|
|
|
|
everbell
Kanata, ON
MH
Posts:3164
|
| 02/27/2013 4:54 PM |
|
| We had Bo fixed at 15 mo. I didn't notice much change before or after, however, we don't hunt with him. |
|
Joce and Rich
Bogart and Shiraz (GSPs)
Roxane (RIP: 1995-2009) and Tiger Lily (Cats)
The Everbell Adventures |
|
|
demetre126
Ontario, Canada
JH
Posts:37
|
| 02/28/2013 5:15 PM |
|
A lot of people hold strong opinions over the benefits of neutering.. I'm not sure yet, My boy is going to be hunting and he is from a great pedigree but he is also a house pet who will be with other dogs. So I'm on the fence about it. I don't like the idea of messing with his drive but at the same time I'm no expert on the procedure. |
|
|
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
|
|
ActiveForums 3.7
|
You must be logged in to use this module.
|