One of the main reasons the advocates for early neuter / spay are fond of reciting is that it will eliminate, or at least minimize, the chance that your K9 will wander off, and possibly get lost, in pursuit of the opportunity to mate.

Having recently adopted an intact 6-month old Pitbull, this is a concern for me. I know these guys are notorious for their pulling strength, as well as their tenacity. Right now, he still urinates like a bitch, and aside from sniffing and licking, hasn't shown any serious interest in sex with me, or any K9 bitches for that matter.

I'm very careful, and except at the dog park, I always keep him on a leash, especially because of the bad rep Pits have. Similarly, we'll be starting our Beginner's Obedience class in a week, followed by a 6-week Canine Good Citizen certification class.

I hope by the time he enters sexual maturity, and we begin to mate on a regular basis, he'll resist the urge to bolt and roam every time he picks up the scent of a K9 bitch in heat. If the comfort and security of a loving home, companion and sexual playmate aren't motivation enough, hopefully all the obedience training will at least hold him in check if he ever seizes an opportunity to bolt.

So, guess what I'm really wanting to know is if this is just another lame rationale for castration, or is there really cause for concern?

This post has been edited by BlackMagikWoman on Apr 5 2009, 10:47 AM

Basically do you wish to take the time to care and supervise his outing properly.
Some dogs are like some humans I know and neither should be allowed to reproduce.
There are a few problems with some breeds that to prolong their life span they have to loose them bits.
Neutering is the easiest way of stopping the reproduction of unwanted animals, one male can inseminate many females, but one female can produce many offspring every reproduction cycle.

Your dog is your responsibility. You're fooling yourself if you believe he will develop human judgement. As a wise vet said: "Dogs will be dogs". Enjoy him as he is. You are setting yourself up for disappointment if you expect him to act like a furry human. It is up to you to make his decisions for him, keep him up and not roam, not add to Pit's bad rep by letting him misbehave, kill other dogs, eat the neighbor's sheep, bury other people's cars in your back yard...... :pinch:

I have a beagle, so I'm pretty much an expert at this. No matter what breed it is, keep it on a leash. They don't care who they're with or what fantastic thing you're doing, when they smell or see something interesting, they're there. There are exceptions of course, but in the interest of safety, I'd keep him with you at all times.

No disrespect to our male members, but being a woman, I'm really more interested in my sisters' experience.

K9s are pack oriented, like their cousins the wolf and the wild dogs of Australia and Africa. Ordinarily, within a pack, only the alpha male and female mate, and this is for life. While the alpha female may occasionally stray to rendezvous with a rogue male bold and clever enough to successfully trespass into her pack's territory, the alpha male, who otherwise watches her like a hawk, would never risk slipping off for any such clandestine rendezvous out of fear that a rogue opportunist, or even another pack subordinant, might seize the opportunity to mate with the alpha female.

So, to my way of thinking, which I fear might be somewhat delusional, or at least hopeful, since I'm not currently in a relationship, my now devoted and loyal K9 will come to see himself as the alpha male in our pack, with me being the alpha female. Therefore, with such a secure, comfortable and fun home and loving companion, and a readily available and consistent sexual partner, why would he possibly want to stray? Sure, the occasional easy dog park quickie. But stray?

So, ladies, am I going to have to keep this fellow on a tight leash at all times? :thinking:

Every dog is different. Some dogs will wander no matter what youdo, including castration. Plenty of exercise, consistent discipline and rewards for good behavior go a long way toward making your dog want to stay home. It sounds like you're on the right track with obedience and canine good citizen classes.
Good luck,
LTD