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Canine Castration |
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Castration & The Behavioural EffectsMany dog owners
inadvertently conclude that canine castration is the magic solution to
all their dog-behaviour problems. The decision to castrate is often taken
as a desperate measure, rather than a well-thought-out and considered judgement
based on the likely benefits.
The main reasons castrations are carried out are usually to either:
Prevent accidental mating and, consequently, unwanted puppies.
Address certain medical conditions including testicular cancer and diseases of the prostate gland.
Or/and to address behavioural problems.
This article looks
specifically at the behavioural implications of castration and avoids
both the medical and moral arguments surrounding this subject.
What exactly is castration?
Also known as neutering, castration is the surgical procedure which
removes an animal's testicles (or testes). It is a routine minor operation
carried out under general anaesthetic and does not normally require an
overnight stay at the vet. Some stitching is required which is then usually
removed after 7-10 days. Un-castrated dogs are often referred to as 'entire'
males.
So what is the connection between castration and behaviour ?
The testes are responsible for the production of testosterone. As
dogs grow, during their adolescence (6-18 months) the levels of this hormone
increase such that secondary sex-related characteristics become more evident.
These include mounting, leg lifting and higher levels of aggression. The
hypothesis is that removal of the testes reduces the production of testosterone
and hence sex related behaviour.
Does castration reduce dog aggression towards humans?
Of all dog behaviours, aggressiveness is the one that gives us the
greatest concern. The reasons for aggression within dogs can be varied.
Understanding these reasons, their causes and symptoms requires the experience
of a trained behaviourist. The causes for aggression towards family members
is usually the most difficult to determine. Often it is as a result of
the dog attempting to gain a higher rank within its pack (which includes
your family). This is known as dominance aggression and surveys have shown
that this form of aggression is more common in entire males than castrated
males. In such cases, your vet or behaviourist may recommend castration
as part of a behaviour programme to tackle this form of aggression. They
would also look at ways to help stabilise the ranking hierarchy within the
home. See our article How to become the
pack leader.
Territorial aggression is often the main cause of aggression towards
visitors to your home. In the wild, territorial aggression by dogs stems
from the need to protect mating and food resources. Hence, like dominance
aggression, castration may also be part of a behaviour modification programme.
On the other hand, your dog's discomfort with a particular situation
or circumstance may result in fear or nervous aggression. There can be
a number of reasons for this, but lack of socialisation during ‘puppyhood’
is usually the main cause. In such cases, a behaviour modification programme
is unlikely to include castration.
Does castration reduce dog aggression towards other dogs?
Aggression between dogs is most often either fear aggression or dominance
aggression. Fear aggression may be the result of a previous experience
of being attacked, or because they feel they are unable to escape a particular
situation. In the latter case, dogs are more likely to display fear aggression
whilst on lead as opposed to being off lead. As mentioned earlier, canine
castration would not be a part of resolving aggression caused through
fear.
Castration may be recommended where aggression between dogs is orientated
towards other males and where fear aggression has been ruled out. Castration
may reduce the desire to dominate and reduce overall aggression thresholds.
Additionally, castrated dogs smell less masculine and are less likely
to be the focus of aggressive intentions by other dogs. Aggression between
dogs is discussed in more detail in our article Why is My Dog Aggressive to Other
Dogs
Does castration stop mounting behaviour?
Mounting behaviour is discussed in more detail in our article Why is my dog mounting other dogs. Where
this behaviour is portrayed against female dogs (or in some cases neutered
dogs - see above), castration can be very effective.
Mounting behaviour against humans or other objects (e.g. pillows,
large fluffy toys) can occur particularly as a dog enters puberty. If this
behaviour continues into adulthood, then castration is likely to be recommended
and is known to be very successful. If the mounting behaviour is as a
result of dominance, other behaviour therapies may also need to be considered.
Does castration eliminate urine marking?
Our article Urine Marking
in the house discusses this behaviour in more detail. Castration is known
to help in cases urine marking, particularly where the marking is taking
place inside the home. On its own, urine marking outside the home is generally
not considered sufficient reasoning for castration.
Are there any behavioural side-effects of castration?
It is believed that castrated dogs smell different and can become
the focus of attention from other males. This is particularly evident in
recently castrated dogs.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that castration
causes a dog to put on weight. It is true that after castration dogs can
have an increased appetite and will eat more food if given. Hence the over
weight is often due to over feeding rather than the effects of castration.
Castration does not affect an owner’s ability to train their dog.
In fact many find castrated dogs are less distracted and easier to train
Any there any alternatives?
Some owners mistakenly believe that allowing their dog to mate will
reduce their dog's frustrations and consequently ease behavioural problems.
This is not the case and in many cases things can get worse as the dogs
interest in females and sense of status increases further.
Hormone treatments prescribed by vets can be beneficial in tackling
behaviour problems. They are normally in tablet or injection form and are
a useful way of modifying behaviour while other behaviour improvement tactics
are employed.
Hormone treatments are also a useful gauge as to the likely effects
of castration.