Hi,

Chunk is now nearly 16 months old and has recently been snappy/snarling at other 'intact' dogs in the park. He is generally a very friendly dog but his recall isn't great with other dogs about as he wants to play.

We have avoided getting him neutered so far as he's not been a 'humper' but we have no intention of breeding from him. My only concern is weight gain (and obviously the operation itself).

Does anyone have any similar experiences/advice?

Thanks.

Anxious Pug Parents

Hi there. Pablo is now 6 months and we have been thinking about it as well. The vets recommend it because it eliminates risk of testicular/prostatic cancer. They also recommend it because of behaviour (running away, aggression).

Most Pugs I know are neutered and most owners, especially those who have owned Pugs for a while recommend it, mainly because of humping behaviour. Having said that most of them are fat

I have heard that there is no link between gaining weight and neutering but I find it hard to agree as Testosterone is an anabolic hormone and therefore helps to burn calories.

For the moment I am not neutering as his behaviour is not bad (but he is still young though) and he has a weight problem.

But I guarantee you that if he starts to hump me like there is no tomorrow I will neuter him myself

Hello

Lenny is six and a half months and whilst he's tried the odd hump (on my forearm) he's more interested in sniffing every dog he meets nether regions/family jewels/penis/lipstick - whatever you want to call it he's sniffing it and can't get enough. Our vet advised against neutering him because of possible weight gain, we're monitoring the situation and hoping that we wont have to.

Emma, Lenny's Mrs

Thanks for your replies.

I have reluctantly taken the plunge with the aggression towards other male dogs being the main factor. I I feel he's going to get himself bitten if he keeps 'picking fights' so he's off to the vet tomorrow

I will let you know how he gets on with the weight gain but I'm going to cut his food down straight away and TRY to cut out the snacks!

Poor baby. Good luck, keep us informed as to his progress and if you do manage to cut out the treats please let me know how you managed it!

Emma, Lenny's Mrs

Kit was done about a month ago now.

We had to do it because of the same territorial dog thing that had recently started.
He looked very sad for himself that evening, and letting go of him for the vets was very hard, but the next morning he was bright as usual...

And now he is back to running in circles, greeting every other dog with a smile and being super chilled!

hope this helps make your choice seem more positive?

I had my dog, Victor, neutered well over a year ago and he isn't a fatty! If your dog gets enough exercise and is fed the correct amount of a quality food then there's nothing to worry about.

Thanks so much for sharing your help and experiences.

It's a week on since Chunk's operation and he's doing really well. He was out of it for a day but soon bounced back and the vet told me he was much braver than the yellow labrador who was in for the same operation!

I can't let him off the lead until Monday when he has his stitches out (which he is finding very frustrating) but we won't look back. I can't say I've noticed any changes yet (early days) and I'm keeping an eye on his food but I'm sure he'll be just the same lovely pug as before.