How does neutering affect behavior?
The only behaviors that will be affected by castration are those that are under the influence of male hormones. A dog’s temperament, training, personality and ability to do “work” are a result of genetics and upbringing, not its male hormones. Castration does not “calm” an excitable dog, and unless a castrated male dog is overfed or under-exercised, there is no reason for it to become fat and lazy. Which of my dogs’ behavior problems can be expected to improve following castration? As mentioned, only those behaviors that are “driven” by male hormones, can be reduced or eliminated by castration. Although the hormones are gone from the system almost immediately following castration, male behaviors may diminish quickly over a few days or gradually over a few months. • Undesirable sexual behavior: Attraction to female dogs, roaming, mounting, and masturbation can be reduced or eliminated by castration. • (a) Case studies show that for roaming there was moderate improvement in 70% of dogs w
