Random puppy questions

[Tblackwell01]

Hey there,
Got a couple of random puppy questions for you guys. When's a good safe age to neuter my baby? I've read conflicting things. To young and there's a higher risk of cancer cause the dog doesnt get enough testosterone. To old and they could mark or be likely to want to wander out of the yard. So whens the middle ground? Also I walk 3-4 miles a day. When is a good age to start walking with Frankie? I know at 11 wks he's to young. But I want to start him on my routine as soon as he's able. I'm a worrier and just want the best for my baby.


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[Roccosmom]

You will get many different responses about neutering. I neutered my dog at about 8 months - before he started marking etc. The downside was that he may not have gotten as big as he could.

As for the walking - you can start him off slow and short distance and increase as he grows. No running until the growth plates are done and closed.
Also, remember that Boxers are not heat and cold tolerant. They need a coat for cold weather and should not be exercised hard in hot, humid weather. My dog's tipping point for hot weather is about 78 degrees with humidity.

Your pup will love walking with you and how lucky is he that he will get that kind of exercise!

Good luck with everything.

[Tblackwell01]

Awesome. Thanks.Yea I figured I'd get different opinions and wanted to hear them all. Coming from Texas the weather is so crazy you never know what it's going to be. Definitely won't be taking him out during the crazy hot summer and we dont really have much of a winter lol. I've been putting him in sweaters and my husband thinks I'm crazy. I just told him he gets cold lol I cant wait till he's big enough to take to the river and lake.


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[Mom2Jax&Bay]

Hello. My vet did Jaxon at 6months. I would probably wait a bit longer next time as he isn't very big and I believe it's from that.

Walking is ok but no forced exercise like running until 18months old then start slow.

[2manydogs]

Neutered dogs actually tend to get taller than non-neutered. They however dont usually fill out the same.

I would neuter your dog when you feel comfortable to do it. I prefer to leave males as long as possible. Some males never show any signs of being intact where as other are horrible. The moment you start to see behavioural changes in your dog, I would neuter him.

[Tblackwell01]

I'm not to worried about his size I just want him to be healthy and definitely dont want him marking. Lol


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[Bosley'sMom]

Originally Posted by 2manydogs

Neutered dogs actually tend to get taller than non-neutered. They however dont usually fill out the same.

I would neuter your dog when you feel comfortable to do it. I prefer to leave males as long as possible. Some males never show any signs of being intact where as other are horrible. The moment you start to see behavioural changes in your dog, I would neuter him.

Yup.

My Bosley is not neuteured and he's a sweetheart. Doesn't exhibit any bad behaviours in regards to that. He turned 2 in November Now if I could just get him to stop trying to kill squirrels and bunnies that would be great.

It's really your choice and what you feel comfortable doing. Bos marks outside but never inside. He knows whos boss and very rarely ever challenges anyone (dog or human). He gets snarky with his boxer-buddy (Bear, our friend's boxer) but that's becuase Bear is just plain obnoxious. They are both intact and play wonderfully together. Bear just doesn't know when to stop. he's not the brightest dog..his nickname is Blockhead lol.

[BuddhaBoss]

There is the the 5 minute-rule: you should walk your puppy five minuets for each month of age, so at 3 months old, a puppy should walk on a leash for 15 minutes and at 6 months, they can walk for 1/2 hour. They can however play outside, run, free exercise for as long as they want.. but forced exercise such as walking on a leash or running should not be done until they are 18months old and have stopped growing- or u can damage their little skeletons.
As for nurturing- i too had this question with 2 male puppies in the house.. i personally would prefer to not have them neutered.. I think health wise that is the best decision, I have read a lot of people who have experienced no marking signs, testosterone aggressive issues and so i am going to see how it goes. As of now my oldest is just over 7 months and we have had no problems what so ever. Fingers crossed! Best of luck!