Neutering Policy
We understand that making the decision whether to neuter your dog or not can be a bit tricky. Doing your research is vital however with so many differing opinions out there it can feel like a minefield.
North East Tail Trails does not have a strict neutering policy, although we fully support and advise for neutering for social dogs, we assess each dog individually.
Your vet will give you the best advice with regards to when is best to get your dog neutered, it will vary between breeds and sizes. We recommend always making your vet aware that your dog attends a social walk/environment so that they can take this into consideration when advising you.
With regards to female dogs (bitches), it is generally advised to get them spayed after 6 months, either before or after their first season – again, speak to your vet.
Although we welcome un-spayed females, they will not be able to attend pack walks or homestay while in season, or if there are any entire males already booked in. Their season will usually last for around 2-3 weeks.
For male dogs, again we are more than happy to welcome them, providing they are not showing any unwanted hormonal behaviours such as:
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Dominant behaviour towards other dogs or causing other dogs to show dominance due to their intact status.
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Excessively humping.
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Unsettling the balance of the group or creating an unsafe environment.
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Excessively marking within the homestay environment.
Some of these behaviours may not have been seen in their own homes/environments but will showcase within a pack walk or on homestay when they are around other dogs.
If an un-neutered dog, male or female, is welcomed into the Tail Trails pack we will closely assess and monitor their behaviour and will keep you informed through the following stages:
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They have started to show examples of the listed behaviours. We will recommend that you speak to your vet and consider neutering if your dog is over 7 months.
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Behaviours have increased and are starting to affect their own and the pack’s enjoyment of the walk or is becoming an issue within the homestay environment. While this behaviour is still manageable, we will ask that they are booked in for neutering as soon as possible if they are to continue as part of the pack.
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Behaviour is now creating an unsafe environment for the rest of the pack. Unfortunately, at this stage they will not be able to attend pack walks or home stay until they have been neutered and behaviours settle.
If your dog is going to be part of any social activities or environments it is always best to discuss neutering with your vet sooner rather than later so no long-term issues are faced. These behaviours can often only show themselves when put in a social situation and can escalate very quickly between stages.
We also, as already mentioned, recommend when discussing neutering with your vet that you explain to them that your dog regularly attends pack walks, homestay or any other social activities. And also, if we have advised of any unwanted hormonal behaviours then let your vet know. Any good vet will take this into consideration and not advise on delaying if these issues have developed. If for any reason your registered vet does not understand the implications of neutering due to social behaviours, then you should seek advice from other vets in your area.
While surgical neutering can eliminate the risk of testicular and ovarian cancer, and also reduce the risk of other cancers, if you still feel unsure about surgically neutering your dog, please still seek advice from your vet as there are alternatives now such as a chemical implant. This will need closely monitored for expiration but can provide a solution to hormonal behaviours or pregnancy risk.
If you have any questions please do get in touch, or speak to your vet.