To Neuter or Not to Neuter: That Is the Question

Dog Neutering and Spaying Advice – Duncan’s Dog Co. Surrey

At Duncan’s Dog Co., we’ve spent the last 20 years working with every type of dog you can imagine. One thing we know for sure: when it comes to living, playing, and holidaying together in a safe pack environment, neutering matters.

This isn’t about preaching. It’s about facts, science, and the kind of everyday realities we see when dogs socialise. So let’s break it down.

Female Dogs: Heat Is a Holiday Deal-Breaker

We can’t take girls in heat into doggy daycare or boarding. Even after the last day of bleeding, it takes about 4–6 weeks before they’re truly out of season. That’s a long time to plan around, especially if you were hoping to book them in for a woodland holiday with us.

Our recommendation for spaying is usually around 9–12 months. For larger breeds, we always take growth plates and physical development into account before giving advice.

Even mature females still need to be spayed. Apart from the health benefits (reduced risks of pyometra and mammary cancer), it stops the inconvenience of having a trip planned… only to find out your dog has other “plans” for the month.

Male Dogs: Testosterone and Trouble

We’ve found over two decades that intact males don’t do well in a pack. Even if they’re angels at home, they tend to bring out unwanted attention—from other males and even females who feel threatened. The result? Stress for everyone.

Our recommendation is neutering around 12 months. That strikes a balance: old enough for growth plates in most breeds, but early enough to avoid learned behavioural issues.

Left too late, habits set in.

Humping, scent-marking every surface, single-minded “romance mode”—testosterone turns even the cleverest dog into a one-track thinker. In exceptional circumstances, we consider chemical castrations.

A Bigger Responsibility

Let’s not forget: we’ve essentially domesticated a wild animal. With that comes responsibility.

There are already too many homeless dogs in the world. The last thing anyone needs is an inexperienced owner suddenly managing a litter of puppies—or worse, dealing with aggressive behaviours that could have been prevented.

Balancing hormones through neutering and spaying not only improves behaviour, it makes life easier and safer for dogs and humans alike.

Benefits Beyond Behaviour

Neutering isn’t just about stopping unwanted litters. It helps with:

• Calmer behaviour in social settings

• Reduced risk of hormone-driven health issues

• Less marking and roaming tendencies

• A safer and happier pack dynamic in group care

  
  

In short, neutered dogs fit into a co-mingling environment far more smoothly.

Our Takeaway

At Duncan’s Dog Co., we’ve seen it all. Our conclusion is simple: neutering supports healthier, more balanced dogs who can enjoy our dog daycare and boarding services without disruption.

If you’re planning your next dog holiday, spaying or neutering is a win for your puppy, you, and the rest of the pack.