To Neuter or Not

[lukiebo]

I am an Activity Director in a Nursing Home. I have a 6 month old Pit who I am considering neutering due to advice from dog trainer. He is training to be a Therapy Dog and will be used for obedience comp. as well as agility comp. The trainer suggested that due to being around people so much, he should be neutered. My fear is that he won't develop properly, that he will stay with a puppy look instead of bulking. Anyone have any advice for me?????

[goob]

Genetics has far more to do with how a dog develops than any other factor, including neutering. Basically, if your dog is meant to be bulky, he will, if not, he won't. In addition, it can take up to 6 months for hormones to clear out of the system after a dog is spayed/neutered, so if he's neutered now, the hormones will still be in his body during the important developmental stages. Many times, neutering a male dog before they're mature will cut down on their level of dog aggression (though other factors still may have more impact, every little bit helps), which will also be a plus for you since you want to do therapy and obedience, and you don't want a dog who wants to eat other dogs. If you're not planning on breeding him (and that brings with it plenty more responsibilities), neutering him is probably the best option.