posted 03-09-2004 08:54 AM         

Well my post is that I have latetly been reading up on Goldens, and there are many breeders who are recommending NOT to spay. There is one breeder in particular who is against spaying because she says it can mess up the growth, affect the bones, etc. I have seen many breeders say the same thing.

Well I have decided not to spay Laika (soon to be pup). She will be a very big pup, bigger than the breed standard, and I want to do obedience with her. If she works out well in obedience then I will breed her if I find the right stud. I cant do this if she is spayed.

Also, I know that living here in Puerto Rico it will be a challenge when she comes into heat with the dog problems and all. She will be about the 7th female here in the neighborhood. But I have been reading up on odor control, pet diapers, etc.

posted 03-09-2004 09:01 AM         

http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/reports/early-neuter.html

http://www.exoticbengals.com/spay.htm

http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/ope/ivb/spay-neu.htm

These studies indicate no adverse effects to early spay/neuter. Conversely, they talk about how it is easier on the animal and faster to perform.

I also would not want to hassle with heat cycles and fending off males dogs and unwanted litters - especially in your situation with so many dogs running loose. And there are a lot of health problems associated with unaltered animals - mammary tumors being a big one with females. I would personally find personality changes due to hormones to be upsetting.

Someone posted info or a link about things you need to do and think about before breeding your dog. It was VERY long and involved. Breeding also costs a lot of money. It is a HUGE responsibility if done correctly. If you are up to this challenge and this is what you want to do, as well as showing in the conformation ring, then spaying is not an option for you.

posted 03-09-2004 09:16 AM         

Ianena, Please do read all about what is involved in breeding before you make such a huge commitment. There is soooo much to consider.

And the heat cycles can be very messy, as well as mood swings in the bitch.

Good luck to you!

posted 03-09-2004 10:28 AM         

Ianena, yes you can train your dog at home. BUT make sure she is properly socialized - meaning she spends time with other dogs and a variety of people and places. I chose to do a puppy class more for the socialization than the training.

Once your dog knows the basics, a more advanced training class can be a helpful way to add distractions so the dog learns to perform no matter what else is going on. But of course, you can also do this at the park or outside an elementary school when it is letting out or any other place with a lot of distractions - when funds are limited you have to be creative!

However, if YOU don't know how to train a dog, a GOOD class can be a good place to start. Books and advice from people here are also good. I like "The Power of Positive Dog Training" by Pat Miller. Ian Dunbar also has some good puppy books that tell you everything you need to know. Get them BEFORE you get the pup and read up so you are prepared when she comes home!

I also don't think choke collars or prong collars are necessary. It is possible for them to be useful tools if used properly, but anything like that can easily become a crutch. Studies have shown that dogs that learn using ALL positive methods learn better and have a better relationship with their owners. It also teaches the dog to THINK because you are not forcing them to do things. By giving the dog a choice, it becomes a matter of how to "make sure" the dog wants to choose the proper choice.

And positive training is more fun for the human, too!

Jamiya

posted 03-09-2004 11:28 AM         

My decision to breed will definately not be taken lightly. I will not even consider until she is at least 2 and then if things go right when she is older than that.

About the choke collar and prong collar, I dont want to use them for training but in the obedience classes I saw all the dogs with the choke collars, i dont know if this is a requirement. I dont like to use choke collars because if the dog want to pull it will pull and the only thing it will do is choke itself.

posted 03-09-2004 11:55 AM         

http://www.dog-play.com/ethics.html