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The Curious Bag
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While some types of aggression is reduced by spaying female dogs, the permanent hormonal changes caused by spaying can increase some aggressive behaviors. Most aggression is managed best by training. There are both risks and benefits to spaying.
Function
Female dogs are routinely spayed for health reasons (it reduces the chance of some cancers) and to relieve owners of the responsibility of dealing with heat cycles and ensuring she does not get unintentionally impregnated.
Effects
Heat cycles in dogs can cause a roller-coaster of behavioral changes and sometimes dogs in heat become irritable and snappy, especially towards other dogs. Spaying reduces this type of aggression.
Increased Aggression
An increasing body of research indicates that some female dogs may become more fearful, reactive and aggressive towards people. This is due to lowered levels of estrogen, progesterone and oxytocin hormones.
Time Frame
Pediatric spaying may increase the chance of aggression and waiting until the dog is at least 12 months old may allow her temperament to settle and be unchanged by spaying.
Expert Insight
A spayed female dog is, overall, easier to live with. By far the greatest effect on a dog's temperament has little to do with whether or not she is spayed, but how well she is socialized and trained to be a companion and family member.
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