fixing your puppy

[luca]

I have a 3 month old lab/golden retreiver male mix and want to get him fixed eventually. I have heard dog owners say that you should get him fixed before the age of 5 months that way he will still sqwat when he urinates not learn to lift his leg. They say he will be alot easier to keep clean and will not pee on trees and things if he remains sqwatting when urinating.

Is this correct? please advise, because it would be nice if he would always sqwat.

[aelizilly]

Well, I believe all dogs will be different, age wise, but my Beagle is 4 1/2 months old and (he) is still squatting.

I also have a friend with a 5 year old lab and 1 1/2 year old weimeruner who are both males and they still squat. I believe the lifting the leg thing is a learned habit, as I have known female dogs to lift their legs too. So if your puppy isn't around other dogs lifting their leg, I believe they will not pick up the habit. (This is just my opinion, so as Bailey gets older, we'll see if it's true).

good luck!

[bubbatd]

Chip will squat to empty..but still lifts his leg to mark....so did my females.

[lpollockandrsn]

I agree, most male dog's will learn to lift their legs to urinate. The difference is they won't feel obligated to lift it on EVERYTHING they see. I don't see that it would matter much how they go, as long as they do it where they are supposed to.

[Zoom]

Don't know that's completely true..my Aussie wasn't neutered until he was a year and a half and he still squats to pee. Occasionally lifts to mark, but squats most of the time.

[PFC1]

Originally Posted by bubbatd

Chip will squat to empty..but still lifts his leg to mark....so did my females.

Mine too. He was nuetered at about 5 months.

[mojozen]

Mojo is now 3 years old. I believe he was neutered at about the age of 2ish. He still squats to pee, whether it's to just empty the bladder or to mark. I've had other male dogs who were neutered at a young age and they lifted their leg to pee on everything. I think it depends on your dog... and not much else.

[aelizilly]

It is so interesting to hear just how different every dog is and how the advice from one is not set in stone for all. Great stuff yall!

[RobinA]

My pomapoo is 10 months and he squats every time, and has never marked anything. He was neutered at 5 months. I hope he doesn't start marking!

[PFC1]

Originally Posted by RobinA

My pomapoo is 10 months and he squats every time, and has never marked anything. He was neutered at 5 months. I hope he doesn't start marking!

Mine didn't either, at first.