Abstract
Male dogs are often castrated based on the thought that it facilitates well-behavedness. However, the causal evidence for this from prospective studies lacks and the existing associative studies present mixed results depending on the studied behaviours. We aimed to gain insight into possible factors driving an owner's decision to castrate their male dog, through a quantitative survey based on a convenience sample. We determined the advice owners received from three types of dog professionals (veterinarian practitioners, behavioural trainers, behavioural therapists) and the owners' assessments of castration's behavioural effects. Data on 491 Dutch owners of castrated and intact male dogs were analysed with Chi-square tests. Results indicate that owners of both castrated and intact dogs received castration advice most often from veterinarian practitioners, with pro-castration at higher frequencies for owners of castrated dogs (Chi-square, P<0.001). Overall, most owners disagreed with or were neutral about statements on castration positively affecting male dog behaviour at a population level. Nevertheless, 58% (N = 145) of the owners of castrated dogs (N = 249) reported that correcting unwanted behaviour was a reason to castrate their own male dog. Unwanted behaviour involved aggression in 50% (N = 70) of the owner-dog dyads. Castrated dog's aggression changes were reported on most as 'no change'. The second most common answer indicated an aggression decrease in dogs castrated to correct unwanted behaviour and an increase in dogs castrated for other reasons (Chi-square, P<0.001). The increase in aggression in a subset of castrated dogs is concerning, as aggression can pose risks to the dog's welfare. We acknowledge the limitations of our study which identifies associations rather than provides causal evidence. Still, we recommend professionals' awareness of possible negative behavioural changes following castration, like increased aggression. Future research on behavioural consequences of castrating dogs needs to build a more solid knowledge base for balanced advice regarding castration.
Highlights
Desexing dogs regards the surgical removal of the testes in males, more commonly known as castration, or the ovaria in females
We analysed the owners’ reports in particular for how they were advised by dog professionals on the castration of male dogs, how they opinioned on castration affecting male dog behaviour at a population level and how owners of castrated dogs evaluated the behavioural effects of castration on their own dog
We wanted to better understand how dog owners’ decisions to desex their dogs are influenced by professional advice and the common beliefs about the behavioural consequences. This is especially important as presently prospective causal data in this area are missing [5, 6], but individually based advice is recommended in areas where population management does not apply [6, 31]. Advising professionals such as veterinarian practitioners, behavioural trainers and behavioural therapists could benefit from information on how dog owners decide to castrate their male dog or not
Summary
Desexing dogs regards the surgical removal of the testes in males, more commonly known as castration, or the ovaria in females. The common belief is that desexing makes a dog more well-behaved, but convincing causal scientific evidence for the precise behavioural effects of desexing dogs is presently lacking. This compromises the quality of the advice to dog owners by dog professionals such as veterinarian practitioners, behavioural trainers ( known as dog trainers), and behavioural therapists. These dog professionals ordinarily provide the science-based information that misses in a dog owner’s cordial social surroundings [4]. Our findings should contribute to a future understanding of how professional advice may support carefully weighed decisions by dog owners on the castration of their dog
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