I was at a dog sports club pre-Covid-19 with my nearly year old mixed breed bitch and someone noticed her nipples were on the larger side (she was in season in November and having a Phantom Pregnancy) and asked why she wasn't de-sexed...
𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹, 𝗺𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻:
😬 It's none of your business.
😬 I'm not looking at de-sexing her before physical maturity.
😬 Numerous studies show the negative effects early de-sexing has on dogs.
😬 I'm very capable to controlling my dogs reproduction.
But instead, I was happy to take the bait and ask "Why should she be de-sexed?" - and I was informed that she could end up pregnant and contribute to the unwanted dogs at pounds who get killed...
Well I'd love to know how she's going to end up pregnant and I'd love to know even if she did have a litter (intentional or not) how her offspring are more likely to end up a pound than other dogs.
I think it's time we stop rattling off pre-written responses we've been conditioned to say because it's over simplifying a problem with many variables.
By not de-sexing my bitch as a puppy I see myself as a different type of responsible pet parent because I've done the research as to why she shouldn't be de-sexed early and when I chose to make the commitment I knew I could commit to controlling her reproduction as well as I have controlled mine and I have remained child free all my life so I'm confident I'm pretty good at it LOL I'm also open to changing my mind if our situation changes, in the end it's about doing what is right for her and us as a family.
As a rescuer I am fully aware that there are people in our community who are unable to control the reproduction of their dogs, these are the type of people that generally wouldn't be interested in de-sexing their dogs any way due to care factor or finances so I don't really see me and them in the same basket. I don't promote not de-sexing at all, I promote do what is right for all concerned and I think responsible pet parents have a right not to be shamed by people just because other some people in our community aren't responsible.
We need to stop desex-shaming pet parents who choose to responsibly keep their dogs intact - times are changing, when we look back in 10-20 years, we'll look back in disbelief that we de-sexed puppies without a 2nd thought.
If de-sexing your young dog is the best thing for your family then that is your choice and I'm not interested in shaming you, I'm only interested in defending my right to make responsible choices for my canine family without a dog park know it all letting me know how I'm causing dogs in pounds to die.
Do your research, find the studies, talk to Vets, talk to breeders and make a decision that is right for all concerned. Ovary sparing speys and vasectomies are also an option to allow a dog to grow well but not be able to reproduce, you may need to have this done at a different Vet that your regular one as not all Vets do these procedures.