Does Removing a Dog's Balls Calm Them Down? Exploring the Truth

The Impact of Neutering on a Dog's Behavior

Well, here’s a question that many dog owners have wondered about: "Does removing a dog's balls calm them down?" I’ve had this conversation with friends, family, and even at the vet office—people are genuinely curious about the effect neutering has on their dog's temperament. It’s one of those topics where everyone has an opinion, but the truth is a bit more complex.

Honestly, I’ve had two dogs, and both reacted very differently post-neutering. One seemed calmer, while the other stayed as hyper as ever. But does this mean that neutering will always have a calming effect? Let’s break it down and see what the science and experience say about this.

What Neutering Does to a Dog’s Body and Mind

To understand the impact of neutering on behavior, we first need to look at what happens to a dog's body. Neutering, which is the removal of a dog’s testicles, reduces the production of testosterone. This hormone is tied to various behaviors, including aggression, dominance, and territorial marking. So, in theory, removing the source of testosterone could lead to a calmer, less aggressive dog. But that doesn’t always play out as expected.

Testosterone and Behavior: The Link

Testosterone is linked to behaviors like marking territory, roaming, and aggression, especially in male dogs. I remember my friend Jack had a golden retriever, Max, who was always trying to fight other dogs, particularly around other males. After neutering, Max calmed down significantly. But the real kicker was that Jack didn’t see an immediate change—at first, it seemed like Max was still the same.

This leads me to one of the most important points: neutering can take time to show behavioral changes. It’s not like flipping a switch. So, it’s definitely not a quick fix, and that’s something to keep in mind.

When Neutering Doesn’t Have the Desired Effect

Honestly, there are some cases where neutering doesn’t seem to have a significant impact on a dog's behavior. Some dogs are just naturally high-energy, and their behavior doesn’t really change after the procedure. And then there are other dogs where neutering might calm them down to a certain extent but not completely.

The Role of Genetics and Age

Let me tell you, age and genetics play a big role. If you neuter a dog at a young age, say 6 months to 1 year, you might see a bigger change in their behavior than if you neuter them when they’re older. I had a dog, Sparky, who was neutered at 2 years old, and he didn’t seem to mellow out much afterward. He was always a bit wild, full of energy, and ready to play. I figured that maybe if he had been neutered earlier, it would have had more of an impact.

Neutering Won't Solve Behavioral Problems

One thing that is important to mention is that neutering doesn’t fix all behavioral issues. If your dog has behavioral problems that are rooted in anxiety, fear, or poor training, neutering won’t magically make them "perfectly calm." I’ve seen owners get frustrated when they expect neutering to solve every problem, but it’s just one part of the puzzle.

Other Benefits of Neutering Beyond Behavior

Now, I’ll admit it: when I had my first dog, I only considered neutering because I was told it would calm him down. But, it turns out there are other benefits to neutering that I didn’t fully realize at the time.

Health Benefits

For one, neutering can reduce the risk of certain health issues, like testicular cancer and prostate problems. So, even if it doesn’t necessarily make your dog super chill, it’s still a win in the health department.

Preventing Overpopulation

Neutering also helps control the pet population. It’s a hard truth, but there are millions of dogs in shelters needing homes. By neutering your dog, you’re part of the solution, preventing unwanted litters that might end up in a shelter.

How Long Does It Take for Neutering to Affect Behavior?

Well, the big question: how long until you see any changes in your dog’s behavior after neutering? I’ve read that it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for the full effects to be noticeable. You might notice a reduction in behaviors like territorial marking or aggression sooner, but if you're hoping for a complete change in their energy levels, it could take a bit longer.

It’s a Process, Not an Instant Fix

I remember when I got my dog neutered, I had this unrealistic expectation that he’d suddenly become calm, like a fluffy zen master. It didn’t happen overnight, and that was a bit of a letdown at first. But once the months went by, I did see a difference—just not in the "instant calm" way I had imagined.

Conclusion: Neutering Can Help, But It’s Not a Magic Solution

So, does removing a dog's balls calm them down? Yes, in some cases, neutering can help reduce aggression and hyperactivity by lowering testosterone levels. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Some dogs will calm down after the procedure, while others may remain as energetic and playful as ever.

What’s important to remember is that neutering is just one part of the equation. If your dog’s behavior is challenging, it’s worth considering other factors, like genetics, training, and even health issues. Don’t rely on neutering as a magic fix—it’s a process that takes time, and for some dogs, it’s just the first step in a long journey to becoming their best, most balanced selves.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.