# Neutering a Dog: Facts, Myths and Advice
_Published: July 13, 2025_
> Energy and character are not the same as sexuality.
Does neutering change a dog's personality?
Energy and personality are not the same as sexuality
- A dog's temperament is innate – part genetics, part socialization.
- Energy, playfulness and stubbornness don't come from the testicles.
- Neutering doesn't turn a dog into a calm house pet.
What actually changes after neutering?
Neutering won't reset a dog that has already learned to jump, bark or pull on the leash – those are learned behaviors.
But it will help with hormone-driven behaviors, like territorial marking or fighting with other males.
Neutered dogs tend to stay closer to their owners
A reduced urge to roam lowers the risk of injury, accidents, mating with unknown dogs, and dogs getting lost.
Common myths among male-dog owners
- The dog will become depressed
- He'll get fat – only if he's overfed and doesn't exercise
- He loses his masculinity – that's a human interpretation, not a canine one
The change in metabolism after neutering is real – but manageable
Metabolism can slow down after neutering, so it's important to adjust:
The solution:
Food formulated for neutered dogs + regular exercise = no extra pounds
What neutering prevents in males
Health benefits
- Testicular tumors – risk completely eliminated (since the testicles are removed)
- Prostate problems – dramatically lower risk later in life of:
- prostate enlargement
- Cysts
- Infections
- Perianal tumors – lower risk in neutered males
What spaying prevents in females
Zdravstveni benefiti
- Pyometra (a pus-filled uterine infection) – very common and life-threatening in older unspayed females
- Mammary tumors – risk drops by up to 90% if spaying is done before the second heat
- Ovarian and uterine tumors – risk completely eliminated
