The Effects of Neutering on Pre-Puberal and Post-Puberal Male Dogs

This study investigates the effects of neutering on male dogs, utilizing three dependent variables; dominance, weight gain, and social responsiveness towards humans. Seven hybrid subjects were divided between pre-puberal and post-puberal subject groups and administered tests measuring the dependent variables. A two week pre-treatment period was followed by the neutering treatment and eight weeks of post- treatment observation. It is hypothesized the neutering treatment would not observably change the dependent variables among the neutered and intact subjects. The present study indicated neutering did not observably change dominance position in either pre- or post-puberal subjects. Also, no major weight gain was discovered in either pre- or post-puberal subject data. A discrepancy was discovered between pre - and post-puberal subject data when post-puberal neutered subjects were found to become more socially responsive to humans following neutering treatment. No observable change was discovered in pre - puberal subjects. Possible explanations for these findings were offered and suggestions for future research were made.