Some individuals spay or neuter their dogs in order to reduce the incidence of inbreeding. Others see the need to control their numbers to manageable levels in order to provide for them effectively. However, the major reason advanced is to control the dog's aggressive predisposition and other undesirable behavioural traits in males like roaming far from home during the heat season. Spaying brings about a cessation of production of the hormone testosterone which in addition to the aforementioned traits, results in intermale rivalry. But it gets paradoxical when cessation of testosterone production undermines the dog's sense of security and lowers its confidence making it emotionally brittle and prone to aggressiveness to compensate. In addition, there are other factors that cause aggression like masculinisation of the brain, prior learning experiences and individual personalities. Therefore, its not a quick fix. A qualified practitioner should give an opinion on what underlies the dog's aggressive tendencies. Whats your take?
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