Spaying and neutering does affect the behavior of dogs in some ways, however this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

One thing that you’ll notice is that neutered male dogs do not spray urine to mark their territory, and don’t usually mount other dogs. They are also less likely to be aggressive, get into fights or escape their yard and wander the streets. Keep in mind that if you see your neutered dog mounting another dog, this is not necessarily a sign of sexual behavior. In many dogs, it is a sign of dominance, so they are just letting their canine buddy know who is the boss.

Other personality traits are not affected by neutering. Your dog will still protect you and your family home, as their pack instincts will still exist. They will be just as smart as they were before their operation, and as playful. Most dog owners find that their neutered dog is much easier to live with.

The same applies when you spay a female dog. Their basic personality does not change, but you won’t have to deal with some of the nuisance behaviors associated with an entire bitch. Since they won’t be going through any heat periods, they won’t get the urge to roam to find a mate. They won’t spot blood around the house, and won’t experience false pregnancies as many intact female dogs do (sometimes even to the point of producing milk!).

One thing to keep in mind is that neutering a dog often changes their metabolic rate. This means that they are very likely to gain weight unless you reduce their food intake and increase their exercise.

In Summary If you are concerned about what behavior changes may occur in your dog after spaying or neutering, don’t be. Most changes that occur are positive ones, and unless you’re planning on breeding your dog, spaying and neutering is a good thing to do.