HOH Spay Advisory

We have no problem with owners seeking a naturally less defensive reactive dog, but those seeking the maximum protective response from their Hoytt Dobe should take my recommendations, which may mean waiting up to 24 months to alter. This variable is based on owner expectation and environmental limits. Thus the greater the need for protection, the longer one waits to alter, while those who seek more social dogs alter earlier.

COST VARIABLE ADVISORY...no matter where you live the U.S. the cost of altering a male can range from $100.00 to $1000.00. For some future owners with Hoytt Dobes in longer programs, altering before placement can not only protect your investment, it can save you both money and worry considering the clinic that will be taking care of the surgery also oversees the health protocols at the House of Hoytt and knows the patient, its background health history that adds further safeties.

Also for those whose males drop only one testicle, most clinics will add $50.00 to $150.00 (to go into the abdomen) for the 'shy one' but we have heard of charges over $1,500.00. If the Hoytt Dobe being developed for a client does not drop both testes and Mr. Hoytt deems the kid too young for altering, but ready to head home, a fee based on an average between the two clinics we use will be refunded or deducted from the original price paid to the Hoytts for the Dobe in question. Or of course, the planned owner can request a selection change.

Note: If this is your first visit to our site and already have an adult dog that has personality or behavioral problems, Altering will not correct dominance nor is altering an exchange for education.

Spaying of females prior to passing through their first heat cycle has caused incontinence in literally every pre-heat spay. It is the Estrogen that firms the muscles that control the urine; no estrogen, no control. I feel best time to spay is 4 months after a cycle ends. Recently verified by the Veterinary Information Network - also remember that no problems have been found in Hoytt Dobes that were allowed to go through at least one heat cycle related to the old idea that heat cycles automatic increase the chances of associated cancers, but spaying halts estrogen production and while each Dobe is different most will still become incontinence in time. Our own Dobes have only been spayed if spaying is used to halt certain uterine infections - most can however be treated with antibiotic. Always call the kennel before any surgery not life threatening at the moment is being considered.

Most Hoytt Dobe females 63 days following the center of their breeding cycle will show enlarged nipples and even a slight fluid discharge. Most think they are pregnant and will gather up their toys and find a quiet place for a few days to about two weeks caring for their 'babies.' In effect we give them time to get through this emotional state as well as returning to their pre-season physical condition. Why go through this? Because we have tracked the after-effects of early spaying for thirty-plus years and every bitch spayed before her first heat ended up incontinent almost immediately and needed to be on drugs for the remainder of their life.

It should also be noted that our own experience shows the non spayed bitch lives out her life without the need for drugs to control incontinence, the rare occasion are those who have lived in dog years longer than George Burns. Understand we speak only for the Hoytt Dobe when asking our clients to think long and discuss this with Mr. Hoytt before you allow your girl to go under anastisia and the knife. Those who have purchased or were given a Dobe should consult with the Dobes breeder - they should know who you are and definitely know the Line of their dogs and the Lines history of health. And remember if done improperly the sphincter muscle can be damaged and leaking can begin within days.

WARNING: Spaying prior to first heat will void all guarantees when it comes to refund, rebates or replacement, but understand we will still help you find a new home for her. (see: "If you should die tomorrow").

NOTE: Articles from Universities that discuss the pros and cons of early spaying are usually debating the surgical procedure and not the long-term ramifications of early spaying. Don't be foolish; if you have a question, talk to Mr. Hoytt. While we have fought with a multitude of Rescue people and vets over the last 30 years who had their own agendas, not necessarily in the dog's best interests related to early spaying, a few years back the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) finally realized we have been correct in our evaluation and have come out with the same finding. Spaying encourages incontinence, and allowing a bitch to go through at least one heat has shown none of the past negative claims being made by many vets even today. 2/08

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