Wireless Fence or Neutered?

[RangerJack]

The neighbor's female has been in heat the last week, and I can't leave my male dog outside for more than a minute and he's gone. I would like to get a female, and eventually breed one or two litters of puppies, but my dog trotting over to the neighbors isn't helping that idea.

Would you get your dog neutered, or set up a fence?

The neighbor's female "chocolate lab" was hit by a car about 2 months ago, and her hips are shot (kinda crooked looking). If she has puppies, she will more than likely get a blood clot and need surgery. The vets said she could die if she has puppies I guess. What if she's already pregnant? Can they get her fixed while she's pregnant? I'm just worried that it's all going to go down hill as my fault, and my neighbors will be upset with me.

Just kind of upset lately, because I've spent thousands of hours with my dog(s) and I wish he wouldn't be interested in females (only birds)! But that's his instinct I guess.

[Tip Up Rookie]

My girlfriend is a veterinarian and said that you should get your pet neutered. Un-neutered dogs are the most likely to break through the fence and this will also require additional training. Although she is baised and wants to neuter everything....

[RangerJack]

Did she watch too much of 'The Price is Right' as a child? That would explain her biased opinion towards neutering male animals!

[Glock]

Jack,

I understand its difficult to controll a male dog when a nearby female is in heat. But considering what you said about the health of the female I think you have to keep him away form her. Understanding it is the neighbors dog who is in their yard makes for bad news. If you male hmm errr well you know and she ended up dieing during term or delivery would be hardbreaking for the female owners and label you as the neighborhood bad guy.

A wireless fence isn't going to keep him home and neutering is a good idea only if not planning on breeding with a selected female. My suggestion? A good heavy cable line tied to his collar to keep him in your yard for the week of so she is in heat. He is going to bark and whine but at least you wouldnt be the most hated guy on the block

[RangerJack]

I think she's already done. He was fine all day while I was at work, apparently. She's getting fixed this week, so problem solved. Also, I live in the country, so it's not really a "block."

[11B]

RangerJack,

I have a male chocolate lab and have a female yellow lab that lives across the street. Neither is fixed. The underground fence I installed last year works great. So far I have had no problems with him going across. Only bad thing is when she is in heat he likes to howl and drives me crazy when he is in the house.

By far the best money I have spent.

[Harmonica Bear]

+1

We put in an underground fence where I live with two lively setters. Best money invested by far. Kick mysef never having out one in prior.

[RangerJack]

I was thinking of buying the wireless fence, and only turning it on when I'm gone and such. The neighbor dog was fixed this week finally! Thanks for your insights guys.

[MuleShack]

The neighbor dog was fixed this week finally! Thanks for your insights guys.

Not criticizing in any way, but our vet said that the females should wait 3 months after the heat cycle before getting spayed. Just curious what vet would do that?

Underground fence all the way.

[RangerJack]

You'd have to ask my neighbor. I do no know the details, all I know is they were willing to perform a doggy abortion if necessary.