Breeding with honesty & integrity for
healthy, happy family pets
Northbound Bernedoodles, as per all Bernedoodle breeders, have a strict spay/neuter policy contract. When taking on a puppy from us, you will need to adhere to the contracted terms.
I personally prefer the Early Spay Neuter method which was utilised successfully prior to Covid. I always promote neutering, I believe a neutered dog is a much better pet and reduces the likelihood of unwanted behaviour. There is no need for a dog to remain entire.
My recommendations are: females to be spayed at 6-8months old prior to their first season.
Males to be neutered at 6-8 months to avoid negative learnt behaviours linked to hormones.
All Northbound Bernedoodles are sold on a spay/neuter contract with specified timeframe.
BVA (British Veterinary Association
Everyone everywhere has an opinion on neutering, here is a quote from the British Veterinary Association website; 'BVA believes that there is no current scientific evidence to support the view that the spaying of bitches should take place after the first season.'
Microsoft Word - Neutering of cats and dogs.docx (bva.co.uk)
Your Vet
Some vets neuter early, some at 5.5months, some at 6months, some at 8 months and some at 10-12months old. It appears from years of listening to owners that there is no consistency and often the vets are not listening to the owners, their preference and the environment the dog lives in.
I have heard of vets recommending behaviourists for entire male dogs displaying hormonal actions that just need neutered. I have heard of vets advising that a bitch should have a season despite living with an intact brother.
Sometimes common sense is what's needed.
6month old Australian Labradoodle on the day
of spay
Female
Keyhole Surgery
Slightly more expensive than a normal spay, (c.£100-120 more), keyhole surgery is quicker, less invasive, and a much faster recovery period.
This is an operation I always recommend due to the ease of recovery.
Most vets do not offer keyhole surgery, so do utilise a larger vet practice that does. Your vet will not be offended if you go to a different vet for a procedure they cannot offer. .
Most females after the keyhole spay are out walking on lead by 5 days days post operation.
6month old Australian Labradoodle 3 days
post spay
Benefits of a Female Spay
Reduces risk of mammary tumours as the relative risk of mammary tumours increases progressively with each successive season.
Pyometra and other uterine diseases are avoided - unspayed bitches can develop pyometra later in life, which then requires life-saving surgery.
No false pregnancy, which is common in bitches and can occur after each season. It can result in distress to the bitch and anguish to the owner. A bitch undergoing a false pregnancy may produce milk, lose her appetite and exhibit adverse behavioural problems.
The season/heat/bleeding cycle occurs about every 6-10 months in entire bitches. During this time bitches have to be kept away from other dogs and walked under close supervision.
On the BVA website it states, 'BVA believes the benefits of spaying a bitch outweigh any potential risks that are involved with the procedure.'
Benefits of a Male Neuter
Neutering a male dog does not change their temperament, it usually enhances it by making them less likely to stray after bitch scent and therefore easier to manage recall wise.
It stops excessive and unacceptable sexual behaviour towards bitches, people and inanimate objects
Medically it prevents testicular tumours and reduces the possibility of perianal adenoma or prostatic hyperplasia.
Ultimately it makes for an easier pet
(For all the old school men out there, no they do not need their balls, and no they do not miss their balls.)
Surgical Suit
I recommend a surgical suit for a female recovery.
For males a surgical suit can also be worn or a pair of boys underwear with the 'hole' for the tail.
