More on Neutering

     The negative side effects of neutering just keep piling up. Here is a link to more information.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201902/spayed-female-dogs-may-have-reduced-communication-skills

     In the United States the vast majority of dogs are neutered or spayed. In Europe things are much different. Only one percent of the dogs in Sweden are done and in Norway it is against the law unless there is a health reason to make it necessary. About half of the dogs in the United Kingdom are altered, while in the United States concern has grown among dog owner’s, particularly owners of working breeds.

     Much of the concern has been with growth and bone structure, but now finding are hinting at emotional and aggression issues.

     This article is worth a read.

Spaying?

More Negatives…

Here’s more information on health issues brought on by spaying.

https://petparentsbrand.com/blogs/general/spay-incontinence-in-female-dogs-what-it-is-what-you-can-do

A smile between the feathers.

Getting Ready

     It is time to get ready for bird season. The young woodcock and grouse of the year are old enough to fly, so we have been running the dogs in the woods with their bells on. Maggie, our youngest, is showing her smarts and acting like a champion. The older girl, Colby, still likes to show off and finds her share of birds, but her older joints have slowed her down some. It brings great joy to see them pointing side by side.

     It is important to get the dogs in shape, and us too. One of the important things is make certain dog's toenails are ready for hard running. Here is an excellent link that shows proper trimming.

https://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fltp-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net%2Fltp-test%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F06%2FNail-Trimming-Diagram.png&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovethatpet.com%2Fdogs%2Fgrooming%2Ftrimming-dogs-nails%2F&docid=NO5CaTQFUWsS6M&tbnid=-UMqtGuFHKql2M%3A&vet=1&w=960&h=606&hl=en-US&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim

Good stuff to revive boots.

     The shotgun needs to get some serious use too, to freshen up the muscle memory. It has been way too long. Boots are new and broken in, and there are plenty of shotgun shells on the shelf. Maybe the Filson pants need new wax.

     One of the nicest things about upland hunting is there isn’t a lot of paraphernalia needed. It’s time to start pouring over maps and plan the season.

Ripsnorter Magalloway Magic showing her stuff last year.

Something to Think About….

I’ve been down that sad road with blown CCLs in my spayed German Wirehair. Dogs play a big part in the life of bird hunters and become part of our families. It is time to reconsider neutering, even though some of the veterinarians are dragging their feet….

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/three-reasons-to-reconsider-spayneuter/