The 6 Month Rule – Scampers

This topic is important to us at Scampers, and quite a rigid rule, for reasons that we will attempt to sum up in this quick blurb.

We require all dogs who are over the age of 6 months to be neutered.

Daycare is especially beneficial for young dogs – it is so important for them to be socialized at a young age and learn body language and social cues from their friends during that crucial phase of development, however…

Dogs reach “sexual maturity” at around 6-12 months of age, although this differs between breeds, sizes, and gender; and female dogs can go into their first heat cycle as early as 6 months of age. This basically means that your pup is a hormone-laden adolescent as they develop into a full-grown adult.

The hormones flooding our pups’ bodies can cause them to display aggression towards other dogs. Other dogs may feel compelled to dominate them. In males, there is a definite increase in mounting and marking behavior. And we really don’t want any accidental Scampers litters!

Rest assured that your pup’s teenage hooliganism is just a phase that will eventually pass. With patience and support, your hormone-fueled adolescent will graduate into a settled, calm adult dog.

One last note: We realize that vets recommend that some pups be fixed a bit later in their development. We are not countermanding the professionals’ advice on this matter – we simply ask that your dog takes a break from daycare until they are fixed. Once they are healed from their surgery, we will be ready to welcome them with open arms.