Why We Require Spay/Neuter for Dogs Over 6 Months at The Dawg House
At The Dawg House, our top priority is the safety, well-being, and healthy development of every dog in our care. That’s why we have a spay/neuter policy in place for all dogs over the age of 6 months. We know this can feel like a big milestone for pet parents, so we want to take a moment to explain exactly why this policy exists and how it helps set your dog up for lifelong success.
Why 6 Months?
From a socialization point of view, this is when we start to see unwanted behaviours related to hormones. We respect the choice to wait until your dog is older, and fully understand guidelines provided by your vet, but for safety reasons & based on past experience, we have the 6-month cut-off in place. While we use 6 months as a general guideline, the truth is that every dog is different. Some may begin puberty-related behaviours as early as 5 months, while others may not show signs until later. Our team monitors each dog individually and will communicate with you when we feel it’s time for your pup to take a short break from daycare until they are spayed or neutered, as it may be earlier than the 6-month mark.
What Changes During Puberty?
As dogs enter adolescence (typically between 5–8 months), they begin to show classic "teenage" behaviors. For male dogs, this can include:
Mounting or humping
Fixation on female dogs
Marking territory
Resource guarding female dogs
Dominance behaviors
In more serious cases, mounting can result in an accidental “lock-in,” which could cause injury to other dogs — especially if they are spayed females.
For female dogs, puberty can bring:
Their first heat cycle (estrus), which can last 2–3 weeks and recur every 6–8 months
Attraction of unneutered males — even from a distance — creating tension in group settings
Increased moodiness, reactivity, or signs of irritability toward other dogs
Attempts to assert social status, which can sometimes lead to squabbles or fights
Elevated risk of unplanned pregnancy if around intact males
These behaviours are not only disruptive in a group setting, but can also lead to fights or long-term behavioural issues if left unchecked.
Why This Matters for Your Dog’s Future
Dogs are creatures of habit. When they practice inappropriate behaviors like mounting, guarding, or aggression in social settings, they may learn that this is "normal" behavior with other dogs. Over time, this can damage their ability to form healthy relationships and lead to life-long social struggles.
We’ve seen the long-term consequences in other daycare settings, and our goal is to prevent those experiences for your dog. A temporary break from daycare during this stage — until they’ve been cleared for spay/neuter by your vet — plays a big role in helping them develop into well-rounded, social adult dogs.
It’s About Safety, Too
Another important reason for our policy: preventing accidental litters. When multiple intact dogs are together in a group setting, the risk of unplanned mating increases. While daycare should be fun, safe, and enriching, no one is expecting to leave with a surprise litter of puppies. This policy helps us avoid that risk entirely.
A Final Word on Socialization
Your puppy's most important social development happens between 0–6 months. This is when daycare plays a big role in teaching positive interactions and building confidence. That’s why we love having young puppies in our care — and why we’ll continue to support them with personalized attention and safe play while they’re in that critical window.
We’re so excited to be a part of your dog’s puppyhood, and we’re always here to answer any questions about our policies or recommendations for your pup’s development. Thank you for trusting us with your dog — we can’t wait to watch them grow into their best self!