Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Spay or Neuter My Dog?
Behavior Benefits
Male dogs: Testosterone drives many unwanted behaviors — roaming to find mates, marking everything with urine, mounting, and sometimes aggression toward other dogs. Neutering often reduces these impulses, especially if done before the habits are deeply set.
Female dogs: Females in heat can attract males from miles away and may cause fights between male dogs. They can also be moody, anxious, or vocal during heat cycles. Spaying prevents these hormone-driven changes and keeps things calmer for everyone.
Serious Health Protection
For females: Spaying prevents a life-threatening uterine infection called pyometra. This infection can develop quickly and is fatal if untreated; emergency surgery is expensive and sometimes too late. Spaying also drastically reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer if done before the first or second heat.
For males: Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate disease.
Shelter Overcrowding
Millions of dogs enter shelters every year. Preventing accidental litters helps reduce overcrowding and euthanasia. South Carolina shelters are at an all time high. Lowering these issues starts with spaying and neutering our animals.
When Should You Do It?
Small and medium breeds: Often safe to spay/neuter around 6–12 months.
Large and giant breeds: Many vets recommend waiting until 12–18 months to allow growth plates to close, which supports healthy bone and joint development.
Females: If possible, spay before the first or second heat cycle for the greatest cancer-prevention benefit.
Always talk to your veterinarian — they can consider your dog’s breed, size, health, and lifestyle to time the procedure safely.
Important to Know
Spaying or neutering is a routine surgery, but it’s still a medical procedure — discuss anesthesia safety, recovery care, and any risks with your vet.
Some behavior issues (like fear or poor training) won’t be “fixed” by surgery alone. Training and socialization are still key for a well-mannered dog.
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Final Thought
Spaying or neutering is one of the most important decisions you can make for your dog’s long-term health and well-being. It can reduce risk of dangerous diseases, make training easier, and help you avoid unexpected (and expensive) emergencies. Most importantly, it’s a loving choice that contributes to fewer homeless pets and healthier, happier dogs.
My Dog Is Anxious or Hyper — Could It Be Medical?
It’s normal to wonder if your dog’s anxious or hyper behavior might have an underlying medical cause. The first step is always to talk with your veterinarian. They can check for pain, thyroid issues, allergies, or other health concerns that may affect your dog’s mood and energy.
Once your vet clears medical concerns, here are a few other reasons your dog may seem wound up or anxious — and how to help:
Lack of Socialization
Unsocialized dogs can feel extreme anxiety when faced with unexpected or overstimulating situations — things like busy parks, strangers, loud noises, vet offices, or kids running around. When a dog hasn’t learned early that new people and environments are safe, the world feels unpredictable and scary.
Why early training matters:
Starting training and socialization while your dog is a puppy is much easier and usually less expensive.
Positive exposure at a young age teaches dogs that everyday situations are safe and builds confidence that lasts a lifetime.
If your dog is older and already anxious, it’s not too late — but it may take more time and patience. A trainer can help you introduce new environments safely and build trust.
Breed and Energy Level
Some breeds are naturally higher energy or were originally bred to work all day. These working breeds (such as shepherds, collies, retrievers, huskies) thrive when they have a “job” or structured activity. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, they can become frustrated, destructive, or seem “crazy.”
Ways to help:
Regular training sessions and clear structure.
Jobs like agility, scent work, fetch, or learning new tricks.
Sufficient exercise — walks, runs, or purposeful play.
Puzzle toys and interactive feeders to burn mental energy.
Training and Clear Boundaries
Dogs feel safest when they know what’s expected of them. Without structure, they may appear anxious, hyper, or even defiant. Training creates clarity and builds trust — your dog learns that you’re a reliable leader and that the world is not a threat.
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Final Thought
Some anxiety and hyperactivity can be medical — always start by checking with your vet. But often, it’s about socialization, breed needs, and structure. The good news is that with training, leadership, and the right enrichment, even a nervous or over-energized dog can become a calmer, more confident companion.
Why Should I Crate Train My Dog?
This question usually comes from an owner who doesn’t love the idea of a crate. I get it — at first, a crate can seem harsh or confining. I’m always open to this conversation and happy to answer any concerns about crate training.
Let’s clear up a few things before we go further:
Your dog should not live in the crate.
A good rule of thumb: a dog can be in the crate for about as long as they can comfortably “hold it” before needing a bathroom break. Puppies have smaller bladders and shorter limits; adult dogs can go longer.The crate should never be used as punishment.
Don’t put your dog in the crate because they were “bad.” Dogs learn through patterns, and if you punish them with the crate, they may start associating it with fear or rejection. You want the crate to feel safe and positive — not like doggy jail.
Safety First
The number one reason to crate train is safety. Dogs are naturally curious and can get into dangerous or expensive trouble when left alone — chewing cords, swallowing socks or unknown objects, raiding the trash, or damaging furniture. Sometimes you don’t even know it happened until it becomes a serious (and costly) vet visit.
A crate gives you peace of mind. You know your dog is safe when you can’t supervise, and you avoid those “how did you eat that?!” emergencies. Many owners I work with find their vet bills drop once they start responsible crate training — money better spent on vacations and adventures with your dog.
Structure & Boundaries
If you’re reading training blogs, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a dog who’s a bit out of control. A crate is one way to bring structure back to your home. Dogs thrive with clear boundaries — it helps them feel secure and know what’s expected. Without structure, it’s hard to earn your dog’s respect and attention.
Think of the crate as a “reset space,” not a punishment. It’s a way to calmly manage your dog’s environment while you teach them how to live successfully in your home.
Better Communication
Most of the behavior issues I see come from miscommunication between dogs and their humans. A crate is a powerful communication tool: it says, “This is your space.” Dogs naturally seek dens — a quiet, safe place where they can decompress and relax. When used correctly, the crate can help an overwhelmed or overstimulated dog feel secure and avoid reacting out of fear (like biting a guest or even snapping at you).
It’s also a life skill. If your dog ever needs to stay at the vet, board, or travel, being comfortable in a crate will lower their stress and keep them safe.
Final Thought
Crate training isn’t about restricting your dog’s life; it’s about giving them safety, structure, and peace — and giving you the tools to lead with confidence. Done right, it builds trust and respect while preventing dangerous or costly mistakes.