While this tends to be a sensitive subject across the animal industry, there is no doubting the benefits of “fixing” your pets. Along with a high-quality food and appropriate veterinary care, spaying or neutering has a positive impact on the quality and length of your dog’s life.

The Procedures

Males are neutered, meaning the testicles are surgically removed. This is a commonly performed procedure. He usually can go home the same day, and return to regular activities within a few days.

Females are spayed, which surgically removes their ovaries and uterus. Surgery is more involved for females, since an incision is made in their abdomens. But females also usually come home within 24 hours, have limited activity until the stitches start to heal (for two or three days), and then return to regular activities within a week to 10 days.

Dogs can be altered as soon as they are 3 pounds, but talk to your veterinarian about when they recommend having the procedure done. Females should be spayed before their first heat – however, they can still be spayed later in life also. Low cost spay/neuter clinics are available. Emancipet (512-587-7729) and Animal Trustees of Austin (512-450-0111) are two in our area.

Why Spay or Neuter?

• Prevent pet overpopulation: Only 1 out of 10 dogs born ever find a permanent home. Over 7 million healthy dogs and cats are put to death every year in Animal Control facilities in the U.S. because there aren’t enough homes for them.
• Fewer behavior problems: Intact dogs dig out of yards, jump fences, and run away from home more often than altered dogs. Male dogs can smell a female in heat at a great distance away. Neutered males are also less likely to mark their territory.
• Less aggression: Altered male dogs are less aggressive towards other dogs than intact males. Altered females are also less aggressive, since a mother may become aggressive if she thinks her puppies are threatened.
• Better health: Female dogs are at risk for mammary or uterine cancer. Male dogs often get testicular or prostate cancer. These risks are reduced or eliminated as soon as your dog is altered, especially if the procedure is done before the dog goes through “puberty”. They are also less likely to escape your yard and get injured while running loose.
• Females do not go into heat: Female dogs in heat are messy, and can leave stains on your furniture and carpet. Heat “seasons” can last up to three weeks, twice a year. The scent of a female in heat can attract males from a great distance away and accidents happen easily. Even if you’re not trying to impregnate your female, the male dog may have other plans.

Common Objections to Spaying or Neutering

• “My dog won’t be able to hunt as well.” Neutering has no effect on your dog’s ability and instinct to hunt. Your dog will actually be less distracted by other dogs, and better able to concentrate on work.
• “Altering makes them fat and lazy.” Overeating makes dogs fat and lazy, not spaying or neutering. There are lots of overweight intact dogs out there. Your dog will be healthy and live longer when altered.
• “I want my kids to experience the miracle of birth, and puppies are so much fun” or “We want to keep a puppy.” Yes, puppies are cute and fun, but pregnancy is not risk-free. Are you willing to risk losing the mother dog? Are you willing to do the work to find responsible homes for every puppy she produces? If the new owners discover they are unable to keep their puppy, are you willing to take it back and find it a new home? A dog is a big responsibility. A litter of dogs multiplies that responsibility and the work, not to mention the time and money involved. There are thousands of dogs and puppies euthanized every year. Would you want one of your dog’s puppies to end up in that situation?
• “My dog’s too old.” Your dog is almost never too old for spay/neuter surgery. Unless your veterinarian finds a health reason to avoid surgery, go ahead and have it done. You could combine the procedure with another, like teeth cleaning.

Client’s Name: Beth

Dog’s Name: “Benji”

City: Austin, TX 78737

Breed: Purebred Lab

Likes: Benji loves to fetch, chew absolutely anything he can or cannot sink his teeth into, dig “potholes” in the backyard and sandbox to find rocks, going on walks and playing with other dogs, chase and play hide and seek with our 3 year old, and just hang with his family.

Pet-Peeves: Benji hates being alone, though a good boy, he hates having to go outside by himself if he can’t come where we are going, and he is not a huge fan of bathing and brushing. He has had a major fear of spray bottles and brushes ever since he was a tiny thing (which wasn’t for long). He doesn’t like the word “No.” Before Sit Means Sit -he use to take off “tooty” running when we would say “No”! Thank goodness for Sit Means Sit!!!

Favorite Toy: Benji absolutely loves his Jolly Ball, tug rope, and all things plush. He loves to play fetch and run so fast he has a hard time slowing down. Saying he has a ton of energy is an understatement. Ummm, what does he do with plush toys….rips them apart in about 10 min (even ones you thought were indestructible).

Favorite Treat: Anything! We are trying to keep him grain free, so beef jerky, rawhides, and he especially loves the dark meat of our rotisserie chickens!

Favorite Walk: Anywhere! Our neighborhood is full of beautiful natural paths and concrete sidewalks. He loves to sniff out all the deer and other dogs that are around. This summer his favorite walks were to the pond to swim!

Best Trick: Fetch. She also knows which ball is which – if you say Carly get the Blue Ball – she actually will bring you the blue one!

Arrival Story: We searched long an hard to find our Benji. Having grown up with labs, we knew we wanted an “English lab.” We found a great small breeder (Willow Moon Labs, Clebure, TX).Benji came from a very small litter of 4. We awaited his arrival with great anticipation, and kept it a secret to our three boys (5,2, and one on the way at that time). Benji’s mama, Kenzie, had to have a c-section, and he was the pup causing the hold up. We picked him up over Spring Break when he turned 8 weeks old, and have been loving him ever since!

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: We selected Sit Means Sit because we needed training that was going to work! A few weeks before we got Benji we had witnessed a demo in a busy out door mall while we were visiting family in Allen, TX, and we were blown away by the obedience of the dog around such high distraction! After trying conventional treat training and puppy classes, we found ourselves in a downward spiral as he matured, with a beautiful but horribly behaved lab that we couldn’t take anywhere and almost really couldn’t live with. He was a destructive chewer, couldn’t be walked on a leash, jumped up on us constantly, wouldn’t come when called, was extremely mouthy, and so anxious he couldn’t calm down around anyone to even be petted. We are so grateful to Shelly, Troy, and Wes, and for Sit Means Sit!! We have an amazing companion and family member now. We are happier and so is Benji. We are a very busy family of 5 or should i say 6 (Benji included). This training is the real deal!!! Their dedication to us and to Benji are unmatched by any other!! It is a miracle in our eyes and has totally changed Benji’s life and ours for the better!

Motto: C-R-A-Z-Y LOVE! He is a wild man with a heart of gold!!!

Client’s Name: Elaine & CJ

Dog’s Name: “Yoda”

City: Austin, TX 78723

Breed: Rescue Boxer/Kelpie Mix

Likes: Sleep in awkward looking positions. Sit at your feet and look completely pitiful in order to get attention. Go on runs. Eat. Lick children.

Pet-Peeves: Get off the bed. Yoda is so lazy. She also doesn’t like to go outside when she is summoned to.

Favorite Toy: She loves all stuffed toys, but quickly pulls out all the stuffing and de-squeaks them.

Favorite Treat: Anything for her. She likes all food.

Favorite Walk: I haven’t noticed a favourite walk, she seems to like any walk. She does like to go on a bike ride.

Best Trick: Bang! If you say that and point two fingers at her, she lies down and rolls over, albeit very slowly. A treat must be visible for this to occur.

Arrival Story: We were looking for a friend for our 5 year old female dog, Carmen. She doesn’t like many dogs, especially female dogs. We met about 4 dogs at the pound, she didn’t like any of them. Yoda was an owner return and as I kept walking by Yoda’s cage, she would just look up at me with these sad eyes and wag her tail. She has giant, comical ears that caught our attention the most. We tried her out and it was love at first sight between her and Carmen. We had to take her home.

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: Both our dogs have never been properly trained. We try on and off, but it never seems to stick. Also, they both seem to feed off of each other. When one behaves badly, all of the sudden, the other dog now has that bad behaviour. I felt like we were fighting a losing battle. We saw Sit Means Sit at a home show and were impressed. I liked the online videos as well and noticed that the dogs looked happy and not distressed. So, we made the call.

Motto: Bimbo. She isn’t the brightest crayon in the box and loves everyone. I am pretty sure she would leave with anyone at the dog park and never look back.

Client’s Name: Scott & Stacey

Dog’s Name: “Bernie”

City: Austin, TX 78728

Breed: Rescue Boxer

Likes: Run, sleep, chase!

Pet-Peeves: Staying in one place

Favorite Toy: Doesn’t really like toys

Favorite Treat: Jumbones and carrots

Favorite Walk: He really enjoys off leash parks and hiking trails.

Best Trick: Eat!

Arrival Story: My wife and I discussed getting a 2nd dog for almost 2 years before Bernie arrived. Last summer we received our monthly e-mail from Austin Boxer Rescue and it spoke of the heat and overcrowding at their facility. We decided to moveforward with the adoption process. We then met Bernard who was quickly adopted and joined our family as Bernie.

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: We decided that Bernie needed some help after 2 biting incidents. He also had a jumping issue, some food aggression and we wanted him to have a happy life. We also wanted some training on how to be better dog parents.

Motto: “Love” He has a great heart and wants to be involved very much in all aspects of our life.

Client’s Name: Sylette & Jim

Dog’s Name: “Asher”

City: Austin, TX 78717

Breed: Purebred Miniature Australian Shepherd

Likes: Asher love to chase and herd our 4 year old. He could do this for hours!! He has recently discovered the tennis ball and has figured out that the quicker he drops it the sooner he gets to go again.

Pet-Peeves: Asher HATES being chased and herded by the 4 year old!!

Favorite Toy: It took Asher a little while to warm up to any toy, but now he likes to pull out at least 5 of them and surround himself!

Favorite Treat: So far he has preferred the Pet Botanics Training Treats.

Favorite Walk: Lately our main walks have been to the bus stop and around the tennis courts. Both of which he really enjoys since there are so many kids that he can watch.

Best Trick: Asher is just in the beginning stages of training. We haven’t started working on tricks yet…

Arrival Story: I lost my 15 year old Sheltie 4 years ago. Until just recently, I have not been ready for a new family pet. We spent Thanksgiving with my extended family. My sister happens to have a toy Aussie named Amber from the same breeder in OK. My mom was trying to call Amber to the kitchen and mistakenly called Asher instead. That was it for me. I decided at that point that I was ready for a new puppy and his name would be Asher. Asher became a part of our family the next weekend!

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: We would like Asher to be the dog that everyone in the neighborhood enjoys being around. We want him to be able to have fun, be a dog but still behave.

Motto: “Mama’s Boy”…’nuff said!

Client’s Name: Joe

Dog’s Name: “Reba”

City: Austin, TX 78704

Breed: Rescued Border Collie Mix

Likes: Play. Wrestle. Off leash in woods. Chase squirrels/birds. Car rides. Some fetching…

Pet-Peeves: Be left alone. Not sure. Separation anxiety? She is extremely attached and seemingly loyal to me.

Favorite Toy: Tennis ball (fetch). Dog frisbee (sort of fetch). Squirrel toy (tug of war).

Favorite Treat: Not much of an eater. Occasional pig ear or dog biscuit.

Favorite Walk: We walk to an off-leash park with woods and a stream and she loves that. Also, off leash at the green belt. Off leash at Zilker and she gets too over stimulated. Walking on leash is tough.

Best Trick: Not much of anything. Occasionally will sit on command when treat is present.

Arrival Story: Rescued from foster family who had her from San Antonio shelter. Was found as a stray in San Marcos last November. She was right size, gender, breed, age, temperment and look that I wanted.

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: Better on leash skills. Some commands.

Motto: “Smart.” She demonstrates this in many ways. Comes when called or whistled. Mostly obedient. Quick learner. FUN!

Client’s Name: Barbara

Dog’s Name: “Rudy”

City: Austin, TX 78738

Breed: Labradoodle

Likes: Go for walks, play with other dogs, snuggle, chase tennis balls.

Pet-Peeves: Likes to be brushed but–makes it difficult because he prefers to sit instead of stand.

Favorite Toy: A soft plastic ball. Will actually drop it so it will roll away so he can get it. Loses interest soon though. Has an unstuffed racoon that he like to play tug with.

Favorite Treat: Pig ears, chicken jerkey, cooked chicken.

Favorite Walk: Doesn’t matter as long as we walk. He does like the Lakeway City Park as there are lots squirrels.

Best Trick: I haven’t taught him any. Early on he would roll over, but I didn’t stay with that. It isn’t easy for me to get in the position needed.

Arrival Story: He was 6 months old when we heard of him being fostered. We knew as soon as we saw him that he had to be a part of our family. My husband died in 2011 and Rudy has been very important in my healing process.

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: I would like him to be able to contain his jumping and pulling on the leash. Once he is quieter-May be wrong word- I hope to be able to take him to Assisted Living places to meet the residents.

Motto: He is such a people dog. Loves to love and be loved. He is a hugger.

Client’s Name: Mickey

Dog’s Name: “Zoe”

City: Austin, TX 78613

Breed: Labradoodle

Likes: At 13 weeks Zoe is ALL puppy. Loves to play, play, play. Her favorite thing to play is fetch. Loves to chase a tennis ball.

Pet-Peeves: As we introduce her to her new home / environment we have her contained to a couple of rooms (Family Room & Kitchen) in the house so that she gets adjusted well. She doesn’t like to just stay in those rooms when she knows her kid humans are somewhere else in the house!

Favorite Toy: Zoe’s favorite toy is a ball attached to a rope. She’ll get a good grip on the ball, or the rope itself, and whip that thing back and forth like a Jockey strapping a Race Horse!

Favorite Treat: She actually has two favorites….. Pup-Peroni and Peanut Butter stuffed in her Kong. Both of those treats make her quite happy!

Favorite Walk: She doesn’t have one.

Best Trick: None yet!

Arrival Story: We wanted a very good, smart family dog that had little to no shedding and had heard a lot about the Labradoodle breed. After lots of research and photo viewing we decided to move forward with finding a puppy. We did lots of searching of breeders (all over the country) and happen to find one we were really comfortable with in San Antonio, TX. When she reached 9 weeks, we drove down and got the little munchkin.

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: I have always believed that the best relationship with a pet comes when there is a clear understanding of roles. The dog knows what is expected of them, and we as pet owners know what is expected of us. Once that is firmly and clearly established, all parties can move forward with a happy home. After meeting with Troy at Sit Means Sit, I felt that there was an alignment in philosophy and I felt that the training methodology that they were proposing was one of the best I had seen. Looking forward to a great relationship!

Client’s Name: Danielle

Dog’s Name: “Marley”

City: Austin, TX 78745

Breed: Rescued Lab Schnauzer Mix

Likes: Marley likes to go for rides in the car and (sometimes) play with my cat, Cash. He loves going to the dog park and getting his belly rubbed.

Pet-Peeves: Sharing his toys and being antagonized by the cat

Favorite Toy: He has a stuffed lion that he loves to toss around and chew. He also loves the peanut butter filled bones from Petco.

Favorite Treat: Anything! He is extremely food motivated!

Favorite Walk: Auditorium Shores because he likes to get wet but he doesn’t like to swim. So there, he can just stand on the steps in the water. He also loves to walk on the greenbelt.

Best Trick: At the moment, he can shake and high-five with both paws, depending which hand you give him. He can also “high-ten”.

Arrival Story: I had just moved to Austin and desperately wanted a dog. I went to TLAC with an idea of the breed and age of dog I wanted, and he was exactly what I was looking for. I found out he was put on the euthanasia list because he was deemed “aggressive”. Knowing how stressful the shelter environment can be, I didn’t take their word for it, and took him on a walk. He was awesome! I fell in love immediately.

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: Marley knows his basics, but needs some fine tuning, especially with his recall. Plus I now work for Sit Means Sit, so obviously I’d want to put him through their awesome program so that he can be an example to all of our clients.

Motto: “Go with the flow” because that’s exactly what he does! He is just as happy hanging out at home being mellow as he is running around the dog park at full speed.

Client’s Name: Steve

Dog’s Name: “Odie”

City: Austin, TX 78717

Breed: Rescued Jack Russell Terrier

Likes:Squirrel or varmint hunting, long runs, truck rides, feeding time.

Pet-Peeves: Doesn’t like waiting patiently…probably lack of training on my part

Favorite Toy: Anything with a squeaker. Tear out the heart (squeaker) of course. tug-o-war w/ brother and sister.

Favorite Treat: Pork Jerky

Favorite Walk: Trail run near the house. Nose to the ground, loves to work!

Best Trick: Sitting and looking at me

Arrival Story: Brother dropped him off before camping one weekend, never picked up. His loss, our gain!

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: Jack Russell Terrier, enough said. These guys (SMS) are the best!

Motto: “Persistant/Focused.” Breed specific. He absolutely loves what he was bred to do, hunt!

Client’s Name: Jim

Dog’s Name: “Maggie”

City: Austin, TX 78731

Breed: Purebred German Shepherd

Likes:She likes to play ball, play with our other dogs, go for walks.

Pet-Peeves: Go outside alone.

Favorite Toy: Tug-o-war of any kind with one of our other dogs.

Favorite Treat: Puppy chew treats for teething.

Favorite Walk: Around our neighborhood – that’s where we take her.

Best Trick: None yet!

Arrival Story: Got from a breeder advertising in the paper. Christmas present.

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: We prefer board and train, and I found Sit Means Sit on the internet and was impressed.

Motto: “Happy baby”

Client’s Name: Jennifer

Dog’s Name: “Dexter”

City: Austin, TX 78723

Breed: Rescued Great Dane

Likes: He likes to for rides and walks and he always has something in his mouth.

Pet-Peeves: Will NOT stay still.

Favorite Toy: Anything chew the squeaker out and also toss his toy in the air entertaining himself.

Favorite Treat: Anything edible.

Favorite Walk: Anywhere, but his favorite would have to be Ladybird trail.

Best Trick: Chewing a super sized bone down within a day that.

Arrival Story: I found him on Craigslist. A lady saved him from an abusive owner and my husband and I took him in soon after. He definitely keeps our life busy. Never a dull moment with him and our Starrlight together.

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: We want training to help us interact better with our Dexter and I really liked the consultation. That’s why we picked you guys.

Motto: “Cuddle buddy or goofball” but tough when he needs to be as well.

Client’s Name: Nancy

Dog’s Name: “Toby”

City: Austin, TX 78746

Breed: Purebred Cairn Terrier

Likes: To take long walks.

Pet-Peeves: Swimming in the pool.

Favorite Toy: Toy fox without stuffing.

Favorite Treat: Anything, but especially goldfish crackers!

Favorite Walk: The dog park off of Emma Long.

Best Trick: Shake

Arrival Story: We locked eyes when he was being carried by his breeder while I was at a horse show and I thought that we just had to take him home because he was so cute.

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: I want him to come when called, stop barking when needed and walk nicely by my side.

Motto: “Friendly.” He has never met anyone he didn’t love.

Client’s Name: Dacey

Dog’s Name: “Dixie”

City: Austin, TX 78727

Breed: Purebred Saint Bernard

Likes: She likes playing with her toys.

Pet-Peeves: Getting into her crate because that means we are leaving her.

Favorite Toy: Anything that she’s allowed to chew on. She likes to throw them up in the air or chew on them.

Favorite Treat: Peanut Butter Rawhides

Favorite Walk: Anywhere! She loves to get out of the house and meet new people!

Best Trick: None yet.

Arrival Story: I lost my black lab, so my father got her for me for Christmas and my mom paid for the training. She came all the way from Missouri.

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: She is going to be such a large dog, so I want her to be very well trained so that I can control her when she gets as large as me. My mom showed me the training videos for Sit Means Sit and they seemed to make a real difference. Also, they had a plan that works and made since. The training worked on Dixie right away and at 15 weeks she is already coming, sitting, heeling, and going to her place. But for the most part she’s still a puppy, so we have lots of work to do.

Motto: “Clumsy.” She falls over herself all the time; she’s all paws and head.

Client’s Name: Ryan & Jenny

Dog’s Name: “Larry”

City: Austin, TX 78757

Breed: Rescue Shepherd Mix

Likes: He likes walking, hiking, running, swimming and chewing.

Pet-Peeves: He does not like to walk calmly on a leash and he does not like his nails clipped or to be restrained physically.

Favorite Toy: He likes chew tows, he loves to chew!

Favorite Treat: Bananas-he has lots of food allergies!

Favorite Walk: Somewhere he can swim, like the greenbelt.

Best Trick: Sit.

Arrival Story: Ryan found him in a parking lot at a convenience store eating a cardboard box when he was about 4 months old. The store owners didn’t know where he came from.

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: He needs to learn to walk nicely and needs to learn manners and to stop barking, whining when he sees other dogs. A friend referred us to Sit Means Sit.

Motto: “Fun loving and sweet” because he always wants to go out and have some fun but is also very lovable.