May 23, 2025
To Spay Or Not To Spay: The Truth About Hormones, Health & Behaviour
Listen Dog Training: The Walk & TalkAbout this episode
Thinking about whether or not to spay your female dog? Or when the right time might be? This episode of The Walk & Talk is here to guide you through the real facts... not the outdated one-size-fits-all advice, not the guilt trips, and definitely not the fear-mongering. We’ll explore the risks, the benefits, the behavioural impacts, and the hormonal picture, so you can make a decision that’s truly right for your individual dog. Whether you’re navigating your first ever season with your pup, wondering about long-term health effects, or feeling pressure from outdated advice, this episode will help you feel informed, calm, and confident. 🎧 In this episode, you'll learn: What the spay procedure actually involves and how it differs from neutering males How oestrogen affects your female dog’s development, brain, joints, and behaviour The potential behavioural changes that may occur after spaying Why timing really matters—and why early isn’t always better The risks of mammary cancer and how that risk increases over time What pyometra is, why it’s so serious, and how to spot it early What to expect during your dog’s seasons (if you delay or opt not to spay) How to weigh up the decision based on breed, behaviour, lifestyle, and health Why there is no one-size-fits-all answer—and how to make a choice that suits you 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! I’d love to hear how you’re using the dopamine trick in your own training: Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!