To Spay Or Not To Spay: The Truth About Hormones, Health & Behaviour

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 not the outdated one-size-fits-all advice, not the guilt trips, and definitely not the fear-mongering.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navigating your first ever season with your pup, wondering about long-term health effects, or feeling pressure from outdated advice, this episode will help you feel informed, calm, and confident.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:

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🎧 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!