When adorable, playful male puppies become fully adult dogs, their personalities and habits may no longer be quite as lovable. While undesired changes in behavior can also be attributed to other factors, such as mistreatment or a lack of proper training, sexual maturation can be a definitive cause. If you are a dog owner who is currently wondering if neutering your adult male pet could help with some of the less attractive behavioral issues you are seeing, here are three important points to consider. 

Less apt to be a roamer 

Adult males who are intact sexually are often prone to straying from their homes in search of a female dog in heat. This roaming behavior is worrisome for the owners of the male as well as the owners of female dogs in the area. In addition, roaming behavior puts the dog at an increased risk of being struck by traffic or injured by fighting with other adult males in the area. Neutering lowers testosterone and other sex hormones and can reduce the dog's urge to go break away from their home and go in search of a willing female. 

Fewer instances of aggressive behavior

The lowering of testosterone levels achieved by neutering can also result in reducing instances of aggression in adult male dogs. In addition to making an adult male dog less likely to act aggressively toward other dogs, neutering can also make them less apt to inflict bites on their owners, children, and others they come into contact with. Neutering may also help to limit problem barking issues and help to curb the urge for the dog to mark their territory by urinating on objects and furnishings. 

Possible health benefits 

Neutering is also thought to provide some types of physical health benefits for male dogs. Reductions in the development of prostate and testicular cancer are common in neutered males, as compared to intact males of the same age. Additionally, veterinarians and animal health providers believe that neutering can make an adult male dog less susceptible to the development of perineal fistulas, non-cancerous prostate issues, and may also contribute to a reduced risk of developing diabetes. 

Some pet owners worry that the neutering procedure will be traumatic or extremely painful for their adult male dog. Fortunately, this is not known to be true. Like all pet neuter procedures, the process is minimally invasive, with low risks for complications such as infection or serious discomfort. 

Pet owners who would like to know more about the process of neutering, including how the procedure would be performed on their animal and the possible benefits they could expect to see, should always meet with a reputable veterinarian before making a final decision.