In this episode, Nikki is joined with Canine Behaviorist, Daniel Shaw, owner of Animal Behavior Kent in the UK. They discuss the issues with early spay and neuter on dogs and how the hormones play a role in a dog's ability to deal with stress, social engagement, trauma, and more.

Find more information about DogSpeak

www.dogspeak101.com

www.instagram.com/dogspeak

For more information on Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), GMBPsS, CDBC

https://www.facebook.com/Animalbehaviourkent/

https://abklearn.teachable.com/

To find more information about studies that were discussed see below.

McGreevy, P. D., Wilson, B., Starling, M. J., &

Serpell, J. A. (2018). Behavioural risks in male dogs with minimal lifetime

exposure to gonadal hormones may complicate population-control benefits of

desexing. PloS one, 13(5), e0196284.

Starling, M., Fawcett, A., Wilson, B., Serpell, J.,

& McGreevy, P. (2019). Behavioural risks in female dogs with minimal

lifetime exposure to gonadal hormones. Plos one, 14(12), e0223709.

For more information on Sara Davies’ on pseudopregnancy in dogs - https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/pseudopregnancy-in-spayed-bitches  

Mentioned in this episode:

Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support Session

Join me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions.