heeeelp!!!!!

[QuickSilver]

<Puts on lecture pants>

Actually both castrated male dogs and humans can and do get erections. In humans, the situation is like that of a pre-adolescent boy. Castrated men can even reach orgasm, but they do not ejaculate. (Note: "chemical castration" is different)

Why is sex different for dogs and people? There's a lot of evidence to suggest that many primates engage in sex to promote social bonding. Bonobos are known for being the party primates: males will turn their backs to each other and rub their testes together; females will "hump" face to face. There's no regard for family relations, or any sense of propriety at all. Sexually mature bonobo FEMALES are often sent away to seek out other tribes, and they generally get accepted by having sex with everyone they meet in their new group (kinda like that new girl in your office ). But I digress.

It's clear that in most mammals (and vertebrates generally) that sex is more of a reflex. Females become receptive to mating on a regular basis, and males become interested in mating her at that time.

It's speculated, but not known, that that is why human females don't go into heat - yes, sex is needed for reproduction, but it's also just being sociable!

[QuickSilver]

Oh, should also mention: as has been pointed out on this thread, dogs in many ways are no longer "natural". Certain breeds of dogs actually cannot mate OR give birth without human intervention. Obviously, this is not true of any wild animal. So "doing what comes naturally" may no longer be so natural in a domesticated animal.

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

Oh, should also mention: as has been pointed out on this thread, dogs in many ways are no longer "natural". Certain breeds of dogs actually cannot mate OR give birth without human intervention. Obviously, this is not true of any wild animal. So "doing what comes naturally" may no longer be so natural in a domesticated animal.

Very true! Humans have shaped dogs for hundreds of years. I think it's safe to say much of their "naturalness" is gone.

[vbayne]

I didn't think about that.......this website, while a tremendous help, can also scare you to death about the safety and well being of our babies. Things I never even thought about.....

Thanks