Originally posted by anna_66
We wanted to wait about 2 years. That's what everyone I know has told me and what I've gotten from the research I've done.
I'm not sure I would wait that long. If you intend to get a behavioral benefit out of neutering him, the earlier the better. At adult onset, the behaviors can become conditioned responses more than hormonal responses.

I would consider neutering him earlier than the two years you suggested for a couple of reasons. 1. He is showing signs of behavior that would benefit from neutering. 2. You actively take him to the dog park. Most people who show and breed (where I think you have gotten most of your information) are not taking their dogs to the dog park. Being at a dog show is a much different environment than taking your pet to the dog park.

I believe you enjoy taking the dogs to the park for a run. I know I do! Unfortunately, a lot of owners take their dogs to the park that don't consider other dogs. You experienced that with the dog at the watering hole. If you call your dog and it doesn't come, then you don't have control of your dog and it shouldn't be off leash (my opinion). Most of the people I encounter at the park fit that category. That's why I am always on the guard when I'm at the park. I don't worry about Dixie because she has an air about her that says "I'm the queen" and other dogs just seem to respect that. But Dusty is a different story. Other dogs seem to want to "challenge" him all the time. One thing I have done with Dusty that has helped tremendously is the park is not just a playground. I also take him aside and practice his obedience. All the distractions there make it a perfect place to proof all the things we work on at home. And I feel certain if he can listen and do what I tell him there, he can do it anywhere!

I'm more familiar with Goldens and their growth patterns so these are guidelines from my experiences with them.... A large male is grown height wise by the time they are 9 - 12 months of age. However, they continue to develope and fill out for at least another year. The bones are still soft and pliable until aroung 24 months of age. Even if they are intact, I will not jump the dog or do anything that will affect the developement of the soft bones. That is why I don't agree with dogs doing agility or advanced classes of obedience (jumps) before they are two. It can cause hip problems. Most people think hip problems are heriditary but they can also be aggrevated by environment. At two the dogs bones are formed and become harder. Take for instance the fact that you can't have an OFA hip certification until the dog is 24 months old. That is exactly why!

Taking all that into consideration, if Bon was my dog, I would have him neutered at 1 year of age. I would not wait until he is two. I just would take extra caution not to do anything that would possibly cause bone growth problems. Water exercise is the best type of exercise possible and with summer coming, I'm sure you can find a place to let him swim!

I think you are a strong alpha leader and continued training to make sure you have strong, enforced obedience commands for Bon are very necessary. He will benefit from all the socialization you can give him as well as advanced training.