Hmmm, I have always been a fan of really early neuters and spays before the first heat, but that article does make sence. I was thinking that was you would stop the the dog from maturing sexually. Dog knows we don't need any more pet dogs in this world, so I'm still for early alterings from shelters. Now that I've seen both sides though, I'd say that if you are RESPONSIBLE you should do it whenever you want to have it done. I can see why it would be really better to wait for a while for the working dog.