How early should I spay or neuter my dog?
There are several great articles to read if you want some more information:
UC, Davis early neuter study: https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/golden-retriever-study-suggests-neutering-affects-dog-health/the effects of early spay and neutering on Golden Retrievers
UC, Davis research abstract (technical read) : http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0055937
Dr. Chris Zink: http://www.caninesports.com/uploads/1/5/3/1/15319800/spay_neuter_considerations_2013.pdf
Puppy Culture Age Appropriate Exercise: https://www.puppyculture.com/new-appropriate-exercise.html
Dog Park Body Language
Unsure whether taking your pup to a dog park is a good choice? Until they are 6 months of age, their immunity to disease is not fully developed. Be sure and watch all dogs body language for potential red flags. even if your dog is friendly, the dog he meets may not be a good play candidate for him. Please be your dogs best advocate!
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers has a good article posted about the basics of what to look for in safe dog park play
Why don't you use shock collars?
The following is the official statement from the AVSAB board describing why they avoid punishers:
Here is our source for an exhaustive list of new and old positive training books and DVDs. If you can’t find it here, it’s unlikely you will find it anywhere!