Is it impossible to train a dog with nuts?!?

[DrinkGirlsFeck]

I have a 12 month lab-springer cross. He's lovely but hard work.

We managed to have puppy training before the last lockdown and I've been doing online training during lockdown. I longline train and his recall is good as long as no other dogs are on offer.

I have persevered hard with heel and other training with him and he is far from perfect but getting there. Great with the children, fine with people (a bit nervous with new people but only for a few mins) and a lovely relaxed dog at home.

We've been able to go back to the trainer for a second course. He can do the training but still finds the other dogs v distracting.

The trainers are trying to pressure me into castration as they say his high drive and distraction is hormonal. My vet (and the scientific papers I've read) advise holding off for larger breeds until 12-18 months to build bone density. They also advise that early castration can cause other behavioural problems without even necessarily solving the ones that people are trying to solve.

I will probably get him done but was going to wait until he's about 15+months. My last dog had horrible arthritis at the end and I hated it.

Is it really not possible to train a hyper springer cross with his bits intact?

You can get an implant, it goes into the back of their neck and suppresses the testosterone, it lasts for around 6 months and it gives you a good idea of how they will be if you castrate them.

Dpup had it about 6 weeks ago and he's absolutely fine.

I'm the same as you and want to wait until he's about 2 before having the actual op so maybe something you can look into?

My collie cross is nearly 2 and still has his balls, to help build his confidence. He's quite trainable & fairly calm.
On another note, that is one of the shiniest dogs I have ever seen OP, he's like army boots!

I know dogs with nuts who are beautifully trained.

They're not 12 months old, though.

I'd not be happy with a trainer who wanted me to neuter my dog, whatever its age. It's not the trainer's shout. Plus, you want your dog to reach physical, mental and emotional maturity before you start messing about with their hormones. I have a gundog bitch who finally decided to grow up at age 3. She is Mrs Maturity now, and I am so glad that I kept her intact long enough for that transformation to happen.

Neuter the trainer?!

Like others have said, I think castration linked to behaviour is outdated nowadays.

@GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman - he's certainly not mature yet. Thanks for the reassurance - I was concerned I was being precious.

@Spanielsarepainless  I was thinking how much the trainer would like it if his partner threatened castration if he had a mind of his own. 

@StrawberryFizz26 - will consider the implant when we get to that point. Really good to hear about alternative options. It's changed a lot since I had my last dog neutered 15 years ago.

@Ihaventgottimeforthis - he's always had a gorgeous coat. Am loving the low maintenance Labrador coat compared with the spaniel feathering and fluff. He sheds a fair bit but very easy to care for.

@DrinkGirlsFeck

Sorry - the treats aren't nuts but the trainer doesn't seem to think it's possible to train him unless we castrate him.

He is loopy. But also lovely.

Your trainer is incompetent