[DianaM]

Neutering won't prevent him from jumping the fence for any reason except for breeding a female. This needs to be assisted with TRAINING. If you ever keep your dog in the fenced yard unsupervised or plan on it, install a kennel with a roof on it, one that is secure in the ground so he cannot dig through it or climb out of it. If you think your dog can jump the fence whenever he'd want to, then balls or no balls he will get out of that fence when he feels like trying.

Yes, they can gain weight after neutering because of different metabolism requirements. Reduce his food intake accordingly or exercise him more and pay attention to his weight- if he gains, reduce food and increase exercise and if he loses, increase food. It's not that hard! Just check him on a weekly basis. If you cannot easily feel the ribs and see the last rib or two and a good uptuck to the waist nor see a nice, hourglass figure when you look at his back from the top down, then he needs to lose some pounds.

Make sure he maintains muscle and toning- this is healthy and looks fantastic!

 

[DianaM]

For schutzhund, it's best to keep them intact at least through mental maturity (18-24 months of age or older) because that does allow for full drives to develop including aggression (yes there is such a thing as GOOD aggression). Of course, having an intact animal is a HUGE responsibility so make sure you can properly contain him and control him. Find ways to train around bitches in heat (that are also safely contained) or at least around their scent so he learns to mind at the highest level of distraction possible. Don't be tempted to breed him no matter how many of your neighbors ask for puppies! This is a big temptation to resist. Rather, keep attending your club, get titled, get hip/elbow certifications, know your puppy's ancestry, and if your club and your breeder and other people very knowledgeable in GSDs and schutzhund believe your dog is breedworthy, only then should you consider it but there are a ton more factors to consider as well.

Again, seeing how you already fear about your fence, think long and hard about what your responsibilities will be with owning an intact animal and ensuring he cannot get loose. It is not something to be taken lightly!