Yikes! Poor puppy! I've read and learned so much on this forum it's crazy. Funny, I worked in a vet clinic, and things brought up here were never mentioned there. That vet has since passed away, and we have sporadic vet visits here from various clinics...and they still wanted me to neuter Moose when he gets his rabies shots. No. You all taught me what that does, and my poor Golden, Max (RIP , luv) had a horrible time with his joints. I had no clue his early neuter probably factored into that. As well as his early jumping, stair climbing, etc. I am so careful with Moose now. two stairs to go out the back door only. NO jumping. Not on /off the bed, the sofa, anything. So, even if your friend didn't listen, don't stop advising! I'm listening! I've raised alot of dogs over the years, but never a lab. And things change, new medical findings, etc are important to me. So Thank You!