I know there is "the book of the bitch".I would like to know if there is an equivalent book for the male .I shall be getting  my first male pup after fourty-plus years of having an all female dog household.I would like to read up in advance about the male dog.I have found the snippets  mentioned on board ,such as "hormonal peaks at ten months are seven times that of the mature dog "etc...fascinating. This will be a whole new learning curve for me. I had planned to neuter at two,if required,but after the recent research links posted I probably will be waiting to see how things go. In Italy few males are neutered,so this in itself will be unchartered waters for me on dog walks. In the last decade I have always had my two girls readily accepted by all dogs we meet.My new pup is a social breed,will come from a multi dog household and leaving the breeder at nearly 4 months. The dog parks and malls all require dogs to be on lead.We have Unlimited country walks but the dogs we encounter are often unsupervised farm dogs in packs of three,or even feral dogs. Training clubs are few and far between...a basic obedience course costs 300euros and the mixed groups are composed of dogs who are territorial garden guards,only brought out at the weekend, a few companion breeds,plus a few  adolescents  . Groups are large and training is in an open field,so off lead work often results in scuffles.Its a disaster.What suggestions do you have to get the best out of my new pup to be a balanced social dog in this situation?

Training at home using modern methods, and avoidance of negative situations where possible.

During adolescence ensuring that he meets primarily ibtches and knwon freindly dogs, andy stiff on their toes meetings with other males to be kept short, and distraction used to stop any escalation of 'I;m a big boy now', 'I am better than you', or 'young man you need putting in place'.

Some good reading for you:
Books:
Puppy primer by Patricia McConnel
The culture clash Jean Macdonld
The Other End of the Leash by  Patricia McConnell
Don't shoot the dog by Karen Pryor

Links to Dr.Ian Dunbar's training site 'Dog star daily' ~ it's like an on-line magazine and library of training articles & videos  of training classes to watch here!<~ you need to register to watch the videos, but don't let this put you off! The site only asks for your email add and it takes seconds to register, and well worth it!

http://www.dogstardaily.com/files/BEFORE%20You%20Get%20Your%20Puppy.pdf
http://www.dogstardaily.com/files/AFTER%20You%20Get%20Your%20Puppy.pdf

HTH :-)

Thankyou both for your input.I will get the books,I have already started the  K. Pryor one. I have joined the Dunbar website  as recommended. I have put a CDx on two of my dogs,but its this male issue that I need to have some clear ideas about.Im very excited actually to have this new boy coming,and will be a regular visitor to the training board to pick up tips there too. Brainless,your posts are always so thoughtful and filled with experience that I feel reassured already.thanks again.