young dog

Question
hi i just brought a 12 month choc lab from a lady who was very heavily pregant and didn't have the time to give him the care he needs.he is really adoreable but i have a few questions i would like answered if poss as i not a labrador for many years i'v had border collies in the years in between. firstly he is a male dog but doesn't cock his leg to wee is this just a age thing?
2, he seems to sleep a lot for a young dog is this normal?
3, he is a pedgree choc lab but he has odd white hairs in his coat so people seem to think he is a much older dog what would you think ? his mom was a choc lab , his dad golden.
4, when he sees another hew pulls to get to the other dog and barks would it help to castrate him
many thanks
tracey

Answer
1 The leg is definitely an age thing, often not until a year.  Some say it is a learned behavior, needing to see other dogs do it.  

2 How much puppies sleep varies widely.  My 8 month old sleeps at least half the time.  

3 That happens.  Other than losing points in a show, no problem.  Again, my 8 month old has plenty.  she was bred for health, temperament, and intelligence, not show.  

4 Castration helps with many problems.  There is no good reason not to go ahead for all but serious candidates for breeding.