We crate trained our standard pup and it worked an absolute treat. I can't speak highly enough of this type of training. We had three accidents and they were all while I was learning his signals and two were within the first few days, after that we just kept an eagle eye on him and he was either outside or in his crate when I couldn't watch him.
T was neutered before he came to us at 8 weeks. My breeder is very strong on not allowing her dogs to be bred from if they go to pet homes. I have read varying reports on early age de***ing and he is only just over 8 months now so we haven't seen any side effects yet.
T was/is a bit stubborn on the recall. I now have a pack filled with liver treats which I put on pretty much the minute I walk in the door so everytime he comes he gets a treat. We have been doing this for about a month now, and it's only every few times he gets a treat now, and his recall is much better :smile:. You can also use a long line so that everytime you call and he doesn't come you reel him in, that way he begins to understand that this is not negotiable and he WILL come everytime he is called. Wonderpup will probably be along shortly and she can give you better advice than me but that's what is working in our household.
As for hair colour it depends on the colour. My boy is blue and it could be as long as 3 years before his true colour is fully through. Silvers I think are about 2 years maybe a bit longer. Not really sure about the pale cream on some fading to white!