Janine, just thought i'd put in some experience with dogs and their boy bits XD
When DF and I first got together he had a German shepherd (family pet) which was rather hard to control, and they removed his bits and he was exactly the same dog. I'm not 100% sure when they did it though, how old he was or anything, as I have heard age can make a difference. I guess the younger they are the better?

DF and I have a german shepherd now (not the same one) who still has his manhood intact and he is the most dopey laid back boofhead of a thing, and he's 3.

I think Christy has given you some good advice and some ways of keeping him occupied without having to actually be there phyically. Conning a kid you're familar with to keep him occupied seems like a good idea too