Taping - That was so cool that you came on and posted this. We are good at these things after many years of experience. I know it is hard to hear what you do not want to do - taping at such a young age, you said was so hard. I will even tape my pups ears when very young - 6 weeks if I need too. I also start clipping the hair off their ears when I start to see the hair growing on them enough to clip. I have never had a pup's ear not stand in 25 years.
That is great that you are having him neutered. You are doing what is right.
Kudos to you!