Not really understanding why this thread would be so upsetting. Most of us here on YT are responsible and "not your average dog owner" and I think spreading knowledge on both "sides" is always a good thing. There's nothing wrong with discussion and information. You can't just force people or avoid giving information out on both sides. All pet owners should be able to become educated and informed on issues regarding their beloved pets.
With that said, I would agree that probably 85% (pulling that number out of my a*s but you know) of the dog owning public
needs their dogs altered. I think vasectomies and OSS are good options for dog-savvy owners, but really the average Joe Schmo doesn't need to be dealing with hormone related behaviors that come along with unaltered dogs.
Training around hormones is entirely possible and people do it all the time. But how many people (again, in the 'general' world of dog owning population) truly take the time to train their dogs the way they should?
People want easy. People want to be able to let their dog out in the yard without them smelling a female in heat miles away and running away. People want to be able to go to the dog park and stand around while their dogs play. People want their dog to be able to be off leash in their yard.
Really, traditional spay/neuters are the ideal for most owners IMO. But I still think it's great there are other options for dog owners who are prepared and able to handle these other options. And really, nowadays (in my neck of the woods anyway) spay/neuter seems to be shoved down everyone's throat anyway. I think I only know ONE person who does not have her dog fixed and has thought about breeding it and she's a 75 year old grandma with a puggle mix from the pound who simply doesn't know any better. From a different era. But anyone I know who gets a dog these days is typically getting them from rescue anyway (where they're already fixed) or it's not a question that spaying/neutering has to happen. I know it's not like that everywhere in the world. But around here at least, it just doesn't even seem to be a question when people get a dog. So anyone who is going to take the time, research or money to get their dog a vasectomy or get their female an OSS surgery, all the more to them! Heck, even if you choose to get your dog intact, it's really none of my business. And if you can own that dog responsibility for it's entire life, (which many people have and do) then that is fantastic.
I also feel there is somewhat of a rift between breeders and rescue that comes into play in these kinds of arguments. I think there should be more of a middle ground. If you are being responsible and going a route that you are happy with and a dog is getting a home... then go ahead! Not everyone wants a rescue, and not everyone wants to go purchase from a breeder. But I sure as heck am glad the options are all there for me. I also feel there's kind of a moral superiority attitude when it comes to both people who are very into rescue and then people who are very into their 'purebred' dogs. As if one is better than the other. Looking down on people who don't rescue or those who breed or vice versa, lumping them all together, is where I draw the line and have a problem. As if ALL breeders are somehow responsible for the lives of thousands of dogs in shelters....