Winston is my first boy - I've had all girls in the past. Spaying is far more invasive than neutering. but I was still a bit nervous too when he came home. I am a firm believer in letting nature do its job, but I did my best to limit jumping...helping him up on the sofa vs. letting him work his way up on his own. Still, he had to climb steps to go in and out of the house to potty (six steps down to the yard) and the vet said this was fine, but no excessive stair climbing. Limit activity where and when it's possible so the stitches stay in place. Keep checking them to make sure they aren't red and swollen or looking infected.
Winston bothered his stitches the day after surgery - they felt funny to him and probably were sore, I'd imagine. After that, he never bothered them and I kept a close eye to make sure. I hate the cone of shame and he was quite scared of it, so I didn't want to use it. Luckily, he didn't need it.
Others may not take the same laissez-faire attitude I have regarding this, and that's ok. I am mellow when it comes to my dogs and it seems to work for them. I hope August heals up quickly and is a good boy, staying away from his stitches.