At 8 months old Buddy is already a pretty good dog. He is house trained, doesn't do any "real" damage when left alone, heals very well on a leash, and comes when called when he is off the leash (most of the time). He also sits, shakes hands, and lays (or is it lies?) down on command. His biggest problem was that he bites my 12 year old son and his friends, my 85 year old mother, and occasionally my wife. These are more or less play bites (he doesn't break skin), but the recipients do not find this activity enjoyable. Fortunately, he has pretty much gotten over this behavior. His biggest current crimes are biting off the heads of flowers in my wife's garden, and the occasional hole dug in the lawn (I use the term loosely). I really didn't want a dog, but I got him for my son. Now he is my constant companion when I'm not at work, and I absolutely love him.     - Pete

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This is an old post from last year, so I'm sure "Buddy" is as big as the boat by now.  Hang in there Peter.