[CruiserCody]

We took Cody to puppy classes when he was about 5 months old. I think that is a good age. The training was as much for me as for Cody. It helped me to be more consistent with commands. Through the classes he learned to sit, stay (he understands the concept but doesn't always obey), off (a command we use when he jumps on somebody or when he's too close to the table), leave it (to keep him from picking up things he isn't supposed to - this one is still a chanllenge), and we worked on walking with a leash. Cody is 8-1/2 months now and we constantly re-enforce what what he has learned. There's no question in my mind that he understands me now, it's just getting him to obey -- but he's still a puppy and it take lots of work and constant praise when he does something right.

We also use a water bottle when he gets into something he isn't supposed to. As for biting, there are lots of suggestions for dealing with it but we keep reminding Cody "no biting" and then ignore him. It took a while for him to get it but now when he gets too playful we tell him "no biting" and his little nips turn into licks -- which is a whole other story. Good luck, it does get better as they get a little older.