He is "heeling" very well while on the leash and is often allowed to go "free" (off leash) when we go on our long 6-8 mile hikes. He runs everywhere at first exploring any trail, then he zooms back to where I am to check if I’m still there walking....then he's gone up the trail, all I can hear is the clanking of his collar. After awhile he begins to tire and then just walks behind me panting like a maniac.

He has this squeaky sheep toy that he carries around the house as though it's his little puppy. He will guard it and try to keep me from taking it. At times he will put it between his front legs against his chest while on the floor and hold it there with the top of his head. Then I say "Leroy, be nice" and he'll come out of his tuck and look at me and shift his body so I can grab it. Then he sits up like he is looking at the most important thing in his life. He sleeps with it in his crate and takes it onto the couch when we are watching movies.

He is a perfect dog. Never barks and I have not had any problems with lots of friends and new people. He did bark once at my aunt who came to visit by surprise. They had never met before and I was at work. My aunt decided not to go though the side gate, but use her key instead through the front door. Leroy never relaxed (hair raised, tail held very high) until I got home and he saw that my aunt was my "friend". Once Leroy sniffed her and she talked to him and I talked to him and her, everything was fine. So, he is a good guard dog too.

He is asleep right now with his dang sheep, curled up in his crate. I toss old towels over him when he's in there for extra warmth. We ran 4 miles this afternoon...he's pooped! Take care, Aaron and Leroy.