Hi Michaela,
Wow, its been 8 months... Ajax has really come along way in that time.
At first we has some issues, Ajax has always been great with my family, though very protective against people he doesn't know. Also somewhat aggressive toward other dogs, though very playful with my parents golden retriever. I have been working with 2 trainers and both feel that this will change and it has since May, for the most part they seem to think of it as lack of socialization, with people and other animals. I've also done a ton of reading myself trying to learn further on the do's and don'ts...
He's a fast learner. In May we started with "On Command Dog Training" he passed his first obedience class no problem, Ajax could almost do all the commands prior to starting the class. Ajax gets nervous and somewhat aggressive around other dogs, trainer Amy Bahl seems to think he would be fine off the leash and in a group of dogs, she seems to think it maybe a leash issue, we tested this with her 7 month old male black lab pup, they got along fine....
In August we started training with "That's my Dog",( http://www.thatsmydog.com ) Robin McFarlane a dog trainer & behavior specialist, and have since been working him one on one and in open groups for socialization.... Like I sad he really has come along way...
Ajax is still on the same dose of Glucosamine, Microlatin and MSM, he seems to be doing very well, still about 83 pounds, and doesn't seem to be hurting. The 1st time to the vet was a little edgy, he was fine until the door bell rang and then barked and the vet, she worked with him a bit and strongly suggested obedience classes, which we are still doing....
It really is incredible how smart he is and how quick he learns, the kids have even taught him to roll on his back when they say "Belly" for a belly rub.
We still have a ways to go, but I'm sure we can get there in time, I would love to see him earn the good canine citizen award, that is my goal! People rave about how handsome he is and when working with him they think he has so much potential!
I will send pics soon, I know I keep saying that, I will get them to you in the next week!
Chris