As a puppy, Kitamu was very easy to house train. I do remember one day when I put a new big dog pillow in the middle of the living room and the first thing that he did was "mark" it. He didn't see anything wrong at the time and it was just natural to him. Well since that time, we have no more markings in the house or anywhere other than his yard. While we are on walks, there is NO sniffing and he is allowed to go to the bathroom only on permission while we are off our property. This may seem a little strict, but he is a well behaved male dog in public and at home.

Kitamu is very smart. He was very young when he learned to go to our toy basket and select a toy. It was very funny, he would go and get a toy and play with it for a while, then would go over to the basket and select another, and then go play with the new toy. Another thing that he is very good at is corralling the puppies. We noticed him in the front yard with the younger puppies and he was using his nose to keep the puppies in close. One would try to take off and he would hold it down with is paw and then nuzzel it back to the group ever so gently. We call him our baby sitter!

Another example of fun we have had with Kitamu, when he came into our home, we would give him a cookie and he would take your entire hand into his mouth, slobbers, fingers, and all. Well, it wasn't very long till now, so every so gently, he takes the cookie in his lips and doesn't even get your fingers wet.

Now, believe it or not, Kitamu loves to sit or lay in our lap on the couch. He looks at me for permission, then with a simple wave of the hand, up he comes. He also loves to sleep in our bed every chence he gets. Truely a joy to have him in the house with us every day.