Sometimes it helps to work on things at home (well it always does). One site that is so clear it will make you feel faint is THE LESSONS. Work on things, have fun… and yes, you have to make them think it's their idea. Rascally dogs that they are.
http://www.clickerlessons.com/index.htm
Cara will be 8 mos old Oct 7. I would like to claim I have her amazingly trained, but I have been slack. Sit, come, shake, loose leash. Beyond that I really haven't done much but played with and enjoyed her. Tricks are so easy and get their mind into learning when young, and I usually do a lot before 8 mos, but such is life. I socialize her a LOT though.