*Nods* You've gotten some great advice! Like Rose's Gal said, it sounds like your biggest problem is that your pup isn't getting the chance to get his energy out. I can understand you're displeasure with walking him since he really pulls (working at a shelter, I deal with it every day - my poor arm
). Try working with him on his leash manners. Again Rose's Gal has a great method - worked with my dog, and he used to be a
monster on the leash. When he was 7 months old (just before I took him home) he knocked a headstone over in the shelter's pet cemetary trying to pull a girl I work with towards the pen; it fell on her foot and broke her toe!
As for getting his energy out, I have a few ideas. Since it's so cold out right now, Dutch and I only go for a few very short walks a day. But, I make sure we have play time inside. A few minutes of training on his basic commands comes first, and then, game time! His favorite is "food-hide-and-seek". I put him in a sit-stay, and have him watch me as I hide food around the livingroom; in corners, on bookcases, under tables ... Then, after I'm done hiding it, I give him the "find-it" command, and he goes crazy searching the room. We also play "food-fetch" which is a great way for me to get his energy out after a long day. I fill a cup with food, and throw it peice by peice around the room. In between each one, he knows he must return to me by the couch and sit so that I will continue the game. After about 20 minutes, he's panting like crazy, and I get to rest on the couch the whole time.
Since Dutch is training for agility, I also have a few random obstacles set up throughout the apartment. Two jumps in the bedroom, a small table on which to practice his "down-waits" in the living room, and two ramps leading up to either side of the window seat in the kitchen. Throughout the day, I will randomly ask him to perform these obstacles. (I realize that the only reason I can do this is because I live alone, and your family might not apreciate PVC pipes all around the house - I was just giving another example).
A happy and well behaved dog is one who has enough of both physical, and mental stimlulation. So be creative, make up some of your own games, see what he likes best. And like Saje said, get him a Kong toy and stuff if with treats, or any dog safe foods you have around - it'll keep him busy for a long time. I love making up new "recipies" for things to stuff in Kongs - I think I "cook" more for Dutch than I do for myself.