This is when he becomes an adult dog and starts leaving his puppy traits behind.  It's kind of sad to see the puppy leave and the adult take over but it's a lot easier on the furniture!  My puppy was a little monster.  He actually ate the chair legs on my best dinning room set.  Darn!  But I left them there.  It reminds me of that little bundle of fluff that gave me so much laughter from such a little dog..

Anyway, at two your dog becomes an adult and for 6 more years your dog will remain a healthy happy youthful dog. Ready for walks and play and caring for you. Because that's his job. To care for you. Whether he is a big guard dog, a little watch dog or just a big old dog without a herd of sheep to herd and big wet sloppy kisses aimed right at you.

At eight years old your dog will change. He is growing older. His teeth will need more attention. His joints might start hurting and arthritis might set in, depending in the breed. Fatty deposits will develop under the skin which will cause frantic visits to the vet, only to find out that these are mostly normal (get them checked out anyway).

My dog who is almost 9 has a big fatty tumor under and in back of his front leg. It was biopsies and is nothing more than fatty tissue. Groomers often find them first, especially in very thick coated dogs and will tell you about them. Usually there is no cause for alarm.