Get them out and about as early and as much as possible , stock break early and bond with each other , remember the breed you have chosen can take an age to nature, so if its not seeing like its keen at 9 month its because its a pup very much so mentally, ... Every type, every dog is different . the amount of times I've known people to give up on deerhound types bugs me. Just get it out enjoy your time with the dog , don't get frustrated, and you'll not look back ..... All the best with flint