I've not played this game in a while (My computer melted... really) but i've just loaded it onto a laptop I got my hands on and i'm training a new Leopard.
Going great so far, he halps the village out well.
My old creature was aslo a Leopard, some people here may remember it as I played online...
I voted for Pheonix.
I haven't had a problem with it yet, and i don't trust the sound of Hamachi...
Sorry I haven't been playing for a while, I just have a lot going on right now. I assure you that I will play again someday.
I never use leashes for anything other than telling him where to go.
If you train him to do these things without the leash its much easier.
Just have him watch you impressing villagers, and as soon as he tries it, reward him.
The official servers are down, however games are still possibly using a program called Black and White Pheonix.
I'm sure somone with more knowledge than me will tell you soon :yes