Dolly and I will be entering our first agility trial (actually it's just a match) in Deer Park this Sunday. Not sure how far this is from you, but I can get you directions if you want.

Here are today's photos.

Even when I ran a doggy day care, we had all the dogs dragging old leashes (most without loops on the end) all day,  They would inevitably get a bit tangled once in a while in their play, but would just as quickly get untangled usually without assistance.  You might try doing that when you're having supervised play in the yard at the shelter.  It also teaches them that the leash is not a restraint device (since they can move freely on it) so they don't develop any negative feelings about it.

Just wanted to let you know how Dolly is doing:  I'd give her an "A," for sure!  She has totally integrated into our home and our schedule and it already seems like she's been here forever.  We had two pee accidents the first two days, but nothing since.  She sleeps quietly in her crate, in our bedroom, all night, and goes into the big downstairs wire crate (with a little push) whenever we feel the need, and does not complain.  She has pretty much free rein of the house already, and hasn't shown inclination to get into too many things she shouldn't.  We keep lots of wish-bone nylabones around the house and those are popular with all three dogs.  When Dolly wants to chew, she goes and finds one.

She's getting lots of exercise and has probably lost a couple pounds already.  I'd like her to lose a couple more, and she will.  She has excellent mealtime manners (she eats last and does her sit-stay till released) and has shown no sign of food aggression.

We had a couple days of crate aggression at first, when one of the other dogs would walk past and perhaps startle her, but that is gone now.

Her leash manners have improved 100%, but I do trust her to run free with the other two dogs when we take walks down our long driveway.  She is excellent at coming when called, at this level of training.

I found that a lot of the "joyful" behavior was just a young dog who was not sure what she was supposed to do, and who'd never really been required to exercise self control and think.  As you know, she is very reactive.  With me, however, she has had to learn to think and make choices, and that has slowed her down A LOT.  When she gets overwhelmed with activity and motion and loss of direction, she becomes very reactive (the running, spinning, jumping, tipping over to have her belly rubbed, etc.) and I think a lot of that is a bit stress related.  With the "boundaries, rules and limitations," as Cesar Millan would put it, she is much less reactive and more thoughtful.  So we work to keep it a balance of pleasant activity and good manners. She is doing wonderfully.

So far, she is exactly what I hoped she would be.  Milo is going to get skinnier too (as will I, with all the 8am dog walks).  Angus doesn't really care one way or another, but gets along just fine with her.  In short, she has integrated into our family very well.

I haven't brought her anywhere in the car since we arrived home a week ago.  It's going to be a horrendously busy week, but I look forward to concentrated efforts with her--and social visits and car trips--next week.

And I gave the Science Diet, unopened, to the local pet food bank.  She took to the Flint River Trout & Potato immediately, and has had absolutely no dietary upsets.

Will keep you posted!

Dolly is sleeping in her crate in the master bedroom with the rest of us. She had a good night, exploring the house and playing with Milo. Tomorrow all three of them will get more outdoor playtime and she will begin her home schooling. Will keep you updated, but for now all is well!