Hey all, I resurrected this old topic so people might have an idea what's going on without re-typing everything, and to say THANK YOU to all the wonderful people who responded and provided such helpful advice!

So, it took a long time with little comments here and there and "hey did you know dogs...." kind of things. But, as of a few days ago I got permission to run the dog through the Groundwork Program.

We're on day 3 right now and I'm wondering: When do you know the dog is ready to be tethered inside the house? She's not destructive so that's not what I'm concerned with, I'm wondering about how to tell when the dog's mindset has changed, or is that correct?

And once we do go to tethering, how long does that phase last and when can the rest of the family start interacting with the dog and how should I instruct them to interact?

My goal with all of this to firmly secure the dog in her place in the pack so that I can then work on her confidence and insecurities. Because she's very stressed out because there was no structure or rules and she definitely does not feel like anyone will protect her in social situations with new people coming to the house or strange dogs....or dogs she knows come to think of it. I feel like if I can firmly set myself as a leader that will protect her then she will be able to relax.

I would love to be able to do agility and obedience with her, including getting the canine good citizen. She's very smart! We do marker training. But I worry that she would not be able to accept the "friendly greeting of a strange dog" and "judge petting" in the CGC. Not to mention performing around all those people and dogs at an event like agility.

And if she never does, that'll be ok, but I'd like to see what I can do.

Side note: I've already seen a really surprising benefit. Her food drive for her meals has skyrocketed. She used to disdain dog food and starve hersef rather than have kibble. But since being fed on schedule in the crate she jumps up and down for her bowl.

Congratulations on your progress, Laurel. You and your family are to be commended.

As far as the CGC or participating in dog sports, give it time. You may be able to do these things with her in the future. And, if not, you'll still have accomplished a lot.

Does your family see the difference as well?

We're only in day 3 but whenever I see a change such as her eating her food more, I point it out and it makes an impact with them I think. They think its cool that there is a "different way" raise a dog.