Quote: tracy collins

I was going to suggest the leash inside. I think that may be a key difference between the "at home" and "public" behavior.

The leash gives the dog both comfort and confidence that they aren't going it alone--that you are in charge of whatever the situation is, to remind them what they are supposed to do so that they don't have to make any decisions. The leash is sort of a conscience.

If the leash is the tool that gets the behavior you need around guests (better than the crate) then, I say go with the tool that works best.

There's no law that says a dog has to like cocktail parties or be comfortable in such situations. Of my four dogs, two would HATE being in a room full of stragers at home, two would love it. The ones that don't like it--why force it?

I'll continue working with the leash. There's no reason to force it, but I definitely need to figure out the best way to deal with it.

 Quote: Wes Shoemaker

I'll continue working with the leash. There's no reason to force it, but I definitely need to figure out the best way to deal with it.

Definitely keep doing what is working. Two things to keep in mind: ignore all behavior you don't like. Sometimes, for me anyway, it is a natural inclination to offer a pet or kind word when the dog is stressed that is why I try not to hold the leash in my hand but tie it to my waist or the chair I am sitting in.

Two: practice without company daily and frequently. Tether her to you and when she lays down or relaxes and behaves how you woud like to see her behave around company mark and reward and ignore everything you want to stop. At this point I would not introduce corrections until you are 100% sure she understands what is expected. A solid base of behavior will accelerate her learning around distractions.

As far as her indoor outdoor behavior; have you worked her more consistantly outside and been more clear about what is expected?
They don't always generalize behavior to a different location.

Good for you to take the time to work through this with her; you'll never regret the time put in and find you learn more than she does! Keep us posted.