update:

we are getting much much better on our walking / pulling!!! I actually started using a nylon choke, and we do the "watch" and i treat her for keeping close to me and looking back, but when we get to an unfamiliar area or a high distraction area, i put the choke high up on her neck, and she is very good about staying closer to me then. she is also much more responsive to me with tiny tugs (corrections) when she starts to pull a bit. and YES we are MARCHING. the faster walking has proved to be much much much better! we don't "hang out" anymore, we keep moving, and it's good for both of us.

the reactivity is still pretty high though. if we happen to get in sticky situations... such as after work today, encountering one of the neighbor dogs. although, also with the choke i have been using, I am able to pull her over to the side and lift up on the collar and put her into a sit, and she is a little less quiet. not necessarily less terrified/anxious/whatever it is, but at least it's a start, and then i give her treats when she is able to not make a sound, or even god forbid look at me!

anyway, i get a lot of mixed feelings of sorrow and frustration. i can't help but think she is miserable sometimes, she really doesn't seem to do well at all in this environment. and then i get frustrated and angry sometimes, and take it out on her and i know it's not her fault. i have to say i have been much much better about keeping CALM though, even in her total freak out modes. i amaze myself sometimes.. lol. but then inside i am really steaming sometimes. wonder if she can sense that.

okay done rambling now...