Great to hear things are going so well, CP!! I too have had great success with my rescue 10 month old lab (now 18 months ALREADY!!). Not trained, no, I'll change that... trained to be naughty!! He'd run off after anything - dogs, cyclists, rabbits, joggers etc. We just weren't interesting enough for his adolescent lab brain despite doing lots of playing in the house, taking him everywhere, routine, doing a touch of agility and some training classes (but not many, cos the issue was a bonding one) etc.

He got progressively better over the months and we got really good at reading situations, i.e. if someone was approaching, get hold of either him or get his attention with food/toy/stick. Started to work really well. He started coming out for rides with me and cos I would turn round and canter off if he didn't listen, he started to listen It helped a lot for our walks when he was naughtier.

Lots of keeping him close, lots of play in the house, lots of praise for the good behaviour, ignoring the bad and then finding 'the perfect toy' which is a rubber ball that boings all over the place.

In the last 2 months it suddenly clicked... WE are now the most important things in his life He ignores other dogs now, they are just 'in the way' cos mum is going to throw his ball. He'll walk to heel past anything, no lead, just cos I'm holding the ball.

... and I've got his full attention at the stables cos inbetween each chore I throw the ball for him. He now sticks to me like a limpet, just in case

He still occasionally reverts to puppy behaviour (eating shoes, nicking stuff, going lalalalalala) but god, it's SO much better!! So yes.... with time they can get better, but I do think this needs to be accompanied with consistent training.

Well done. I hope the frisbee theory works!! after a few weeks of having the best time ever she won't think about leaving your side (and best wishes for those still going through the 'nightmare patch'... it's draining!!!!)