First Trip to the Pet Store

I had a much better than expected result on a trip to the pet store. Minden, although cautious, seemed pretty interested in the pet store checking out all the new smells. She didn't seem to nervous.
Over the past couple of months Minden has really improved in these areas:

• Recall - I worked with Minden for a short time on an extension rope and it was apparent she didn't have any intention of leaving. We go on frequent walks in our open areas and she does well off leash and has pretty good recall - or at least she won't run away.
• No more bookcase. Although Minden likes her quiet kennel or a cold corner in the pantry, she is not as inclined to huddle in the bookcase or otherwise try to disappear.
• Lound noises. She's still startled, but only slightly now. She used to try to get out of hear collar when something startled her, to the point of harming herself, but not just keeps a cautious eye out.
  
• Strangers. New people were like loud noises, something to avoid and evade at all costs. She actually has approached and sniffed a few new people at our house, but generally she likes to keep a safe distance.
• Approaching family members. She will approach most of us in the family for a treat in our hand, somehthing she never would have done.
• Affection - She still likes her personal space, but I always get a lick when I'm at the front door with a leash in my hand. She also will appraoch for affection if our other dog is getting some ear rubbings and she doesn't want to miss out.

However, there's more work to be done:

• Minden has a little separation anxiety when crated for more than an hour (though she generally likes her crate and sleeps through the night)
• Not startling when there's motion in the house. Minden likes to keep a safe distance from antyhing that is moving in any direction. So it will take more time.
• Basic commands: down, stay, out. She has "kennel" down to some extent, but becuase Minden isn't too food motivated and still very timid, any training has been put off.

Minden seems to take 2 steps forward and one step back, but that is progress and she's been a pretty easy dog to have in our house.