Fortunate K9 future student!!

Thorne had his evaluation today with Julia at Fortunate K9. She was very knowledgeable and thorough in answering any questions we had about training Thorne as well as his behaviors. She gave us as much time as we needed for the evaluation. Thorne went up to her when we first brought him in the room and did the usual hand sniff. She is such an honest person to talk to and right away we felt comfortable with what she had to say. We showed her what we have taught him so far, basic sit, down and stay (though he only listens well and obeys these commands if he knows a treat is coming).
Julia then put her own leash on him and walked him around the large indoor training area. He protested a bit at first but then walked with her and even ended up in a down near her. She gave him ample opportunity in her testing, to see his reactions towards her and he did well. He has a high threshold/ tolerance level and didn't try to bite her, whew. He did have a disturbing, submissive pee and fearful reaction when brought into another room where a Shepherd happen to be waiting with his owner. Thorne wasn't expecting to see the dog and had a difficult time with the surprise. Julia took him back into the room with us and then took him back into the same room with the Shepherd to end the experience on a better note. Thorne fearfully walked in with her and she had him sit. He then watched her to see what to do next. He almost knew she was in charge of things at that moment. She did say his fear/shyness is deep within him :( She also said he is still young and impressionable and obedience training will help his confidence though he will still be the reserved dog that he his but more manageable. She did mention he is a bit overweight, which we had suspected but weren't sure. Her huge acreage yard will get him very toned she said, as there is a hill he will be able to run up and down for extra fitness.
We set up Boarding School to begin for Thorne with her at the end of our meeting. She didn't influence us to set this up right away, she even said we can call her if we want to think about it more. She was such a sincere trainer and everything we have researched on this school, made us ready to make the decision right then and there. June 7th will be the day he goes!!....so excited for him and at same time going to miss him like crazy!! This is really going to be good for him. He will learn focus so much better than at home, too. Going to start a training diary of his progress with them and then with us in the follow up classes.