Thanks again, Glacier - I'll look into those lines more. In fact, skijoring looks kind of fun.

Dixie, would you believe I never even thought of playing fetch or frisbee with him on a long leash? I kept thinking "I wish I could just play fetch with him in the yard, but I don't have a fence." Duh.

I've had him 3 years, and I studied the breed characteristics of shepherds and rottweilers before getting him. If he'd behaved this way when I first got him, I wouldn't have been surprised. What caught me off-guard was the change in behavior. My fault, entirely, I understand. When the training and discipline fall to the wayside, Max naturally goes to the "backup plan" - which is to behave as a rott/shepherd would naturally behave!

I kind of needed that reminder - thanks!

I started NILIF again. It took us forever to get through the door this morning because I was making him sit and let me go through first. He totally does not get that concept - he hasn't from the beginning. That should help the bolting, though, don't you think?

I hope all of this works. The lives of Max, my chickens, and the local wildlife depend on it!