[flyballmom]

Diane, my opinion is that yes, your dog can not only be a good worker but a good family companion as well. My pup is now almost 5 months, still has just as much drive, energy and intensity about her as she did when she was a baby, but we are now started to channel that energy. She gets along fine (now) with my other dogs and has fit in beautifully to my household. Now, if I let this little girl languish, I suspect she would not be very livable. Keeping her mentally tired is definitely part of the key. I'll never keep any of my dogs crated. That little extra bit of oomph they might get just isn't worth it to get that next title, in whatever sport it might be.