Dexter is doing fine. Yesterday was technically a "down day" but we did introduce his collar and we started using it to correct inappropriate house behaviors like stealing food or being impatient at the door. He takes a slightly high correction but I don't credit that to Dexter being tough. Instead I think it is probably because he is so poofy. If they keep a small area of his neck trimmed a bit shorter where his collar pack can sit we will likely be able to lower his correction level.
Today we did all our workouts with the remote trainer and his physical leash. He responded very well. For some reason he got a little pokey with the Heel after about 20 minutes on our walk. But just a little encouraging with a sweet voice and a leg pat got him to catch up.
Tomorrow I plan to take him to the farm to try removing the leash entirely. I will be taking a buddy with him to encourage him to play and get rowdy. Sometimes dogs think it is a trick when I take the leash off and they don't really loosen up. A buddy will help them to forget the collar and get to more important things, like running and sniffing. Ace will likely be Dexter's buddy.
He is a good boy and while he is still getting used to the collar I think tomorrow he will start to understand the freedom that comes with it.