DogPaddle,
just like you said, slow progress is still progress. just take your time and enjoy training with your dogs and soon before you know it, you and your dogs will be competing and winning trials! :D
well i do protection work, obedience and agility with my Mals! me and my dogs have lots of fun during trails - win or lose! hahaha! :D
you are right about the Alpha thing! i bought Sage when he was 2 years old and was already protection trained. on the second day we trained when i was about to put the collar around his neck, he bit me! good thing i was wearinga jacket and that saved my arm! hehe! i guess he was just trying to see if he can be Alpha. but now he is as lovable as ever! :D