Well I finally bit the bullet this morning with Millie while we were out walking and let her off her lead. She has been desperate to go for days but I have been reluctant to as I wasn't sure what would happen

as we have only had her one week.
Fortunately there was no-one or any other dogs about so she got her way - and off she shot round and round the field like a mad rabbit! I kept walking and she trotted off in front of me sometimes behind me. I had a pocket full of gravy bones as treats to practise her recall and for a first time she did very well. She ventured towards some mucky ditches so I know now that she is going to be a water babe!
I had a couple of heart stopping moments as selective deafness and defiance came into play, and I spotted a rabbit before she did so I grabbed her and wouldn't let her go till the rabbit was out of site. We threw sticks and she chased them so I will take a ball with me tomorrow. I am also having to learn to shout very loudly to assert my authority with her, maybe a whistle would be easier?
I feel sure if she saw another dog/dogs I wouldn't stand much of a chance in getting her to stay with me at the moment off the lead I think she would be off toward them. It's something to work towards though.
Will try to post some pictures later off my phone (provided the laptop doesn't fry it. My old phone is totally wrecked after uploading them last weekend to the laptop have no idea why?!!)
Feel as though we have made progress today

she's a little darling, and saving me a fortune at the beauty salon with the daily Labrador facials
Ann x