I presume because of the hot humid summer we've had and from the flies which tormented her, Arie has mellowed out in past weeks, considerably. And she is now 15 months old which I am sure plays a part. Being older she will naturally settle down.
But, I think the somewhat harsh conditions have matured her maybe a little faster than if she was a house dog.
Here Arie is relaxed and being watchful after a later summer rain. The flies have let up and do not plague her as bad, plus she has built up a tolerance for the ones that do remain.
With Arie's maturity has come much better behavior toward the livestock. Her playing stints are far less frequent and her seeming aggression has abated much. Although she will still put the goats in their place if they come too near her food. If they are nearby when I put down her food they make a hasty retreat. That is their cue to go some place else.
I'm quite enjoying the calmer more reliable dog that Arie is becoming.
