I think you were answering to me, too, there Jim - so thanks a bunch. Those explainations make sense.

My goal would be to utilize the owner as much as makes sense - obviously the goal is a comfortable dog in their own surroundings. In the end, owners want a portrait of their dog - which entails catching their personality. That'll only happen if the pooch is comfortable.

I'd also feel much better have the owner involved - they know the dog much better and the dog will certainly feel better with them around, rather than a stranger who smells of other dogs...LOL

Thanks again.