Smudge can via MT too. She was extremely thin, had sparse hair and conjunctivitis. She walked from day one on a harness, but wouldn't walk on a lead attached to her collar because it reminded her of being tied up and unable to move. Our walks took a lot longer than normal, as we would stop when she did and let her take her time. I think her natural curiosity helped her to overcome some fears. She had been in a foster home, who had started her housetraining, and she did learn fast, probably helped by copying Boysie. We did have a few accidents of course, and then a setback when she got giardia, but now if she needs to go out she lets us know
At first she would curl up in the corner of the sofa, eyes shut tight, and we would have to carry her up and down stairs.She then got very itchy as her hair started to grow. She was very skittish (and still is a little bit) and one day she bolted back to the car when I accidently dropped the lead. After that I used to connect her long line to a belt. It took about 6 months for her to go offlead, starting with a long line, and whistle / signal / word training. Other training is purely at her own pace - eg she learnt 'sit' by us saying it when she did. She will not be lured, and if you try to do this she will run into her crate, her safe place where she hides her 'treasure' (like an empty cotton reel).
She's not very affectionate - if you pick her up she goes floppy, but she has recently started to nudge hands when she like her ears or rump stroked.
I think MT have to give you a worse case scenario of what you might have to deal with, but each dog is different. Smudge was only 2 when she was handed in, so may have found it easier to adjust than an older might. However, she still doesn't seem to get the point of going for a walk, and only really livens up when she knows we're on the way back to the car.She will never be a very confident dog, but in many ways is far easier to live alongside than her noise sensitive more reactive brother!
It is very rewarding helping these dogs to blossom and start to live a happier life. It does take time, patience and of course love, but it is certainly something we would do again