that's just awesome news
and kudos as well for adopting an older dooger.
I haven't done all the reading suggested - but I can tell you from walking hundreds of strange dogs that like humans, some dogs so seem to challenge you - for lack of a better word I might use the word dominant, some are shy and most fall somewhere in the middle.
I personally know a few quality trainers that would disagree with the alpha theory is debunked premise. It may not be as linear or as clear cut as it was thought to be....but there is something to this theory. It should not be 100% chucked altogether. It is not the same as arguing that the world is flat imo.
So because I do believe this...whenever I meet a stray dog or cat, I usually do not look them in the eye, I lower my body, turn my body to them, and invite them over. This makes me look friendlier and less threatening.
I have a freakishly high success rate, especially with stray cats which are much harder to coax into a petting session from a stranger.
So that's what i do - lol.
Congrats again!