Well done for rescuing him - I love hearing about dogs who are given a second chance in life, poor things deserve it.
It seems you are doing most of the things correctly as he is turning into an obedient well mannered dog. However you must keep asserting yourself as alpaha dog. Sometimes people who rescue dogs want to make up for all the bad things that have happened to the dog in the past, and as a result can sometimes spoil them and let them get away with too much because they feel sorry for them; and this can lead to problems with the dog thinking of themselves as pack leader.
You need to make sure your dog knows that everything belongs to you and is your property - including his toys and food (at the moment he thinks you belong to him). He cannot take anything or sit where he likes without your permission. So if you want him to sit on the sofa with you then you must invite him - he cannot jump and sit there when he chooses.
If he wants to play, don't let him bring you his ball and "ask" you to play. You decide when to play and you initiate the game and stop when you decide.
Don't let him be protective of you - it's your job to protect him.
Same with affection, if he comes to you for a cuddle then ignore him. If he lays at your feet hoping for a belly rub then don't. although a dog asking for a cuddle does not appear to be dominate behaviour - it is, because he is asking you to do something that he wants. I know this can sound harsh but if you want to show him affection then you must decide when and call him over, and only then can you give him belly rubs etc (and this is best when he is behaving himself and being totally relaxed) -
There are lots of other different subtle ways in which a dog displays dominant behaviour, but people take it as being cute or clever or funny.
I'm sure you will succeed with this dog and he will make someone a lovely pet.
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