Then maybe she is part Mal after all -- given that all dogs are individuals of course. That desire to do, to be bidden, I know it well -- it's both GSD and Belgian shepherd. They want to work. Pretending not to hear though, is a general young dog thing, particularly among the more independent minded. :D

If you're interested you might enjoy trick training with Layla. It fulfills her desire to do, and it actually makes her listen involuntarily on those times when she'd otherwise want to blow you off.