In our new arrangement, I have been respecting Bella's boundaries much more carefully, and allowing her to have choices. Sometimes she accepts a treat from my hand, especially if it is chicken, and sometimes she doesn't. She has not been panting, so I think she is less anxious now, perhaps because I am not petting her or sitting next to her on her bed.
Bella has successfully faced her new challenge of leaving her bed in order to eat her dinner. I place her food on the floor a few from her bed and leave the room. Bella can make the choice to experience the spaciousness of moving around her room without threat. She has done this fairly quickly both evenings so far, waiting no more than 20 minutes to eat after I put down her food.
Mornings I sit in a chair a few feet away from her as she enjoys breakfast in bed. This is a slight shift from our previous habit wherein I sat on her bed as she ate. The new way gives her more comfort while still encouraging her to get used to me. Bella only drinks when I am not in the room. If I come into her room, she will be on her bed. She will use her eyes to look at the place on the dresser where her treats are stored. I respond to this subtle expression of hers by promptly offering her a treat. If she doesn't take it from my hand, I lay it in front of her.
On walks, I follow Bella from my end of the leash, letting her determine when to turn around for the walk home. One possible indication of increased confidence-Bella has lengthened our walk by about 20 feet.
Bella has successfully faced her new challenge of leaving her bed in order to eat her dinner. I place her food on the floor a few from her bed and leave the room. Bella can make the choice to experience the spaciousness of moving around her room without threat. She has done this fairly quickly both evenings so far, waiting no more than 20 minutes to eat after I put down her food.
Mornings I sit in a chair a few feet away from her as she enjoys breakfast in bed. This is a slight shift from our previous habit wherein I sat on her bed as she ate. The new way gives her more comfort while still encouraging her to get used to me. Bella only drinks when I am not in the room. If I come into her room, she will be on her bed. She will use her eyes to look at the place on the dresser where her treats are stored. I respond to this subtle expression of hers by promptly offering her a treat. If she doesn't take it from my hand, I lay it in front of her.
On walks, I follow Bella from my end of the leash, letting her determine when to turn around for the walk home. One possible indication of increased confidence-Bella has lengthened our walk by about 20 feet.
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