Bella has designed one activity that she came up with completely on her own and is devoted to. This is circumnavigating my yard upon the completion of our walk. I have mentioned this behavior before, but I am mentioning it again because it seems so important to Bella. At the end of our walk she always insists on a rapid jaunt around the border of our territory. Afterwards, Bella looks up at me as if to say, "Good, right?" She is then content either to repeat the identical walk and circumnavigation, or to stand on my porch, hooked to her cord, as I wipe her feet. I honor this activity because, to date, it is Bella's only act of creativity, and I love creativity.
I have noticed that Bella pulls more and more on the leash. She is strong! I've read that this breed was used to pull a cart of cheese in the Alps, and could even learn to do deliveries unattended. I'm strong, but Bella can really pull me, and I want to discourage this. I am not sure how to because I also want to encourage her confidence and I haven't yet spoken with a behaviorist.
I've discontinued bringing Bella into my living room when someone is here, even as a challenge. I've also stopped inviting people to visit her in my back room. It seemed too much for Bella. But I have introduced a new activity. My friend, Dan, brought me a 1955 copy of Thurber's Dogs to read to Bella. I was already aware that reading to dogs is a technique used with dogs who are unused to friendly interactions with humans. The reader doesn't make eye contact with the dog, nor approach and touch. Instead, he or she reads calmly, every day, and allows the dog to choose when to approach. I greeted Dan's suggestion enthusiastically and have begun reading dog stories to Bella while I drink my morning coffee. She is a good listener, but sometimes she gets bored and dozes.
I have noticed that Bella pulls more and more on the leash. She is strong! I've read that this breed was used to pull a cart of cheese in the Alps, and could even learn to do deliveries unattended. I'm strong, but Bella can really pull me, and I want to discourage this. I am not sure how to because I also want to encourage her confidence and I haven't yet spoken with a behaviorist.
I've discontinued bringing Bella into my living room when someone is here, even as a challenge. I've also stopped inviting people to visit her in my back room. It seemed too much for Bella. But I have introduced a new activity. My friend, Dan, brought me a 1955 copy of Thurber's Dogs to read to Bella. I was already aware that reading to dogs is a technique used with dogs who are unused to friendly interactions with humans. The reader doesn't make eye contact with the dog, nor approach and touch. Instead, he or she reads calmly, every day, and allows the dog to choose when to approach. I greeted Dan's suggestion enthusiastically and have begun reading dog stories to Bella while I drink my morning coffee. She is a good listener, but sometimes she gets bored and dozes.
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