My name is Bella!

Almost two years ago, our foster dog Bella found a home with a great family.  Unfortunatley, Bella developed behavior problems and would not get along with the family's other dog.   This forced the family to return Bella to DMPR.  Bella is now looking once again for her forever family.

Overall Bella is a great dog with some issues that can be resolved if her new family is committed to taking her to an obedience class.  Bella needs to learn boundaries - when she is given too much freedom, she becomes a high-maintenance diva (or simply put, a brat).  

Bella does know some basic obedience commands.  She will sit and come on command.  She also knows when she is doing something wrong - her foster mom will look at her and say in a low voice 'Bel-la' and Bella will stop what she is doing and look at her foster mom and then drop her head low (like she is ashamed she was caught).  However, this is not ideal, as it would be better if Bella didn't do the 'bad' stuff in the first place.  (Bad stuff includes - jumping on the bed, growling at the foster mom's other dogs when there is food out, and jumping on people).  What Bella needs is consistency - she needs to be taught what is the right thing to do, so that she gets to hear lots of 'Yes!  Good girl!'  Bella loves to be with people - she so wants to be a people pleaser.  Her foster mom thinks that positive reinforcement training will go a long way with her.