Meet Bella
Moving to a new home is difficult for most dogs let alone a dog like Bella who is anxious and lacking confidence. It seems quite likely she was not socialized with people and other dogs in her original home. She is unsettled by sudden noises in the home or sounds she can hear outside the home. She will bark and it takes a long time for her to calm down. She cowers with sudden movements or when she sees the broom.
Bella is best in a calm, quiet home. She seems most comfortable with women and we feel she would likely adjust better to a one-person home. She spent time in a foster home with a family and it was quite challenging for Bella when she heard people in other parts of the house. She would bark and it was not easy to settle her.
She is starting to show a more playful side with her foster mom - chasing a ball and playing hide and seek. She loves to go for walks but is still apprehensive when meeting other dogs and people on her walks. A very slow and careful approach is a must. She is getting better at letting her foster mom put on her coat and boots but Bella is not always cooperative. Bella will let you know when she is unhappy by growling - she does give a warning.
Bella must be walked on-leash at all times. Due to her anxiety she is a flight risk. She is best suited to a home with a safely fenced back yard. She is not a dog for the off leash park.
Bella will at times guard her food and toys. She will usually trade for a high value treat but she could not be trusted with children.
We feel Bella would do well with a dog savvy adopter that has previous dog experience. Her adopter must be prepared to go very slow with Bella and be willing to work with a positive based trainer to help boost her confidence and move her forward in all different social situations.
She is a dear dog with a lot of potential. We have already seen some small steps forward with Bella’s behaviour. We recently started Bella on a calming medication. It is helping her to feel less anxious and will assist when she transitions to her new home.