A four-month-old Bella's walk in the woods

We have not written about Bella for quite a while so this is long overdue. We are still in love with the pup! Her behavior in the woods has changed as her hunting instinct has kicked in. In our enclosure she opened on rabbits already. When I take her for walks in the woods, her nose is glued to ground. She is still quite cautious but this is a good thins as wildlife living here can be dangerous. Our trail cameras show coyotes coming close.

 

 

Education and socialization of Bella, an eleven-week-old puppy

As you know, we have a new puppy Bella, who is now eleven weeks old. She has been with us for two weeks,  and we have been trying to provide a stimulating, enriched environment for her. These are some things that we have done.

Bella went on four trips with me to our woods and pond, and it was a good bonding experience. She does not range far at all, actually sticks pretty close to me, but I like it. When I call her name, she runs towards me at a full speed. We have a bumper crop of blackberries this year, so every trip results in several cups of this delicious fruit. I put them directly into her mouth, and in spite of their somewhat tart taste, she seems to like them, and is always ready for more.

Bella is not crazy about the water, but when she investigates the pond she is willing to get her feet wet. I know how much Mae, her mother, loves to swim, so I hope that Bella gradually learns to love the water as well. We'll be working on it.

Investigating a duck feather floating in the pond. Every time I go to the pond, I see seven ducks swimming there. They are a challenge to photograph, that's for sure.

Last weekend we took Bella to the town park, where there was a social gathering and music. The music was loud, but it had no effect on Bella. She loved meeting strangers and played really well with kids.

 

She shows no reaction to loud noise and sleeps with no problem in our mudroom, even when our washing machine located there is in use.

Other things that we have done - walks on the leash (she is leash broken now), two blood tracks, and playing retrieving games (she is an excellent retriever). She met our little puppies and was curious about them, and she continues to socialize with our dogs. Always happy, responsive, very talkative, has a great sense of humor and never takes herself too seriously. What more could we ask for?

Introducing our new puppy - Bella von Tierspur

On the weekend Bella was introduced to her new canine family, and she has done very well with them. He behavior is very appropriate - she is somewhat cautious and waits for the invitation to play. She submits to our dogs very easily. She is not "in their face" the way Tommy was (and still is). They like her a lot and accepted her without hesitation.

What is pretty amazing about her that at 9 weeks she sleeps through the night in a crate. She does not need to go out during the night, and she does not object to being in the crate. Beth and Genti have done a tremendous job raising her.

Is she a perfect puppy? No, she is not. She has some conformation weaknesses, which we hope will improve with age. I am a perfectionist by nature, but I think it was Voltaire who said that  “The perfect is the enemy of the good.” On Saturday night I took Bella to Suzanne Clothier, and we analyzed a "large picture" so to speak. The short visit helped me put things in perspective and arrive at the final decision.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy pictures of her. As always click on the image to view a larger version.

Bella meets Keena and submits to her right away.

Keena is inviting Bella to play.

Bella nose to nose with Billy.

Bella is inviting Gilda to play.

A nine-year-old Gilda and a nine-week-old Bella are related. Gilda is Sabina's daughter while Bella is Sabina's great granddaughter.

Gilda is putting Tommy in his place while Bella is reassuring her that she is a good girl.

Bella and her dad Tommy

All is well - everybody is relaxed.

 

I think that Tommy is going to be Bella's playmate.