This gorgeous girl started life chained up in a travellers camp with not a lot to eat. She was taken into foster where she lived happily with other dogs of all size and sex, cats and horses. She was rehomed to a lovely couple a year ago but coming into her ‘teenage’ years, they have realised she needs someone more experienced to guide her through.

Bella is just 2 year, she is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped.

This is what her current mum has to say about her:

“Initially, Bella came with little to none lead training but over time has come on in leaps & bounds with this and although still pulls, is a lot better. I have always used a harness although believe I should have started with a Halti. Before being spayed in October 2013, Bella was fine with other dogs and although stalked and sometimes charged it was all for play. Since however this has somewhat changed and now when off lead is temperamental with dogs she does not know. To those she does, she plays happily with no care in the world. She has always lunged and barked when on lead as other dogs pass but now sadly seems unpredictable so is walked to avoid those she does not know. Since we’ve had her I’ve attended many local group walks with many other shepherds to which she has been a star; probably the most placid of the pack! This is what leads me to think that Bella would benefit from being in a pack where she knows her place & role & where she feels safe.

Her recall is ok, she has never ran off and never really goes far (unless of course she is chasing a rabbit or a cat!). Bella needs training from an experienced owner and perhaps needs to be taken back to basics.  Over time, I believe the problems with Bella have evolved because I have struggled to impose who’s top dog and with my lack of experience,  Bella in her mind is the alpha and her behaviour certainly reflects this.

Bella has grown up with my daughter who is nearly two. The pair have made an incredibly close bond which is part of what makes this so hard, it is clear to see their love for one another. Sadly however, we had an incident this week where Bella nipped/bit my cousins young son, unprovoked but totally my fault as I knew she didn’t like him. Although Bella idolises my daughter and has been fine with another of my cousins children (an 18 month old girl), it appears perhaps little boys she’s not so keen on. I’m not a dog behaviourist but knowing Bella, I would suggest that Bella is re-homed in a pack with no young children, where she can feel safe and at ease.

It has always been a problem when people come to visit but again more recently, even those she knows she comes round to if we’re all sat round talking but when one goes to move she’s immediately on their tail. She clearly feels she has to protect and is not at ease when others are here.

It is with an extremely heavy heart we have had to come to this decision and apologise so deeply for not being able to succeed with helping Bella overcome her insecurities. We want the best for her and hope you can help us find the right home for her, her forever home. “

 

Location:

Hants

Sex:

Female

Age:

2 years

Neutered:

Yes

Good with children:

Yes - Older Only

Good with other dogs:

Yes

Good with cats:

OK in Home