Our seventh of eight classes was July 6th and was our best one yet. I can tell just by how fast the class time went and the focus Bella paid to me. (Plus, the trainer said she was doing well and I didn’t need any “special” attention in class.)

We learned how to start training for off-leash work. We use a long nylon rope/leash. We heel as normal but every time the dog loses attention (strays from your side) you step on the rope and walk to the dog to correct and continue. DO NOT grab the rope because if the dog pulls it will rip your hands up!!

We were also told what our final class requirements were for graduation:

• Adequate heel and sit
• Sit-Stay for 1 minute
• Lay-Stay for 1 minute
• Stand for Exam

We practiced each of these and Bella was PERFECT. I personally think she was the best of all the dogs, at least with both stays.

Bella’s only problem was she was a bit “talkative” towards the other dogs especially when a “demo” dog was brought in. This was a dog Bella had never seen and she didn’t appreciate its Rottweilery presence.

But I am confident that Bella will pass with high honors.

Our 6th class was on June 29th. It was a busy class and Bella was a bit distracted. We worked on much of what we had been doing already: front, sit-stay, down-stay, and more.

One new thing was calling from further than 6 feet. We would do a sit-stay and walk about halfway across the room. Then we’d wait until directed and call. Bella is funny about this because when she is attached to the leash she feels like she shouldn’t run to me. In a big way this is a good thing. She would never run from me (off or on leash).

The week of homework was a bit frustrating because of the heat and Bella acting a bit naughty/distracted. I am still working on the timing for heel-halts. Every time I stop while heeling, Bella should sit next to me. A lot of the time she goes in front and then sits. So I have to retract her and try again.

Regardless, she is walking well on the leash and is always on the left side, knowing not to cross my path.

Bella Nova’s fourth obedience class was another successful one. We continued to work on heeling and sitting every time we stopped. Bella is learning really fast and will sit without being told most of the time.

Bella “lay down”

Our homework assignment was to work on staying up to six feet without moving for 30 seconds. Practicing during the week, we are already there.

Bella staying at 6 feet

My dad attended the class and thought Bella looked the best. Our trainer showed us the proper way to meet an unfamiliar dog by reaching your hand closest to the dog. This prevents exposing your face and neck from reaching across the dog.

From just four classes, Bella has progressed incredibly and everyone I show her to agrees.