I was very excited (and honored) to be invited to this class, taught by Jen Guthrie, Bella’s Foster mom. Jen has not taken Bella to this class yet because her time is spent with the owners and their dogs.  I jumped at the chance, to see Jen teach and observe Bella in this environment.

It was a beautiful late summer night and the class turnout was great! I am impressed that so many dog owners were taking the time to teach, train and properly bond with their dogs. This is SO important! There wasn’t much time before class for Bella, Jen and I to work together, so when Jen handed Bella over to me and walked away, Bella was a little nervous.

I knew I had to walk  Bella, turn in different directions, to get her focus back on me. This was a great endeavor, as I had to get far enough away from Jen  (where Bella couldn’t see, hear or smell her). When I had Bella in a relaxed state of mind, we reentered the park, and sat to watch the class. This is a great exercise in itself. Having Bella sit and wait (all while wanting to run to her ‘mama’).

Jen introduced Bella to her class and explained that she was bring trained for a Stiggy’s Dogs. It was at the end of class and Jen wanted Bella to run though some of their exercises.  Watching Jen and Bella together is amazing, they moved in and out of the other dogs, even when another dog lunged at Bella- her focus remained on Jen! At the end of the class, Jen had paired owners together for meet and greet time. This is an important exercise and a portion of the test for Canine Good Citizen. Of course, Bella passed this wonderfully! In fact, I was able to observe many changes on most of these dogs and owners in the class! Jen, you run a great training class and I would recommend you to everyone I know!

The night all in all confirmed that the main area we need to work on Bella is with separation anxiety. I personally believe that reason for this close bond that they have developed, is that Jen may be the first person that Bella has trusted and received love from. Bella’s need and desire for human contact, to bond this way, is what will make her a perfect Therapy Dog.