Yesterday I had a few friends over, and Bella did great! They were visiting for Christmas, and Bella had never met them. Well, after these friends arrived, some more friends showed up and we ended up having a group of about 6 people in my living room, and also Snowball the kitty and Bella. Quite a crowd for Bella, and I expected her to be nervous and uneasy, but this time she was amazing!

She was virtually aloof to the others, but was just looking at me the whole time! One of the people that I didn't know very well asked, "How do you get your dog to act like that?" I was so proud!!

Good feeling, isn't it? Congrats!

Very cool, Rick, very very cool

that's great rick! you should be proud of yourself as well as bella!

Thanks! I was proud, and the reason I was a bit worried is because Bella has issues with greeting strangers. I think I have figured out that she "don't take to pettin'" as someones sig line says...LOL. The last few times someone has tried to do that before I could tell them not to pet her, she did the famous hackles up and tail wagging million miles an hour pushing into their crotch and spring loaded ready to pounce posture. Serves 'em right, I guess...

But this time everyone was sitting down, and Bella and I went in after everyone else, and also after some tugging outside. The funny part was when I walked in the door and the dog was still sitting there outside waiting for me to say "Ok." Everyone just sat there smiling, then I let her in and put her in a down and walked into the kitchen to make her a kong with PB in it. I came back, and she was still there, being good and looking for me to come around the corner.

I told them about Bella, and how she was crazy when I first got her, which led me to an obedience class, which led me to thinking about prong collers, then looking up prong collars and coming across the leerburg article about how to fit them. The rest is history...as they say.

I want to thank Ed and Leerburg for the methods that they teach here. Ed talks alot about how everyone has an opinion on dog training and to listen to those who have the experience to back up their claims. Well, the proof is in the pudding, as they say.

Rick, I'm happy for you! I will never stop enjoying the feeling of seeing a good dog make progress.