From Ella’s New Foster Mom, Molly:

Ella is a love bug. I can say that I know no other shiba who loves tummy rubs as much as she does. Ella loves talk. She grunts and grumbles while playing with toys and chasing her buddy Haiku.

Her training is going extremely well. Ella is a very smart dog and knows very well that with hard work comes great rewards. Her sits are amazing, her downs are getting there, and most important her attention is amazing. She is definitely a food driven dog.

Ella is getting better and better on her toy and food possession issues. She has now learned that if I want something that means a lot to her, I will trade it for something as good or better. Food works really well for this. She is learning that the world is not trying to take everything that matters away from her.

Ella is a very confident dog who we now know thrives on structure. She knows when it is her turn to be let out to play, and she is almost always ready to go in when play time is over. She is happy to go in her crate as well as content to be by herself with a toy or just a mat to lay on.

Sadly we have stopped allowing Ella to have tennis balls. They create too much emotion in her and all she does is tear them apart. This event usually leaves her agitated and stressed. Instead, kongs have replaced previously favorite toy. Plushies come in a close second.

Ella’s energy is up and she loves to play and chase. She is learning to retrieve as we speak. Her weight is perfect now and her winter coat is filling in a little. She is such an huggable plush right now.

I am so grateful to be working with this smart and loving dog. She really will make an amazing companion for someone.

Posted on October 28th, 2007 by zennia
Filed under: Ella