Thank you all so much for you ideas, encouragement and support. Hopefully with the right amount of effort things will get better, I simply feel bad as I have created the situation. A day at a time. Today was good, when I got up this morning and went downstairs Bella was pleased to see me and came up for a fuss, although I was a bit nervous. She gets a treat when I come into the room so she has now started sitting and waiting for it, associating me coming in as a good thing which is a start. I will admit I was nervous. Tomorrow my girlfriend is leaving Bella at home for the day. Normally I work upstairs leaving Bella downstairs, I am going to work downstairs instead so I am with Bella all day. Fingers crossed all goes well!! I am replying from my phone and cannot seem to upload a picture. As a few of you have asked I will upload one tomorrow. Thanks again all. Karl
Wishing you the best of luck. Take care of yourselves and make sure you both feel safe and happy tomorrow.
Karl, don't feel bad. You've taken an honest look at the situation and have changed your approach and are now doing all the right things including seeking professional help. Most people in your situation just continue to blame the dog. But you have not done that. As a result of your insight and honest assessment you will be able to turn this whole thing around and will end up with a great relationship with your dog. Earlier someone suggested looking into getting some help yourself with reducing your nervousness around dogs. I think that is a great idea. Structured programs of desensitisation really do work. It's kind of just about re-training your brain.
I think Bella's 'aggression' was due to fear and now it seems as if you have both removed that fear, things will get much better.
You can see a few pics of Bella here: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1834660973483504&id=100008188576393
