Bella's been out and about (and very well behaved)

The title says it all really!

Part of Bella's training involves visiting new places, so that she's confident wherever her future deaf partner might want to go - or indeed, however they want to get there.

So, she's had a trip on a train! It was all very exciting for her.

We let her just rest on the platform getting used to the sights, sounds and smells.

Absolutely no problem for clever Bella! She even started to have a snooze!

On the train now, and notice how well she just lies down and is such a good girl.

Again, time for a bit of kip!

We call this 'settling' and it's really important. We want Bella's eventual deaf partner to be proud of their canine companion, and to feel that they can go anywhere. As you can see, Bella is so brilliant: she just does exactly what we want. A lot of deaf partners tell us they love taking their hearing dogs on public transport because everyone admires their well-behaved dogs! They even get into friendly chats about them, and how they help them every day, in so many ways.

Visiting a local museum now - the Roald Dahl museum in Wendover, nestled in the picturesque Chiltern Hills near our Souther Training Centre.

We need a dog called Matilda! And then maybe Bella could visit Pizza Bella?

We don't think Bella would have been using these words though...

Notice again how prominent her burgundy 'I'm learning to be a hearing dog' coat is. When she becomes a hearing dog, this will tell people that the person she's with is deaf. It's a very strong signal, and can turn situations around from ignorance and anger to awareness and helpfulness.

What's that Bella? Yes, we're talking about you!

Aaaaaand it's back on public transport. This time, the bus.

Same routine as before: just let little Bella get the hang of things, at her own pace. Gently does it.

All good? Then all aboard!

Another perfect settle demonstrated by Bella there.

Bella has even been on a boat!

Her burgundy coat is so very noticeable in that photo, and the one below too.

And in this photo, notice how her eyes are on the person she's with - always attentive, always focused, even when there are distractions around.

Definitely learning to be a hearing dog! And doing it very well.

We hope you enjoyed this latest look at Bella's life. It's through your kindness, your generosity, that she's come so far. So, until next time, from all of us at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People... thank you for sponsoring Bella!