Dog vs Chickens

[@brusmith370]

Your electric fence is not inhumane at all. You are balanced, kind and caring to your animals. She is lucky to be with your family and you can tell she’s happy. Beautiful girl!

[@bclarkquilts]

Bella is a sweetheart! I love how much you've bonded with her already....and how much you love her! She seems to be a very good, well-behaved dog for sure. Congrats!

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you. She is

[@NH-Barb]

Hey Brian! For everyone’s information, there are lots of different kinds and levels of electric fence. What you have planned sounds perfect for your situation. When we first got bee hives, we bought the lightweight, portable woven wired fencing that is widely used for various kinds of livestock. Ours was the most powerful as it is to repel BEARS. Bears LOVE beehives, more for the protein in the bees than the honey itself. ANYWAY, Mandy’s breeder uses the same thing with great success with her sheep. ONE BIG WARNING though - when training a new litter of Border Collies, one of them touched the fence right beside where a sheep was standing! From that day on, that dog was afraid of sheep - not the fence.

[@jo-annjewett198]

Years ago we adopted a retired greyhound that would have been euthanized. I planted a new garden in the area he pottied in. New dirt was such a temptation so we put up an electric fence around the new planting area. Only once did Jet touch the wire and we heard a yelp. It only happened once! After leaving it in place a few months we turned it off and later removed it completely without Jet even trying to dig there. Bella is such a beautiful dog. You are so fortunate!

[@debbyd5729]

I’d be perfectly fine if this became a mostly Bella on the homestead channel! 😂 She’s so cute and has such a sweet smile! It seems like you’re integrating her well. She did wonderful with the chickies. I laughed when she reacted to the gopher spike!

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

She'll be on a lot I'm sure!

[@BestCaseForRealEstate]

I think I love Bella more than you :) @@littlehomesteadbigdreams

[@irili100]

Hi Brian and Emily, Bella is old enough to jump into the trunk of the car by herself. A little encouragement and learning the word jump hop. Two, three times and she will learn.

[@steveegbert7429]

The hot wire Nazis have no knowledge of farm life or country life. It's absolutely not inhumane but rather life saving, not only for keeping your critters in, but for keeping predators out. Bella is going to be an outstanding LGD. Seeing not only how she reacted with the chickens, but how the chickens just knew she was not a threat is a good sign.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

💯❤️

[@darla123]

She was more interested in the gopher stake than anything! Such a good dog.

[@camicri4263]

So jealous, I want a dog like this! A marema! Blessings 💕🤗💕 special hug to Bella! The roof looks great so far!

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thanks!

[@deewinston5651]

Bella is not only beautiful, but she is super smart. She’ll probably outgrow the car sickness. Our dog did, so hopefully, she will. She learns fast too.❤️

[@joangipson-fredin2011]

i wonder if opening a rear window and getting some fresh air would help her (as it did me while i was pregnant).

[@KeithandPamBilyeu]

Pam here….you will be so thankful that she is not a barker at every dumb thing. So if she does she means it! Smile. One of my dogs, called her the Hunt For Red October Dog….ONE WOOF ONLY!! Shook the floorboards though!

[@myjewelry4u]

She’s so sweet and gentle with the chickens! Good girl! She’s so freaking adorable.

[@Michellegrows]

I want to snuggle that cloud of pup! She's perfect!!!

[@krickette5569]

Emily is Wise. My hubby and I have an agreement that if we are doing something "risky" we don't add additional risk to it. For example, if we are up on a ladder we do not use a cell phone, or if he wants to brush hog the back 40 he waits until I am home. We feel like this lessens the chances that we will injure ourselves. Bella is SO pretty and we can tell she eats up her time with you.

[@enchilada1956]

She's a beauty!

[@whatsup848]

As a child my head touched an electric wire fence 1 time. One and only time!!!

[@sparkleflair]

She's such a pretty puppy! I literally laughed out loud when she perked her head at the gopher buzzer thing. :D

[@jenniferjsaracino]

Bella is such a sweet girl. I was just thinking you might want to look up Hidden Valley Obedience Club in Escondido. Every year or two they bring in a training team for rattlesnake avoidance training. I lived not far from you for years and we had rattlesnake a few times in our dog yard, including one dog getting bite (very expensive vet bill). The training was really good and fairly quick, and a smart girl like bella will learn and retain that information. Anyway that’s my unsolicited dog training advice for today 😅

[@cris_miko]

I lost a lab to a rattlesnake bite in Lake Elsinore. I'm considering that training for my Shiba when I start wintering near Yuma.

[@debbiegordon7684]

Car sick dog tip, from someone who had to deal with that: take Bella for short drives, just around the neighborhood….it helps get her used to the motion. We also put our dog on the back seat with a seat cover (Amazon), he would sit or lay down and be less stressed. It works!

[@sandratorchia4803]

Well, it is obvious…you are in love! It is beautiful to watch your happiness and Bella’s acceptance of praise.

[@davinasquirrel7672]

What a chill breed/dog, being so very young. I cannot believe just how well behaved and mellow she is.

[@askedgeorgia17]

Hi Brian, I got a seatbelt leash. It clicks into the seatbelt so they can’t jump out on me. If you need a longer one and can’t find one you can take a regular leash and attached it to a seatbelt clip. As for the car puking, my Callie did that but I just took her for rides and it stopped. Now She love’s coming in the car with me. Repetition is the key!🥰

[@lindysmallwood2039]

Cottage looks great. With Bella in the car, try rolling window down for air. That might help with the vomiting. Blessings ❤️🌺

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thanks for the tip!

[@texasnurse]

She's a beauty. Next lesson- "Load up" so she will jump in the car for you.

[@debbiep7419]

Bella is such a good girl! She's great with the chickens and they already seem to be getting used to her. Happy animals, happy people - everyone wins!

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Yes!

[@jeankappelmann350]

For over the counter help, when I have a dog who gets car sick, you might try a little ginger. Also, put one of your (or your wife’s) T-shirts on her before traveling. It helps keep her clean. Most of the dogs I’ve had have outgrown car sickness.

[@judymckerrow6720]

Awe I could watch you and Bella for hours! 🎃🍁🍂💚🙃

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

You're the best!

[@KristiB73]

She just wanted to smell the chickens. Such a sweet soul💙

[@hollynelson543]

No barks? Wow could she have a talk with my chihuahua???😮😂😊❤

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

😂

[@AB-ol5uz]

The barks will come but hopefully not at chihuahua level.

[@jeankappelmann350]

Dogs dig. I set up an area for them to dig in. I added some sand in it so it’s a little easier than hard ground but still enough for some effort. I also routinely check for fire ants as they also like the area. My two boys (both age 7) very occasionally try to dig elsewhere (my asparagus raised bed last spring!) but a mild correction usually stops it. They returned to their allowed dig area (while not exact, it’s about 5x10 feet. Boys are relatively (compared to what Bella will be😂) big dogs, 65 and 75 pounds. It’s worked well for me.

[@toomanythoughtsinmyhead]

You can tell how she stands there for the harness is because she wants to go to work.

[@lindamueller7592]

Bella is a sweet and beautiful addition to the Homestead!

[@lsipp2889]

LOL, had to laugh when you fed the chickens, and Bella poked her head in like: "what are you eating? Oh you eat seed, huh..." 😂 She's such a great addition to you family! Btw, my hub fell off the roof once and ended up with fractured ribs and wrist. He was very lucky it wasn't worse. So ya, I agree with your wife! Be careful!

[@diannasgardenmenagerie967]

You seem happy with her to, you needed a canine farm partner and I’m so happy she will be your Bella(and love the family to)🌸🌸🌸

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

So happy

[@jeaninefiandaca5355]

She is a beauty. So patient and good

[@user-mc3tp5sd2z]

You do realize Bella will need to make an appearance in every video going forward, right? Basically, she’s the best dog ever. 😁

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

She is!!! I’m pretty sure she will be making many appearances lol

[@melindaroth5796]

OH BRIAN I WANT A DOG LIKE BELLA. ❤SHE IS A GOD SEND. I DON'T BLAME YOU FOR PROTECTING HER FROM BEING HIT BY A CAR AND KEEPING HER OUT OF HARMS WAY.❤😊LOVE YOU ALL❤😊

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

She's wonderful

[@tarastill3049]

Bella is so sweet 🥰 she appears to have such a great personality. Happy for your family.

[@lindafreeman1687]

You're doing a great job training Bella. She is such a sweet pup and I love what you named her....Bella fits her perfectly. You're absolutely right about electric fences for dogs. It is a lot better for a dog to get a little shock than hit by a car and injured or killed. They can also get stollen when they're roaming the streets.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@jenniferhw5332]

My dog won't lie down either. She really doesn't like car rides. We got a dog seat belt for her and it works great to keep her in one place while driving. The one we got hooks to the carseat hooks.

[@sonia_rose]

She’s a beauty. What a good dog!

[@cindyfulk8853]

Good Bella! She is doing great. She looks so much more comfortable. We can see the bonding of you two. ❤

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

I hope so!

[@johnlord8337]

Good advancements and progress ....

[@melanieeaton3344]

Trust me, you want a dog ramp for rides in the car. I grew up on a ranch in central CA, and electric fences are what we all did then and I'm sure still now. Blessings from the Oregon coast.

[@wildzenventures]

Oh she looks so happy! You guys are great pet owners! You guys have a great plan for training and keeping her safe. She’s going to be a great asset to your farm and family!

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

That's a great breed. One of the neighbors has one and it's so mellow and friendly.

[@lisaf568]

The cottage is looking AMAZING! I love how Ms. Biscotti 😍is in your everyday routines (feeding chickens etc) as well as learning the property. It will make her and everyone more at ease I love how some of the chickens just kept eating!

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@flob6591]

She is so smart. what a cutie.

[@ruthwuebbeling9584]

I love how you interact with your beautiful Bella. You are going to love her more and more every day. You definitely have a perfect dog! Congratulations~

[@Jodi_W]

Bella is just so precious. I'm looking at my dog, telling her, "See! You don't HAVE to be reactive. You could just be like Bella and play it cool!" I don't think she gets it. Good thing she's cute. You really light up with that dog - such a great match for you. She is going to be HUGE but when they're so well-behaved, I don't think it's an issue, other than the money you're going to have to lay out for food. 😆 If she was that big and not obedient, then you'd have a problem. As it is, she's just going to be a gigantic teddy bear. I wonder if the vet would recommend some doggy Dramamine for her car rides until she (hopefully) outgrows the motion sickness.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Yours sounds like our other dog Boomer

[@Jodi_W]

@@littlehomesteadbigdreams 30 lb Goldendoodle, heavy on the doodle. She listens when she feels like it and if she can see it, it's in her territory even if it's a block away. Then it's a barkfest. She acts all tough until somebody approaches her, then she runs away. But she's personality plus and very entertaining and probably like Boomer is with your wife, she makes it very clear she is MY dog and everybody else is a 2nd class citizen. My husband probably needs a Bella. 😉

[@leeannemacarthur46]

She is amazing and you are going great positive training with her. Your hard work now will pay off later with a happy, stable, confident dog. ❤

[@djeoutdoors]

Oh my goodness, she’s so beautiful and is the perfect new family member!

[@evaml2046]

I love how much you love her ❤ She is in a great home.

[@Kati-did]

Yes, it is inhuman not to make sure your dog is safe. She will be fine. Great bed!!!! I always love watching working dogs do their jobs. She was amazing in with chickens!

[@xpurg8d]

Bella is beautiful and smart and so well-behaved -- obviously all of us have fallen in love with her already. What a joy to see her and your family so happy with each other. I'm impressed at her restraint with the chickens, too.

[@kath-phlox]

You fell on your feet with Bella, she's perfect and such a beautiful dog. Now I just want to see her bonding with you.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Yes I did!

[@gladiasanders7264]

Wow she is a good girl and you still have that amazing smile on your face of love for her that's awesome 😎👍❤

[@963janet]

Bella seems so smart and always looks like she’s smiling! Looked like she wasn’t quite sure what to do with that hunk of bread - LOL! I had an electric fence when I had horses. They are not cruel at all.

[@sherylchapman4168]

So cute!

[@barbstcyr304]

Awe, she’s looking forward to seeing you and tuning in now! When she’s riding in the car she may feel more secure in a crate and may not upchuck and it’s safer if you have to slam on the brakes! You guys are good pet parents

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@villanella]

bella is such a lovely dog. calm, smart and full of love

[@rainskitchenandgarden]

She's adorable. Everyone has their own idea of training and correcting. For my late husky, I had to use a prong collar and there are people who think it's a mediaeval torture device...if used properly, it's a great training tool and they learn quickly not to test it. I had another dog once who was TOO curious about holes and drainage pipes, she ended up getting skunked!!

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

💯

[@GrantStreetGarden]

Bella, what a beauty, lives up to her name.

[@johnlord8337]

First thing for dog in car - you might not be able to smell all the contained aromas in the car - but Bella can smell 100x more than you. So having an open car window a snatch - can provide fresh air, and if she puts her nose outside - get the hint that the car stinks for her (especially car deodorizers, laundry perfumes, etc - fresh plastic car smells) ... So allowing her to put her head out - its okay. Had have 2 of my dogs (with closed windows) also hurl in the back seat foot well.

[@juneramirez8580]

I would make sure she can't put her head out the window and is not recommended. It is dangerous because the wind from a moving car and debris can cause sight problems. Enough for her nose isn't a bad idea though!

[@brendajackson294]

Everything seems to be going well. The motion sickness seems to be forever. Short trips and getting out to walk around might help.

[@Adina7223]

she's so smiley love it! Love y'all Yeah, I'm a Southern girl.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

I know!

[@theresapelican9621]

She is so beautiful and smart! It seems like you will have a great relationship with her. She deserves the best life with you and your family.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you so much!!

[@cathyrodeheaver8694]

Beautiful, beautiful Bella

[@miriantalbot6772]

Love your channel even more ...Bella is the star now !! She is a love !!

[@francesrobinson5216]

Brian, I love your channel but it is even better now that you have Bella, it will be wonderful to watch her grow, she is very lucky to have such a wonderful life with you and for you to add her to your family. Frances UK.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@OvcharkaShepherd]

We have an Ovcharka puppy. Just one year old and 120 pounds. Love BiG dogs

[@AngelaM-y4e]

Wow what an amazing dog! You guys made a good choice and you are both so wonderful with her!! She is going to love being at home with you!

[@Brenda_Host]

I used Hotwire around the bottom of my fence line years ago. Dogs learned really quick! I was able to just put string out and wouldn’t touch it. I don’t think the top wire will do anything for jumping over unless her feet are touching the ground.

[@kiajohnson8595]

Sorry to tell this to you Brian, but you have been supplanted as the star of this YT channel. A new star is born......BELLA

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

I know I know 😂

[@lindy404]

I love that cute Bella…such a good girl!🥰Hey Brian…just a tip…we had a Lab and used to let him jump up and down to get into and out of our SUV. As he got older he had a lot of hip and leg problems probably from that stress to his body. We got a doggie “ladder” for him to get up and down and even though we got it a bit late, it really helped. Take care!

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thanks for the tip!

[@reddogclub]

Try ginger about 45 minutes before a car ride. It does help. Plus more rides in the car also helps as well and don’t feed to close to taking her in the car to give the food time you digest. If she will chew on bones, you can give her one to chew while in the car, gives them something to do and takes their mind off the tummy.

[@brittawrolson5936]

Bella is beautiful and is so calm and well behaved. Very happy that you got ‘your dog’😉🤗

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you! 😊

[@sharonromero128]

Bella is such a sweetheart. You are so loving with her. She is so big. I think you may need a larger harness soon. What did you do with the gopher? Surprise! Pumpkin. Lol. Thanks for sharing. Many blessings

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@ellenconforti5693]

That is one gorgeous guardian dog. Smart too. You are very lucky and so is she ! Florida Gardener Zone 9a

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@michelewhite1150]

Oh my goshness she is just so beautiful xx

[@terrinegron]

What a beautiful dog. Thanks for sharing.

[@judymckerrow6720]

Your going to have to buy a trailer to haul Bella around when taking her to her vet visits 😂🎃🍁🍂💚🙃

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Seriously!

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

What a sweetie! She learns lots on those walks. Our farm dogs came to learn what, "Look out!" meant! If there was danger from above or anywhere, they knew to get out of the way! ❤ (I love your dog too!)

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@lynlalalala]

As a child, visiting my grandpa's farm, I was told not to touch the electric fence. So, in my young thought process; I picked a long (green) weed, touched the fence, to see what would happen (I wasn't touching it) ......needless to say, I never tried that again! 😮

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Lol

[@juneramirez8580]

Usually works that way. Ever heard of young boys peeing on that fence. Works that way as well I hear! Lol

[@lucythomas4077]

Congratulations on a beautiful addition to the family. Good girl Bella.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you so much!

[@StefaniStevensBand]

What a doll!!!!

[@diannasgardenmenagerie967]

I grew up in the country and we always used Hotwire.

[@lyndiyj1104]

LOVED watching Bella explore her new home! I’ve watched it twice so far just because it made me happy. Thanks for letting us tag along 😊.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@alwaysstopandpray]

Hi Brian when I started following this channel I literally went back to the beginning and binge- watched every video😂. I’m working on container gardening because like Emilie, I’m scared of bugs 😂. It’s been awesome watching you guys journey and seeing Noah becoming a handsome young man. Bella and the chickens are beautiful! I am looking forward to more of Emilie in the kitchen because that’s my jam! Maybe her own channel? Much love and keep the videos coming!

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@caterjunes3426]

What a fun video! Bella is truly amazing, and the back of the cottage is looking great. I love seeing your ideas become reality, Brian. You have such an artistic eye.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@kathiegettinger8374]

She’s so beautiful!

[@chachadodds5860]

What a terrific dog! So happy for you guys. The roof is looking great.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@debrajones7349]

Awwww we love her too!

[@paulwilliams200]

What a BEAUTIFUL dog.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@soupysoup931]

this dog is so cute and smart, oh my

[@katieanderson7163]

I.B. is perfect! You are blessed!!!🥰

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@judymckerrow6720]

Oh my gosh she’s adorable!!! 🎃🍁🍂💚🙃

[@PlantObsessed]

Lol Noah's fine. If it's good enough for the people baby it's good enough for the cow and dog.🎉🎉

[@RoyHolder]

Good work Brian, glad to see Bella is working out. 👍

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thanks 👍

[@LytonaKirtz]

She is an awesome dog! I miss having a dog. She is so beautiful. I had never heard of her breed before. I’m so happy for you.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!