A Dog Did That!
Welcome to Version 2.0 of Bella's Canine Constructions 

 
 The original version of this website celebrated my journey with a Blue Heeler named Bella, and the discovery of her unique talent for making constructions with her cloth toys.

On this updated site, I share my thoughts about canine constructions - now that I've been fortunate enough to live with two dogs who make them.  

April 2, 2018
Reflecting on Bella's Constructions
Bella figured out how to make constructions on her own, through trial and error.   The fact that I express delight with one of her creations, or grab the camera to photograph it, may be reinforcing, but Bella's the one who decides when she feels like making a construction and where she thinks the toys should go.   In my view, she has an innate aesthetic sense which goes beyond positive reinforcement.   She develops a theme and then varies it, making constructions which are increasingly sophisticated and complex.   These are qualities of an artist, whether it's a human or another animal.
 
Enzo's Story is Different  
It looks to me as if Bella began teaching him how to make constructions just days after we brought him home, while the two of them were playing with the blue/red plush braid.   Bella was on a construction jag and Enzo was likely observing what Bella did and eager to learn.  This may explain why Enzo made his first construction within 6 weeks of his arrival, in a burst of creativity which went on for two weeks.    I believe there are times when Enzo enjoys exploring visual patterns and making geometric designs, but this is primarily a tribute to his intelligence rather than innate artistic ability.  
 
I hope you enjoy visiting Bella's website -- I leave it to you to decide whether you think it's possible that A Dog Did That!