The Soft Touch and the Dancing Dog
Woman in the Middle | May 24, 2016Hubby and I always set very strict rules when it came to giving Honey the dog treats and human food. We didn’t want a begging dog following us around all the time or prowling around the table during dinner. She got plenty of treats, but not at times that would encourage begging.
The girls were told these rules on numerous occasions. For the most part they stuck to them. But Eldest Daughter, well, she is the softest touch of the family. She began finding ways around the strict treat rules. We realized this one day when Eldest was pouring dry cereal for herself and Honey went running into the kitchen the second she heard the sound of cereal hitting the bowl. We discovered that cereal was “accidentally” falling to the floor every time Eldest was getting herself some breakfast. We knew there was no motor-nerve disorder at work, so we immediately realized what was happening.
We keep a can of dog treats on our kitchen counter. Honey usually gets one or two (from me) in the morning. No big deal, I hand out the treats when I am puttering around the kitchen getting my own breakfast. But I am apparently not a reliable treat giver, not like Eldest anyway.
Once again, we started to see a pattern. Eldest would get up in the morning and as she neared the kitchen, Honey would join her, every time, doing a dancing dog routine. I wish I was talented enough to video it on my phone and download it for your viewing pleasure, but I am not. So I will try to describe it. The almost 16-year-old dog takes up a position next to Eldest and then bounces next to Eldest, her front feet leaving the ground together. This little parade makes its way into the kitchen where the dancing dog is rewarded for her performance, every time, with a treat. Hum, I am seeing a repeat of the cereal performance from years ago.
Eldest and I had fun with the dancing dog routine this morning. She would walk towards the kitchen, and Honey would bounce away beside her. But, if Eldest turned away from the kitchen and took a few steps, no dancing. Then, a couple of steps back towards the kitchen and the bouncing would start once again.
I hope I can dance like that when I am that old. I hope someone is giving me treats that make me what to dance!
All our dogs ate our leftovers and never had a problem with begging dogs or dogs hanging around the dinning table waiting for food.
The Dancing Dog routine sounds cute! One time, I saw a video of a dog owner who had a dance routine with his dog as his partner. The dog wore a tutu and performed dance steps on its hind legs while the owner did his dance steps. The routine lasted at least 5 minutes. I’m amazed that this owner was able to teach his dog how to do that!
We will have to show you her dance next time you are over!