Rugby came with us on our mini vacation this year to Wisp. This is not the first time Rugby has stayed with me in a hotel, but I think it is the first time he has stayed with me in such a busy hotel. The whole first day I argued with Rugby over the appropriate use of his voice.
He was certain that he should use it to silence our noisy neighbors. I was certain that he should not be using it at all. He compromised with me by saving his voice for only the really offensive behaviors of our neighbors instead.
Most of the time, really offensive behaviors are preceded by slightly-offensive behaviors, or not-really-offensive behaviors. For these noises, Rugby would growl as opposed to bark as part of the compromise. Being the opinionated little dog that he is, he did this guilt free and looked in the direction of the noise.
When the behavior became more offensive that this, but less offensive that "really" offensive, Rugby would then look at ME and growl. He did this as if to say, "I know you don't like when I yell at people but if you don't make them stop I will have no other choice. You do hear it don't you?"
At this point I had to remind him there were indeed other choices to be made, like ignoring the noise all together. This reminder was followed every single time by a deep sigh, laying down and letting slip one more grumble about the entire situation by Rugby. He has to make sure he gets the last word in!
How funny! I would love to take our dogs on vacation with us, but I'm afraid of this very thing! Glad Rugby was willing to compromise :-). My in-laws are skiing at Wisp this week too! Wish we would've tagged along, then I could have gotten to meet you and the infamous Rugby!!
ReplyDeleteI have never taken Shiva to a hotel. She is still os uneasy with strangers and strange noises I fear we would get kicked out before very long for this exact reason. When we have gone camping she very quickly takes ownership of our site and isn't too happy when people walk by. At least there it's outside and expected.
ReplyDeleteGood job with Rugby, though, it sounds like he has come a long way as far as his manners are concerned. I am glad you had such a good time!
I feel your pain! Morgan feels like she always has to get the last word in, too. I am hoping she'll outgrow that habit as she leaves adolescence, but I'm starting to be afraid that she'll never leave that behind, either!
ReplyDeleteToo funny. How great that Rugby got to come along, though! When I was at our national specialty (the only time Brutus ever stayed in a hotel), you should have heard all the yapping! Frenchies are quite the guard dogs, at least in their own opinion. Just walking down any hall in the hotel set off a barking frenzy! Don't think we'll every chance it in a "normal" hotel - think Brutus would certainly get us evicted!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Michelle
Its hard being well behaved in a new place ;-)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year
Wizz :-)
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ReplyDelete- David