Watching Dancing With the Stars (yes, and I watch American Idol, too), I am reminded of the dances that the very talented – but sadly seldom recognized – dogs of my clients do.
The partner in all of the following dance performances is the dog owner.
The Leash Lambada
Cue: Partner picks up leash.
Dog Dance Steps: Sit. Tremble. Burst into wild circles. Scoot butt on ground. Grin madly. Sit briefly. Repea
t.
Finale: Allow partner to attach leash. Drag partner to door. Sit. Tremble. Dash out door first.
The Food Fox Trot
Cue: Partner takes out dog bowl.
Dog Dance Steps: Leap. Twirl. Leap. Twirl. Sit. Wag strenuously. Shift feet rhythmically. Leap. Sit. Drool.
Finale: Plunge face into bowl. Scatter kibble. Wag happily. Glance at partner fondly while crunching kibble.
The Wanna Go Waltz
Cue: Partner walks to back door and says “Wanna go out?”
Dog Dance Steps: Race to door. Insert nose into door/wall juncture. Vacuum sniff. Back up. Return nose to unopened door. Stare at door. Will it to open. Huff loudly.
Finale: Door opens. Wedge snout into the crack. Thrust forward. Snake body through. Emerge victorious outside.
The Separation Salsa
Cue: Partner turns off kitchen light and picks up purse.
Dog Dance Steps: Whine. Pace from door to partner. Velcro body to partner’s leg. Run ahead. Barricade door.
Finale: Partner escapes. Whimper. Pace. Howl. Repeat.
The Catch Me Cha Cha
Cue: Partner innocently says “Come.”
Dog Dance Steps: Look up distractedly. Walk in the opposite direction. Lay down. Roll over. Stand. Walk farther. Sigh. Partner follows. Mosey along. Break into a run. Whirl and play bow.
Finale: Consider options and iminence of mealtime. Slowly amble toward partner. Suddenly dash past. Adhere to door. Wag.
Do you dance with your dog?
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