Tap Dancing and Levitation

[Pat and Traveler]

We haven’t really mastered a nice ‘greeting people at the door.’ My bad–I’ve been negligent. Strangers aren’t a problem. Trav jumps up on the leather couch by the door and observes, with great interest, his head in the general vicinity of my shoulder. He doesn’t bark or door dash; he’s just there to observe.

If one of his Beloved People arrive, greeting takes on a whole new meaning. He has a vague and imperfect grasp of the concept ‘don’t jump up–four on the floor.’ There’s the couch on one side of the door and big table on the other. He has levitated onto the table, where he dances with joy. It’s disconcerting to see a fairly big dog dancing on a table. Or he may choose the couch–he’s up, but not jumping up. Trav understands these technicalities.

One of his Beloved People is the daughter who has been living with me for a few months. Every time she’s been out for a while, he greets her like this homecoming is Sunrise on the First Day. Yesterday, I heard something strange. It sounded like a couple of tap dancers on speed, wearing squeaky shoes. Unbeknownst to me, my daughter had come back from an outing, and was standing in the doorway. Trav jumped up on the couch, and the sound I heard was his four feet, dancing in place on the couch, combined with little whining sounds of delight. It was like watching a performance by one of the Lipizzaner Stallions, a noisy one. There’s no way you can see this and not laugh.

One of these days we’ll work on perfecting a door greeting, but I have a feeling I’ll miss that joyous tap dancing.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Trav, You are one smart dood, getting your own way without really breaking the rules. This sounds totally adorable, I hope you can get a video.

[Pat and Traveler]

Awwww...I'll bet Sedona is adorable doing her wiggle/wag dance!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

I can just see the dance!  Sedona does her own little tap dance when she's excited - adding a little butt wiggle and tail wag to the choreography.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Gotta get a video!

[Pat and Traveler]

I would love to get a picture or video of this behavior--maybe if we have a planned homecoming, I could have the camera ready...  It's apparent by his greeting that we've done some  door training--at least guests get jumped beside rather than jumped on.  Not a very good excuse, I know.  lol  Brucegirl, your DH's description is perfect!  Marking time and marching in place--perfect!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

This is too funny! At least a picture if you can't get a video?

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes, video. Some many skills to teach, so little time, well, anyway that's my excuse. But Trav's version of greeting sounds so cute.

[BG and Gavin]

My DH calls this "marking time."  Gavin does it when he is very excitied and wants to get to something but knows he should not.  My husband likens it to someone marching in a parade, but the procession stops yet the marcher wants to stay in step so marches in place.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh my goodness! This is too precious. You must not train it out of Traveler! You've described it beautifully. Thanks so much.

[Pat and Traveler]

If I ever manage to get a video of this, I'll supply all the snacks.  lol   The sound effects are amazing!