Put Your Best Paw Forward

In the life of Rudy and the FP and me, today was a good day.  Rudy enjoys it best when both the FP and I are off and we spend quality time together.

This morning we had a very nice and invigorating (even with the heat and humidity) walk on the beach.  He was attentive and not too jerky on the leash.  He didn't bark once during the walk.  He did however bark when he was back in the car.  This nice old lady who was parked next to us saw him and came over to say hi.  At first he didn't notice her.  She was telling me how her neighbor and her were taking care of a lab that they had found - and how sweet he was - and then cue Rudy's barking.

So rude.  Just like a kid to cut your conversation with strangers short when they get bored and cranky.

Later in the afternoon, we took a walk around downtown Hollywood.  He was still fairly attentive and well behaved.  He didn't bark at anyone, although he took interest in the few indigent people we saw.  But we kept him moving and didn't give him enough time to really smell or scrutinize them, so even if he was going to bark at them, he didn't have a chance.

After our second walkies, we stopped by Publix on the way home.  The FP went in to make groceries for dinner, and I stayed in the Element with Rudy.  He seemed antsy, so I decided to walk him around the parking lot and get more training.  Mostly, he just wanted to sniff the grass and try to eat palm nuts and stuff.  He did notice some people, but he didn't bark at anyone.

Then, this young couple with a baby seat on their cart were headed in our direction.  I couldn't tell what car they were going to, but I thought we should move away from them, as they looked wary, and so did Rudy.  I think the big rattling cart and the height the baby seat made Rudy uneasy.  So we headed a little down the aisle back to our car.  But then, this old lady was right behind them.  She headed toward us, as her car was right next to ours.  She said, oh what I nice doggie.  And then he started barking at her.  I told her that he still had to work on his training and his manners.  And she replied, oh, don't we all.


He did so well today (overall, for being Rudy, even with a few barking incidents at home), except for the two incidents with the old ladies.

Strike two for Rudy and nice old ladies.  What does he have against them?  They are so nice and understanding!