Confrontation, gang style
Our dog is a member of a gang. I know, the traditional term is “pack” but this is too small to really apply such a label. He has three or four close companions, and the group tries to go for walks together on a local beach. As often as possible (because I could sense that would be your next question).
Anyhow, one of the humans that accompanies the gang stopped by this afternoon, to return a borrowed book. And, in the absence of a leash and an obvious plan of action, our dog gave us an earful. There was no doubt that he wanted an explanation (think of a boss with lungs), and his vocal range was surprising. As if I would suddenly understand the urgency, don my shoes and head out immediately. I don’t work that way.
Instead, I explained in measured tones (like I used to do with a certain supervisor in the workplace) that for the moment, going out to visit a beach was not going to happen. I used my “calm voice”, because a confrontation with an excited dog is not recommended behavior. The crisis passed, and an hour later the gang went off as usual.
Was I surprised by the elevated tone? Very. This is a docile dog, willing to bark at passing trucks but rarely looking me straight in the eye with shouting. What has happened? Is this why gangs are proscribed? Should I expect an elevation, tomorrow? Should I simply stay in bed and give good example? All this and more, in the annals of a dog with pals.
