When we set out on a journey to escape the cold, we plan for both of our dogs because they will stow-away even if we didn’t. They love to travel and the moment we begin to pack the motorhome, they take up residency. Traveling with them provides a new perspective to the world.
At first, until they get acclimated, they bark when another dog walks by but with the help of a squirt gun and the repeated comment, “No noise” they figured out the expectations. Eventually, they got used to the cage and enjoyed sunning in the warm air.
However, Dagney, being a princess, sometimes insists she be let out of the pen more adamantly than Cisco, accepting the motto, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. She will settle onto my lap and never move knowing the result would be to go back into the enclosure.
Once she moved from my lap to the ground and laid down just outside the gate. We laughed at her contentment. There was no difference outside than inside the confinement other than she could control the situation. “Don’t fence me in” is her mantra.
Because we reside in RV parks, enclosures became a way of life for the pups. Since the dogs have to be on a leash outside, they enjoy the freedom of dog parks. The unknown of who we might meet keeps them on their toes. This sight got their attention and required the use of the squirt gun to remind them it is impolite to bark at someone just because they look different. Maybe the area should be called a pet park since apparently it is not just for dogs.
The close quarters allow for more cuddling and affection causing both dogs to get clingier when we travel. At home in the morning, the dogs use the doggy door to independently go outside to do their morning duties. In the motorhome, we wake early to take them outside. When the need is immediate, they lay on my chest, using what little patience exists due to their full bladders, and stare at me. It’s possible they are afraid they will spoil the bedding if they move too much and playing was tempting fate.
Both dogs are a little insecure in the new environment because they started exhibiting new behaviors. Cisco, who always frolics with his stuffed animals, began to hold his favorite giraffe in his mouth like a pacifier. He would suck on it and even feel asleep with it in his mouth.
Dagney began licking more than usual. I read that dogs may lick when they are anxious, so to help her self-soothe and to stop a behavior that drove me crazy, I bought her a licking pad. She loved the peanut butter, but I am not sure it decreased her licking, just focused her energy.
With new places come new friends. While visiting my brother, Cisco becomes reacquainted with his cousin, Lala. When they play, they shared their toys, they rolled on the floor and chased each around in circles. It is a sight to watch. Dagney chimes in when they both raced out the doggy door. She stands on the inside and growls when they want to return from outside. I think they annoy her with their rambunctious behavior. Maybe she is jealous.
Strange that no matter what is happening around us, the dogs always get our attention. Traveling is a blast. We have great adventures, some even without the dogs. However, at the end of the day, Dagney and Cisco bring us the greatest joy.