Rocky the Otterhound: Romping, grooming and playtime!

Before this week’s blog gets underway I want to inform you that there will be no blog next week as Rocky is going on holiday with us, Molly and her family. I hope to bring you lots of lovely photos of this shortly after our return.

Anyway, onward with this week’s blog …………..

This week has seen the continuation of British summertime – rain, wind and a few sunny periods. But Rocky being a trooper has taken it all in his stride!

However, getting wet on walks tends to make Rocky rather bouncy on his return home!! He likes to have a little charge around with a big grin on his face looking for mischief to get up to!

While happy, damp and bouncy Rocky has also tended to abandon his own sofa and try to use ours instead …………………

We don’t know for sure but think this action may be something to do with the fact that ours has the comfy cushions on?!!

Pretty good guess I’d say!

Anyway, this weekend got off to a good start for our hero as the sun was shining and all was well with the world (well Rocky's bit of it anyway) ……….

We put Rocky’s seatbelt harness on, so he knew we were going somewhere and as the sun was shining he wasn’t quite so reluctant to go out.

We had kindly been invited to join the local German Shepherd group for a walk on the plain.

Great news for Rocky – a bevy of mates to run and gamble about with!

As we set out Rocky realised that his best mates were at the front of the line of walkers. So he put a spurt on to go and walk with them, didn't seem to mind that we didn't quite have his speed!

Anyway, we occasionally stopped to let the stragglers catch up, giving time for the dogs to stop and take advantage of any naturally occurring playthings.

Sometimes Rocky was having such a good time that he was the last to leave the play area; on realising he would run to catch his playmates up!

For most of the walk though Rocky was up in front, helping to lead the way. Occasionally he would run off to the side as he became excited by a scent; after following it for a little way though he would head back, eager to be with his pals.

At the end of the walk we returned for a rest while the barbeque got going. This gave time for dogs and owners to relax.

"Thanks dad that was great"!

Then we all collected together at the barbeque site and, even after the dogs had all had a drink, it sounded like there were many steam trains puffing up a hill. So many dogs laying down and panting! But this only lasted a short time before they were all up and running about again.

The food was very good and all dogs will beg given the chance.

The trick I am told is to look as appealing and cute as possible!

Well all present certainly took advantage of the opportunity to practice this art!!!

Rocky stuck with two of his new mates for his practice sessions ……………

And his patience and dedication to his art paid off in the end!!

Eventually the afternoon ended and we all came home. Rocky, like his friends, had expended a lot of energy and immediately got onto his comfy sofa in order to undertake one of his favourite activities!

That evening saw Rocky sleeping like a baby and, as he usually turns grooming time into playtime, “dad” thought he would take advantage of this quiet opportunity.

Surely he would be too tired to wrestle?!!

But he slowly came out of his slumber and realised that someone was taking advantage of him.

Dad turned his back and pretended it wasn't him. But Rocky thought he would show him just what he thought about this sneak attack and looking neat and tidy and groomed and all that!

After explaining that his coat was full of grass seeds and bits of twig after his run, “dad” was able to gain compliance with the business in hand.

Rocky was indeed too tired to get into a fully fledged wrestling match with “dad” and the comb (even though he loves wrestling), but did feebly manage the “move my head around and make it as difficult as possible” game!

With the game in full swing Rocky seemed to enjoy his grooming and showed his approval with varying facial expressions.

This one was the “Oh that’s good ……….I think you got a knot out there”!!

Eventually Rocky was looking dashing and gorgeous,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, before he shook himself that is!!

“Dad” put the grooming equipment away and turned to have a moment with his boy ……….

“What you up too dad”?!!

Dogs can say a lot without words you know ........................

This is the "I do love you look" …………..

Which was followed by a big slurpy kiss for his “dad”! Aaah!

Today saw the final practice for Rocky before the next dog display when we return from holiday.

He was a very happy Otterhound ……….. Lots of fun with the TUNNELS!!!!

He happily jumped over the hurdles ………

Charged into the tunnels ………

Came out and positioned himself for the REALLY GREAT “floppy tunnels” ……….

Worked his way through these ………

Floppy tunnels are great!!!...........

Then he was immediately asking “dad” if he could go again!!!

Happily he played with these many times and never lost his excitement for them. If ever we manage to get the back garden (part time Otterhound quarry) sorted, I think we will have to buy him a tunnel! He’d love it!

Then it was time to practice for the long jump!

A good run up ……….

Get ready for lift off …………

Then up and over!!

Rocky is getting better and better with these activities and gets such a lot of enjoyment from them.

He meets his friends, does all the activities he likes and gets treats for it too …………… doggy heaven!!

The doggy equivalent of formation flying was also practiced, another activity Rocky is getting better at.

Sitting pretty and …………..

Wait for it …………..

Wait for it ………….

He gets the call to “come” to “daddy”!!!
What a happy bouncing Otterhound!!

File out of the arena after a jolly good practice session.

Owners and dogs very happy with the days practice ………. Looking good fella’s!

What a happy week Rocky has had!

Once back home he does the hound dog thing!

Sleep well Rocky, you’ve had a busy time!!