Rocky the Otterhound: A dog needs friends .......... and a memory!

Carrying on from last weeks revelations about Rocky’s interpretation of words he recognises, and following a conversation between hubby and I; I thought I would give a few more details about living with our Otterhound.

Hubby mentioned that Rocky’s blogs have not highlighted any negatives about living with Rocky, so I decided to try and list the negatives and check whether or not they had been mentioned:
a) Rocky is a mud magnet (already mentioned and only a negative if you are house-proud)
b) Rocky will not come when called if he decides that what he is doing is more fun (already mentioned, plus we were told of this trait when we looked into getting an Otterhound, plus the use of common sense and letting him off in safe areas means it is not a problem)
c) Rocky is a messy dog that likes to relocate his drinking water and any other messy substance given half a chance (already mentioned and has in fact become the source of much amusement and laughter)
d) Rocky is independently minded and will share his life with you rather than live for you (a negative to some maybe but that is one of the traits we listed as ideal when we went in search of our family dog)
e) Rocky can be a total klutz, although he hasn’t broken anything yet (we knew Otterhounds are the clowns of the hound world and anyway – why do you think we laugh so much!?).

That I’m afraid is all I can think of and after discussing these with hubby he agreed ……….. “Alright, so there really aren’t any negatives so far”!!

My point exactly!!


Anyway, despite the less than seasonal weather we have been having, Rocky still managed to pack a lot of fun into his week!





Despite the cool rainy weather we have had this week Rocky has had lots of fun. One of his favourite playmates came home for a few weeks – and boy don’t they play.












A game with a stick inevitably became a wrestling game – one of their favourites!










It was difficult to make out who was winning? But at one point it looked like a victory for Rocky!









Then again, his playmate wasn’t going to give in so easily –









When faced with overwhelming odds (opposing thumbs) do the only thing possible ………. Win by cunning and weight distribution ………. Rocky, the victor!!







And what does a young Otterhound need after a good game? ……………. A good rest and quiet doze!!




“After being soundly thrashed at wrestling, this young upstart of a human sits on MY sofa”!! To make matters worse he seems to be eating as well ………….. “Where’s mine”?????

Needless to say Rocky didn’t really mind he just got a little confused but decided to share his things anyway – after all it might mean he gets to share human things too ……….. Like food!!

Later; two of his other favourite playmates paid a visit. They were popping in before they went on to an all night party ……….. Rocky didn’t like that idea and thought that a game with the tails of a rucksack might persuade them that staying with him was much more fun!

Having said goodbye and enjoying more fun and games Rocky settled down to enjoy a quiet evening …………..

After his night time walk he returned home ready for a good nights sleep………

A little while later I snapped this photo ………

They do say that dogs get like their owners you know!!!!

Every picture tells a story ………….

The morning after the night before Rocky’s playmates were in need of a little TLC ………….. Ahhhhh!!

We don’t normally let Rocky do the washing up, but “dad” had cooked himself some tasty fish for breakfast. Having excited Rocky’s smell buds “dad” decided it was only fair to let him wash up …………… and what a marvellous job he did too!!!

Rocky’s expedition this week was a walk through the nearby countryside – there is a good circuit you can do around our small town – just follow the byways and you are in the country, more or less ………. Great for all us dog owners!!

On coming over the hill Rocky fancied a sit down to survey the landscape and work out where the fun was ………..

His "hound-sense" quickly zoeroed in on the source of his next bit of fun!!

“Come on dad this looks like great fun ……… quickly”!!!!

A mêlée of waggy tails ………. Aren’t dogs friendly souls?

Introductions were undertaken ……….

Then it’s all systems go – full on playtime!!

Yippee!!

They ran and played ………

Then played and ran ……..

So many smiley dogs with waggy tails ……….

Then it was time to go, and having played until they got to panting, everyone was happy to part and carry on with their respective walks.

“See you again another time”!!

Being happily tired and with his mind on his finished game with friends, Rocky seems to have forgotten how to avoid or undo tangles around tall objects!?

We tried the call him and see if he remembers how to do it ……….

Look like it’s working?

No, we didn’t think so either ………

So we tried the gentle but firm pull on the lead
..........................
Working??

Nope!!!

A slightly stronger pull on the lead ………

Yes …… free at last …….

But remember, Otterhounds are the clowns of the hound world?? Well ……………

Rocky walked free the right way around one tree only to walk around the wrong side of the one next to it !!!!!!!!!

While doubled up with laughter we went through the same steps again ……..

Until he was set free from the wooded area …….. Run young dog – you’re free!!!!

Closer to home, we stopped for an ice-cream and of course our hero had to have one too!!

Needless to say he was delighted!!

And what does a young Otterhound do after a jolly good walk and play????

Sleep well Rocky!