Rocky the Otterhound: What a busy social life, It's better than mine!!

This week has seen a slow start to the week (yes, more rain!), however as the weather improved the tail end of the week enabled Rocky to enjoy the sort of busy social life he relishes.

During the dull and wet few days we had, Rocky busied him with collecting trophies while on walks. This particular gem (a wrecked leather glove abandoned on the byway) lasted him 3 days. It started as a favourite for tug of war games and then filled a few dull hours with seeing how quickly he could chew the fingers off. All in all a good return for the little effort he expelled carrying it home!

The week started to pick up for Rocky on Wednesday when he went to see his friends at the training club.

As well as lessons to be learned there was plenty of opportunity for play ………..

And like his mates he had the opportunity to show off how well he has learned his lessons; his favourite time as it generally means lots of treats! Bribery and corruption abounds!!

At the weekend he also met up with his mates again for show practice. This is the part of training he loves most of all …………

Because there are TUNNELS to play in!!

Although still growing and finding he has to duck low to get in and through them he still seems to enjoy them as much as ever; and he has picked up speed through them as well!

“Daddy” has to really run to meet him at the other end now.

There was a reason I became the photographer instead of the trainer you know, no flies on me!!!

Rocky also enjoys the jumps as well and gives it his all ………..

I do wonder though if he would be as keen if there wasn’t a tunnel at the end of them though ………….. Being a lazy hound and all!?

However, he comes out of the tunnels raring to go over the jumps on the other side so maybe I am not giving him the credit he deserves!?

Rocky had another attempt at the weaving poles this week. He hasn’t performed very well on these to date as he is a little inflexible in the middle at present. He was better than the last time he tried them though, so well done Rocky.

He was impeccably behaved at the sit and stay game ………..

And ran to “dad” with utter glee when called.

Well done Rocky!!

Immediately after training and on the spur of the moment (as it wasn’t raining yet), we made hasty arrangements for this weeks expedition. We arranged to meet up with some of his friends on the plain. He was so excited as we arrived and he saw other cars ahead of him.

First to greet him was, of course, Daisy. Little and large back together again!

Whether others are about or they are charging around, or quiet; these two seem to have an affinity for each other.

On this walk though, the two friends enjoyed the company of Sparky and Brandon. Four pals out for a good time!

We walked in a fairly straight line while the dogs were running and playing together all over the place.

Not waiting to see if we were going to the pond, these chums decided that water play was the order of the day …………….. And any water would do.

Stopping to ask Rocky and Daisy if they were having a good time seemed a little waste of energy really …………… not exactly hard to tell if they were having fun was it!!??

We strolled on, chatting while the pals ran and gambled!

Brandon and Rocky found another puddle and determined not to miss an opportunity!

And Guess where we ended up??

The water level had receded somewhat, but it is still one of our favourite places.

Rocky and Daisy discussed the pro’s and con’s of actually going swimming. As it wasn’t boiling hot just yet!!

Meanwhile Brandon had abandoned all propriety and just gone for it …………. Good on you Brandon.

Daisy and Sparky were coming to their decision ……….

While Brandon tried to persuade Rocky to “come on in, the waters fine”!!

In the end, Sparky opted for snorkelling …………..

Brandon, Rocky and Daisy loved paddling, but Daisy and Brandon also swam. It was, however, charging about that was most fun for the three youngest!!

Interspersed with these moments of sheer indulgent bliss, there were periods of thoughtful reflection amongst the grasses and reeds.

A tender moment for Rocky and Daisy …………..

A matey discussion between Rocky and Sparky!

Then, of course, it was back to playing and hanging out for Rocky and Daisy …………

While Brandon did his own thing in the pool!

A damp and drippy Rocky looked on while daisy took a quick dip ……………..

Then she joined him for some more frolicking in the grass …………

The two settled down for a bit of a rest, checking to see everyone was having a good time first of course!

Then it was time for a bit of a lay down to recharge those batteries!!

Rocky got pretty wet considering he was juxt paddling; but then he was playing with the others (who were practically dripping most of the time)!

Anyway, he was just about dry when we called him for walking back. Otterhounds dry off very quickly you know – you don’t need a blow dryer or anything!!

On the return journey Rocky met up with some cows. He was not as overwhelmed by their size this time and managed to stay close by; even when they walked slowly over to take a look at this strange group of humans and dogs.

Well done Rocky, that’s another fear conquered! But what about swimming???????!!

Anyway, we met up with a bevy of Golden Retrievers on the way back as well, Rocky has met them here before and now considers them his mates …………. So he stopped to spend a little time with them.

We all walked on slowly and pretty soon our young Otterhound was charging to catch up with us ………….. “Hey, wait for me”!!

We all said our goodbyes and loaded our tired but exceedingly contented dogs into our cars.
What a lovely afternoon they have had!!

At the end of the day things were back to normal ……….

All the lads go bye byes ……………

Sleep well Rocky!!