Rocky the Otterhound: Playful days and endearing ways!

This week has been quite changeable, weather wise, and days have proceeded as usual for our two Otterhounds. There has been a mix of walks, fun and serious sleeping to be done, and our two have got on with it valiantly!

During one of their walks off lead, Rocky and Rosie find a discarded tree cover. The type they put around young tress to protect them through early growth.

There are many teeth marks on it, as various dogs have taken turns to play with this free toy. It therefore smells of lots of interesting things and is a magnet for our scent hounds.

Rocky makes a decision whether to play, or scent, on his walk!

Looks like he may be leaning towards playing!?

And yes, he picks up this free toy and heads for Rosie, aiming to entice her into a game with him!

This is not hard and it's not long before an enjoyable game of tug of war is shared.

Unusually, Rocky wins. Rosie usually takes toys from him (is it a girl thing or a youngest dog thing?), and he is never too worried about letting her have them. However, today is his lucky day and Rocky is a happy boy!

They have a couple of games of chase then it's on to tickling scenting bones.

But part way through scenting heaven, a five month old puppy comes along and gets very excited at meeting two new dogs! After a couple of run arounds with Rocky, she is rather taken with Rosie.

So she gives her loads of kisses .....

..... And lots of hugs .....

..... And Rosie, like all good Otterhounds, is as gentle as a lamb!

Sadly all games and walks must come to an end; but there is always something nice to do ....

Back home, on the post walk snooze, Rosie is joined by our honorary Otterhound, Mij the cat!

See, Mij has even perfected the "Otterhound position"!

Occasionally Mij will behave like a cat, sometimes she sits on the doorstep of her favourite box and watches what's going on in the world.

But more often than not, she thinks she is an Otterhound.

For example, although she has her own water and food upstairs (where hungry hounds can't get it), She prefers to reach up to the dogs water .....

..... And have a good long drink, just like they do!

..... She plays with them like any other dog (see Rocky the Otterhound on YouTube) .....

..... And we are even thinking of getting her a harness and lead so she can join them on walks! The only reason she hasn't got one yet is the fact that we used to have a cat that came on the dog walks ..... Lots of fun but boy wasn't progress short!

So, at present, the jury is still out on that idea!!

Meanwhile, Rocky and Rosie are snuggling together and doing their usual bookends thing!

They often do exactly the same thing at exactly the same time ..... For no other reason than ..... Otterhoundedness???!

For instance, the double Otterhound chest rub .....

..... Results in the double Otterhound "paw on the arm" trick!

We have found that this is the Otterhound way of showing their appreciation ..... Also designed to try and keep your hand there and continue the lovely treat!

This affection is usually so much appreciated, that they lay back down in order to savour the fussing! Lovely!

At other times they will get into positions which almost exactly mirrors each other! No design involved ..... It just happens!

Getting comfy on the sofa appears to be a truly mirror friendly opportunity. Both our hounds seem to particularly enjoy having an arm of the chair to get comfy on!

They will both sit and beg with utter abandon, if they think you have a particularly tasty morsel to share with them ..... For 'particularly tasty' insert our food!

Any tidbits tend to be reserved for times when they have been particularly good ..... Which I suppose (if I'm honest) is most of the time!

Anyway, last but by no means least, there is the utter abandonment of the bedtime snuggle! All attempts at staying alert and ready for instant fun or treats, goes right out the window as our hounds bed down for the night!

So night, night Rocky, dream of winning games and staying true to your endearing nature.