Otis during lockdown

While lockdown has had its challenges, we're very pleased to say that Grace and Otis have made a fantastic team! They've managed to continue with Otis's training, while keeping him mentally and physically stimulated - and had some fun along the way.

Let's start with the training, because that's really what Otis is all about: learning to become an amazing hearing dog who will help a deaf person. Here's a video Grace shared with us:

Grace explains what's going on in that video: "Otis is keeping up with his cues around the house. 'On your mat' is useful for getting him out of the way when visitors are arriving or leaving (when we can have visitors!) or can be used when we're out in a coffee shop or somewhere."

And how does she 'help' Otis with that cue? By giving him a little treat at the end, you'll notice! Otis is happy to oblige. This is how we train all our dogs, by giving them constant rewards and praise for doing the 'right' thing.

Grace is right, of course. It's a very useful cue, and will help a deaf person when they need their dog just to settle nicely and not be in anyone's way. As you can see, Otis is great at it (by which we mean, Otis loves treats!).

Grace has also shared some fab training photos with us recently. She explains what's happening below: "With all the extra time I've had I thought I'd teach Otis some new commands. Here he is learning 'paw', not only a bit of fun and keeping him occupied, it's also useful when I'm giving him a health check."

Now focus Otis... focus...

... that's it!

Have you ever seen such a happy dog face? Look at that smile! So now, as a result of Grace's brilliant training, Otis will be a good boy whenever he's having a health check at the vets. Clever Otis! And, may we say, clever Grace!

But it's not all work, work, work (even though Otis thinks training's all a game). Back to Grace: "Otis has been cooling off during lockdown in his paddling pool. He loves sunbathing so we have to bring him in inside or cool him down!"

We don't want hot dogs, so Grace is doing exactly the right thing by giving him his paddling pool in the shade of the tree.

She's also made sure he has his favourite toy to hand (or, in Otis's case, to paw) at all times...

What do you think Otis is thinking in that photo? Leave us a comment and tell us!

Let's round off this Pupdate with two really lovely photos Grace shared.

Here he is looking fabulous among the bluebells:

And this is "Otis and I chilling in the garden."

Lovely smiles all around! We hope this Pupdate brought a smile to your face too. That's what Otis will do for his eventual deaf partner: cheer them up, be their pal, and make every day better.

For now though, until your next Pupdate... thank you for sponsoring Otis.