18/08/18 - Guiding Joy Makes Her Debut

Distance - 4 Miles
Geocaches - 1
Walk Inspiration


A blog debut for our latest house guest, Joy.  She's a guide dog in training - we have her for around a year to get her used to different environments before she goes to "big school".   She's had many short walks but today's her first proper ramble.

A route has been carefully selected that's not too far away, not too strenuous and will provide plenty of variety for a five month old puppy.

We start at Hanbury Church near Droitwich, prominently positioned on a hilltop with extensive views over to Malvern and Bredon hills.

Hanbury Church - Used by the Archers Radio Programme

It's downhill into the wide open spaces of Hanbury Hall estate.   Joy makes her first acquaintance with sheep - kept on the lead of course - and she finds what they leave behind in the fields quite tasty.

Behave, they are not maltesers

One more field of cows and its freedom in the newly harvested crop fields.   Her recall off the lead is near perfect and plenty of problem solving ability required to navigate the stiles.  Under, through or wait to be carried are the options available.  With minor coaxing, she makes the correct decision.

Its also International Geocaching today - for which Joy helps get the souvenir badge with the only find of the day.  A water break for her whilst the admin is completed.

What's this Geocaching all about if you just put the treasure back?

Her skills at behaving in pubs have already been confirmed but it's a touch too early today.  Instead, we have the cafe at the Jinny Ring Craft Centre for refreshments.  The rules for canines and humans are all too clear.

That's clear then

She's met sheep and cows and what to add ducks to the list

After tea for us and a kibble and peanut butter kong for Joy, it's a short walk through woodland before we return to the car and head home.

She normally sits in the boot but needs to be trained to settle in the footwell of cars, in case she has to assist in taxi ride.   Today seems a good time to try travelling back this way.

So how does a puppy look after their first four mile ramble?

Dog Tired and able to sleep anywhere.