Behind the scenes
Check out a day in the life of our Dulux Dog - Spud.
How long does he take to get ready for a Dulux appearance?
At least 3 - 4 hours grooming, into the bath and then another 3 - 4 hours being blown dried by hand and using a brush. The grooming kit consists of a Mason Pearson brush, pin brush and wide tooth comb. Special shampoo is used for highlighting whites and is strangely blue in colour! He is very intelligent and can get onto the grooming table using a chair as a ladder. He has taught his girlfriend Zara to do this at dog shows which causes a lot of amusement. But it does make life easier as he weighs over 43 Kgs.
What does he eat before an appearance?
If it's an early morning start he likes a slice of buttered toast and perhaps a Bonio. If it's an afternoon appearance he has his usual toast followed by dry food of chicken and rice with natural yogurt. But Spud always expects to have lunch or anything that's going when working with a film crew. He especially likes sausages which are usually provided by the Duffield House chef when he attends the Children's Christmas party! But sandwiches, cheese, crisps and melon are his very favourite.
What's his favourite food?
Well he does like a roast dinner on Sunday but like all models he has to think of his figure. He does have a sensible diet of vegetables which he loves and has spinach everyday.
What does he do on the big appearance days?
Spud knows that after the day of grooming and bathing he will be going out. He waits patiently at the front door and as soon as he sees the grooming bag he is out of the door, up to the car and waiting. 'As soon as I say we are going to work he is very alert. At home we call Spud "Mr Plod" as he is slow with everything he does. On arrival home he just shows off to his other companions as if to say "I've been out and I'm very important" Woof, Woof"!'
Does he have any funny stories?
Yes, there are many but this is probably the most embarrassing! Spud was invited to meet the Board of Dulux and they were having lunch when we walked past the cheese board table and he lunged forward and almost got the lot! The waitress's screamed and retrieved the cheese and the Dulux Board looked on with great amusement. Apart from that Spud is normally very well behaved .
Where does he live?
Spud lives at home with Floosie (Samoyed), Daisy (Cao Da Serra De Aires) and puppy Herbert (Old English Sheepdog). But he is not the boss, Floosie is, she is the matriarch of the pack. He is very laid back and will do anything for a peaceful life. He loves walks, being groomed and sleeping.
Does he have any dislikes?
He hates small dogs. But, last year we had a West Highland Terrier stay with us for three weeks and he fell in love. They slept together, watched TV together, enjoyed BBQ's together and actually chased around the garden together but Scoobie always won!
