Where on earth did that year go??? Happy Birthday Skipper

The Official Birthday Photo!

Well, I don't know where it went but here's the proof! Skipper celebrated his first birthday on 16th June.

He's turned out well - a "solid stable" dog is how our trainer describes him. I think of him as a happy-go-lucky sort - just wants to please but is pretty strong minded about how he goes about things. Like his dad, he learns quickly but unlike his dad he has had a sheltered, well-planned upbringing! Which means there have not yet been any heart-in-mouth (mine not his) moments when he's run off in pursuit of ... well, whatever runs really. They're bound to arise I suppose but, with the help of a different trainer from the one who helped me with the others, I'm hoping to avoid some of the typical spaniel pitfalls!

There's a lot going on inside that head.....

Whilst there is no doubt that he is a son of Jaunty, he does have a lot of his grandad (Gunner) in him - particularly the way he can concentrate and focus. Like Gunner, he is also very much his own person. Although he'd like to be the boss Bugler assumed that role so Skipper has to content himself with putting Jaunty in his place! Not that Jaunty gives a hoot; he's happy to do his own thing and has put up very patiently with having his ears and tail pulled mercilessly! We're in the equivalent of the teenage years now so Skipper is constantly trying to push the boundaries but he's sensible enough to accept the rules when they are pointed out to him. I'm told by our trainer that in a few months he'll be through all that and will settle down and just get on with things! Which I very much look forward to. That should neatly coincide with the coming shooting season. He's learning his lessons well and if all goes to plan he could be 'dogging in' come September and going out on shoot days later in the season....

Yes - dogs do get their own cards!

However, that's a long way off  .. for now he's still a puppy doing puppy things, getting pressies and cards from fond Twitter Uncles and not having to worry about a thing.......

Another toy from @Albertspanner

 Happy Birthday Skipper!! xx