Well it's now been a little over two weeks since Hogan turned six months and was old enough to start showing .

We went to his first open show last weekend, about an hour from home. The only breed class available was the open class, so my little 6 month pup was stood up in the ring next to seasoned show champions

He was a very good boy, took the atmosphere in and was very calm the whole day. A little naughty in the ring, stood until he decided he didn't want to any more, but we had an understanding judge, and got there in the end. He came away with VHC (do you have that in the US - it's basically 5th Place) and Best Puppy in Breed

I withdrew from the AV Gundog puppy class so that we could then enter the group, unfortunately though we then had a 4 hour wait until the group, we were all tired and bored, and Hogan stood and ran bless him, but I had to drag him round the ring It was too much for him really, so he had a 3 day break until the following Tuesday at Ringcraft class, just to let him chill out.

This weekend we went to Poole Canine Club Open show (another long drive!). This time the class was a Post Graduate (so still above him really but there was no puppy class). He stood like a pro (although now looking at the pictures I can see I have a habit of putting his back legs too wide!! Must remember that!!), ran well, then stopped in front of the judge and had the worlds longest pee Ahh puppies, who would have them!

He won VHC again in this class, which was an achievement as it was a class of six, and the person I was placed above was a breeder, and their dog was a lot older than Hogan! He also won his second Best Puppy in Breed! This meant he went through to the group again, but today it was apparently the hottest day of the year, a stonking 35 degrees. We were struggling to keep the dogs cool, even with water, umbrellas and their cool coats. I decided I would go in the AV gundog puppy knowing that if we didn't win we couldn't do the group.

Once again, he was impeccably behaved, and we came 3rd out of 6... meaning we couldn't do the group, although actually if I had won I wouldn't have stayed for the group anyway, it was far too hot, we were all nearly flaking out.

Trying to keep Beau cool!

Our first championship show is next Sunday at Windsor, we may need substantially more luck for that one!!!!

On another note, here are a few other pictures from walks etc. Hogan has discovered swimming in the river! I don't like him doing it off lead because of the currents, and I worry about his ears (being infected etc).

Some evening walk pics!

Hogans six month birthday bone from Nanny

My dad who is always telling me "he's just a dog" snapped HOLDING aforementioned bone for the pampered pooch to chew on!

EARS!

Bottoms up!

I love this one

Enjoy