It’s Dexter, a young Welsh Springer Spaniel, bred by Stannyfield, owned and loved by Beth from Flying High K9s, in Fruitport, Michigan! This puppy faced boy has enjoyed several photoshoots with me, and has even been to my home for some private obedience training and confidence building (something I only offer when I’m slow, to dogs that do well with my own Pembroke Welsh Corgi).

The last time we photographed Dexter, he was either showing off his retrieving skills in the waters of Duck Lake, or practicing his best puppy eyes as a 10 week old pup at Spring Grove Park. This time, Beth wanted to create a variety of portraits, stacked images, trot shots, training with his antler shed, and then recreating some of her favorite puppy photos to show his growth in side by side images.

We met in downtown Holland, Michigan, and began adventuring throughout the city blocks and the college campus. He was a quirky one, not motivated by food or noise, only willing to work if he could SEE or play with his antler shed. 😂 Being creative in the moment, I placed Dexter where I wanted him for his photo, Beth just out of shot holding his show lead, and I tied the antler to my long lead, tugging on the rope to move the antler so Dexter would fully weight his front end and perk his ears forward.

This worked like MAGIC! … Until the campus classes were over and a flood of students came outside to see me laying on the ground, reeling antlers around light posts like I’ve lost my mind. 😂 But hey, it worked! And the photos came out beautifully!

Take a peek at some of my favorites from his photoshoot!