“My mum came to stay with us this week, and, on her arrival, the dogs were delighted to receive a bone-shaped chew each. Ruby proceeded to run around the garden with hers, only settling down to devour it once she had thrown it this way and that a few times.

It had been a few weeks since my Mum had seen Ruby, and she was amazed how fast she had grown – previously a small puppy, now a long-legged, five-and-a-half-month dog.

Over the next few days we took Ruby with us when we visited the town centre, and also made a trip to Sainsbury’s to help promote Dogs for the Disabled, which is their Charity of the Year.

We walked around the store, Ruby keeping close to heel and responding really well amongst the shoppers and their trolleys. As well as the Dogs for the Disabled flash on her lead, she was also wearing her green training jacket, and I really appreciate that most people see this and do not distract her when she is training.

On the Friday, I took Ruby to the monthly puppy class at the training centre where we continued on heel-work and down-stays – Ruby can now remain in this position for a full two minutes, having steadily built the time up week by week.

It was also a great chance for Ruby to meet up with her brothers, Raffles and Reuben, and, after the class, we let the three of them spend a while playing together – and took the chance for an impromptu photo opportunity.

It’s still surprising to see the size difference between Ruby and the boys – she looks so slight and delicate alongside them....Although she certainly managed to hold her own in puppy play!

To finish the week we took a trip to the Greatworth Family Fete and Fun Dog Show where Ruby was able to mix with other dogs of all shapes and sizes. Being a puppy in training we are not able to enter her into a dog show, but it’s a great place to socialise and Ruby took a real shine to Ebony, a four-month-old black Labrador.

So, whilst there was no rosette involved, it’s safe to say that Ruby definitely awarded Ebony first place in the category of New Best Friend.”