yes he was 10 months, it was a novice trial run locally he was then sold on by his owner/ handler to another fellow who is into trialling as well. he has won loads now but still hasnt acheived a ftch as yet. he may never do maybe thats why he was sold on richard seems to have an eye for dogs which are going to do well for him very early on. He must see something special which they look for in trials I dont know.
edited to add ...I dont really know for sure but I dont think there shouldnt be any joint damage as they are not heavy boned dogs and they just go out for short bursts in a trail its not like working a dog on the hill all day. And keepers with young dogs wouldnt work them hard straightaway they would be eased into the job a day here a day there depending on how the dog is coming on.
every dog man will have his own ideas and methods and although similar there will be differences, its the same with shepherds and their dogs you get good dogs and bad shepherds and vice versa, Im sure you get the same in the spaniel world.
