.JPG)
When we first started out with the Boerboels many years ago, I was all about having those 'oh so elusive titles' behind my dogs name's in order to prove to the entire world that my dog was worth breeding from... what I have learned is quite the opposite however. Guaranteed there are people out there who will adamently disagree with me on this, however, my beliefs have been learned via experience rather than just book knowledge... don't get me wrong... my competitive side still enjoy's a good obedience competition or conformation trial... but the realistic side of me say's prove them on a daily basis through living life both in a rural situation and an urban situation.
We have in the past with the CAVB held many shows, events etc. as well as attending them too! Is it enjoyable for the dogs? Yes some of them. What are you trying to prove? Many different things...
I expect my dogs to be capable of being taken to a farmer's market with lots of not so dog savy people surrounding them, without having a break down mentally, nor biting someone unwarrantedly. I also expect my dogs to be able to ride in the back of my pick up or in the back seat of my sports car and keep both myself and my vehicle safe from any unwanted approaches.
I expect my dogs to look to me for direction 99% of the time, when we are out in public places, hanging out with the family, and having company over. However, I trust my dog's intuition 100% of the time when they are outwardly telling me that the people I am with are no good.
Do I train my dogs, ABSOLUTELY! To a competition level obedience though? Depends upon the dog(s) and the event. Do I expect them to have impecable manners... ABSOLUTELY, just as I do my children.
Do I expect my Boerboels to roll over and give just ANYONE their belly? THEY BETTER NOT!
Are my dogs intelligent enough to compete in an obedience trial? Most certainly! My lifestyle unfortunately does not entail this opportunity at the present time, AND being an owner of the South African Boerboel living within Ontario Canada our dogs are NOT recognized by the CKC ( Canadian Kennel Club ), and therefore cannot compete in their trials and events at this point in time.
The CAVB has put the word out there numerous times for people who were interested in competing with the first ever Breed Specific Test designed for the Boerboel... unfortunately... not enough breeders want to do anything else other than produce puppies or turn the Boerboel into a something that it is not!
Does this mean that either Proudfoot or Firstfoot gives up and rolls over... I don't think so... it just means that we enjoy our dogs and enjoy proving their temperament in real life senario's!
