Training and Proving

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!

Why A Proudfoot or Firstfoot Puppy?

Let's face it, there are numerous Boerboel Breeders out there, just google the word Boerboel and see how many pages come up.... then again... that's probably how you found us!
What makes us different... what sets us apart from other individuals... where do I begin.. perhaps the beginning?
My husband and I were making the move from a city lifestyle to a country ( very remote ) retreat for a change of life, job, and family atmosphere. Knowing that we were moving into bear country and that our Rotti's at that time were getting on in years it was time that we started entertaining the idea of another dog to keep our girls safe. We litterally fell into the Boerboel while visiting with a friend who had been working/living/importing them for about a year at that time. By the end of the afternoon, I was so curious to know more that I spent quite a long time talking to people/breeders/owners trying to find out information on everything surrounding the South African Boerboel. Needless to say, I was led down paths with mystical half truths, out and out lies, as well as no information at all at times. I found myself very discouraged... getting information on this breed was going to be difficult to say the least. Typical Irish decent though, I found myself to stubborn to be letting go of this and plowed on.
My first boerboel was a direct import on a co-ownership from a broker. If she turned out physically/mentally/health wise she was to be bred and the litter was to be sold under that broker's kennel name. Sounds easy enough right? Let's just say that lessons were learned by both parties.
Anyhow, it was with this first bitch puppy that I made some decisions as to what I wanted to do in order to provide other people like myself with proper information...
I wanted to learn all I could about bloodlines, health issues, temperament issues, and so on... All so that I could in turn help to further ( not hinder ) the breed itself.
To make a very long story short, I have spent the last 7+ years with this breed. Have experienced far too much heart ache for one person to have to endure ( again with my stubborn side ) have had my bank account go WELL BELOW the zero mark and have been bashed/bantered/beaten/bruised/slandered/and spit out... all because I have stuck to my guns about what good temperament is, good health is, and sound ethical practices should be!
What you will get when dealing with Proudfoot or Firstfoot kennels is a level of understanding the genetics behind our dogs, the health history behind our dogs, the knowledge of the bloodlines that we have been working with extensively for 7 plus years now, and the comfort of knowing that we will only work with dogs that are suitable for family life! Our dogs live in the house with us, go everywhere with us, experience life as a family member and NOT as a kennel dog! They are part of our family... so that they can be a part of your family!