Last obedience class today before Graduation

[MxRxSth]

Let me tell you obedience class was something today. This morning was the last class before graduating next week and Samantha was just something. She had so much energy this morning and the trainer of the class said this right in the middle of class and it kind of hurt my feelings. :(

The teacher said "I WANT EVERYONE TO STOP AND LOOK AT SAMANTHA". Samantha is 100% TRUE Boxer and I believe she has read the ENTIRE BOOK on how to be a Boxer. I want each and every one of you to look at her and if you ever consider WANTING A BOXER - Just remember Samantha and this is what to EXPECT ALL OF THE TIME!

She is great at home and that is what counts and I would never try to detour anyone from owning a Boxer.

 

[Indy B's Mom]

I'm sorry that the teacher was so direct and rude, in my opinion. I'm sure that Samantha is a wonderful girl and yes, our boxer babies are very energetic, but the teacher could have handled that very differently. Ty's trainer and holistic vet have both made similar comments, but just to me, not in a group setting and mentioned that they say this to anyone considering a boxer to make sure that people know what they are in for-less chance of boxers ending up in shelters. I would take the teacher aside and mention to her that you found her comment to be offensive and while it's good to educate people on a breed if they are considering it, people should be educated on ALL aspects of the breed, not just one. Give your sweet girl extra smooches from Ty, Peyton and I and go to class with your head held high. We all know how amazing boxers are and congrats to you and Samantha for completing obedience classes!!

 

[Jill's boxer]

In my opinion, this was a bit out of line! It seems your trainer isn't exactly keen on boxers and obviously this effects her judgement and good sense! Its one thing to use a dog as an example when training and another to blatantly call you out and basically insult your dog! If she is going to bring up a "problem" or issue--then she should follow it up with a solution! IE: "as you can see, boxers have alot of energy, class! If you consider a boxer for your family, be sure you have adequate time to exercise and entertain your boxer!" or something like that would have been better at least! I am amazed at some of the stories I find here at BW regarding some of these "professional trainers"! sorry you had a negative experience with yours!

 

[usvetflint]

I have had my boxer, Strider, for only about 4 months now. We just started dog training. I think something that your trainer is underestimating would be samanthas' intelligence. She probably knew something was different about that day. The last day befor graduation!! That in my opinion is something to be excited about. I am not an expert but the little research that I have done has helped me to understand that most the time when I think Strider is not listening because he is being rude is not the case. He is bored. So he is finding something to amuse himself. Strider is my second boxer. One of the things I love most about his personality is his spontanaity.( Sorry for the spelling. ) I know some people want a mindless animal that doesn't think or do anything other than what they are told to do . NOT ME I WANT A BOXER!! Samantha was happy. She had accomplished something that you had wanted her to do and She was proud of it. If your trainer doesn't understand that then she is the one losing out. I Say CONGRATULATIONS SAMANTHA!!!!!
KEEP IT UP!!!

 

[Maxwell's Ma]

Does that dog trainer have one of those pocket pups? Good going Samantha! You are doing great and making your mom so so proud.

 

[RonaldMM]

Sorry, but that would really tick me off. I've been through, beginner, interm. & advanced with Drake. I've had to put up with a lot from others, but not the trainer. I would consider finding another trainer if you decide to go on Way to go....Samantha!

 

[MxRxSth]

Thank you all for your support I truly do appreciate it and if you ever ran across any of my other posts you will see it is NOT the first comment the trainer has said out loud to me in class in regards to Boxer owners.

I have a question that I would like some advice on though.

Next Saturday at 8:00 is Sam's Final Class and her testing as far as everything she has learned. I am a bit nervous for next Saturday already and I was considering taking her to the park for about an hour before class and get some of her energy ran out of her and do you think that maybe she would be a little calmer since she would be a little more tired?

I just really want to prove a point in class how well Boxer's listen and obey because outside of class Sam does wonderful and listens to mostly all commands.

I am a proud Boxer owner and granted no matter how well she does on Graduation day I will be proud of her no matter what!

 

[ringwise]

Let me tell you obedience class was something today. This morning was the last class before graduating next week and Samantha was just something. She had so much energy this morning and the trainer of the class said this right in the middle of class and it kind of hurt my feelings. :(

The teacher said "I WANT EVERYONE TO STOP AND LOOK AT SAMANTHA". Samantha is 100% TRUE Boxer and I believe she has read the ENTIRE BOOK on how to be a Boxer. I want each and every one of you to look at her and if you ever consider WANTING A BOXER - Just remember Samantha and this is what to EXPECT ALL OF THE TIME!

HA - that's exactly why I love Boxers. Energy, fun, enthusiasm. Bring it on!!! I teach obedience classes on and off through my kennel club, and unfortunately you can't always get a good personality along with a decent trainer. In fact, many trainers are GREAT dog trainers and terrible people trainers. Ignore that trainer, and know that you're doing a great thing. Training is a terrific way to teach control, but most importantly, you are also creating a bond that will be more intense because you are training together.

If an instructor said that to me, I'd just grin from ear to ear and say, "yeah....ain't it FUN?" My Boxer makes me smile, and that's all that matters.

And for the record, this winter has been so icky, it's not a surprise that they're all a little wired.

Laurie Buckley
Shingle Springs, CA

 

[SILLY6PAK]

You are smart to take her out to the park before the class. I think she will suprise you on how well she does. Do not drill her too much on the commands the morning of graduation. If your trainer knew ANYTHING about Boxers he would realize they learn VERY quickly and bore with repetition.

I indured a obedience class with a trainer like yours once. The whole time she made back handed comments regarding Boxers. I found a trainer that appreciated the breed and explained how you had to keep the Boxers interest. They might appear like the class clown but are often the class genius.

Best of luck next week-end. Even if Samantha has an off day who cares. She is young. The only way you can lose is if you quit working with her.

 

[Charlie'sMom]

We have the same prejudice at our training class; the trainer has never made direct comments about Bruce, but she refuses to promote him to the last class (where there are some dogs still doing their Bronze award) even though he has already completed the Bronze and Silver awards, and only has one more skill to complete on Gold. Although he likes to clown around and say hi to all the other dogs the moment he gets on the mat to do his training he is the perfect pup - he is usually the only dog to do exactly what is asked of him and is always the first to master a new skill. When we had the annual awards at Christmas and his best friend, a belgian shepherd, was awarded 'best puppy' his owner was really embarrased and said straight away in front of everyone "this should have gone to Bruce, he is the best puppy"; the only reason he got the award was because the trainer likes shepherds and collies; we too are fed up with our trainer seeing their fun loving nature as a negative, and letting that attribute override everything else when judging them. As soon as he completes the gold award (hopefully this week) we will be leaving the class as we get too riled every week when every other dog gets praised for doing less than Bruce, and he never gets any acknowledgment. We know he's the perfect pup, and really intelligent, and would never have any other breed!