Boerboel Character
The character of the Boerboel is one of most appealing attributes of the breed. The South Africans describe the Boerboel as one of the only breeds developed for guarding. That is to say it has a stronger fight than flight instinct. In the pioneer lifestyle where the Boerboel was developed and utilized, its physical statue demanded that it be strong enough to confront unknown dangers and agile enough for daily farming activities. The Boerboel was also responsible for safeguarding every member of the family. You will find that when there are women and children present, he becomes extra weary and is able to sense an owners feeling and react. In today's society, a dog that is left to react on their feelings is a dog that will become a nuisance in terms of management (aggression), liability ( Ownership Reality) and time.
~YOU MAKE THE DECISIONS~
The Boerboel is not capable of knowing when to be a guard dog, a playmate, ambassador, or couch feature. Through educating him of acceptable behaviors you will find him to be more reliable, but never predictable. You must set boundaries and limitations of acceptable dog behavior and acceptable family interactions. He is of flesh and blood and reacts to things differently every time. However, if you are continually introducing him to situations over and over again, he will become acclimated to them and accept them as normal. The Boerboel possesses many extraordinary qualities, but never forget he is a guard dog at heart.
The Boerboel was designed to be capable of so many things. He truly is a dog that wants to please its owner. It is that devotion to the owner why he must have contact with his people in order to fully develop his characteristics. They are absolutely the best family dogs; able to bond with each member and will give everything if asked. They crave your acceptance allowing for ease of training. It is not rocket science! Develop clear, consistent communication and your Boerboel will award your efforts.
Your Boerboel
If you are a Boerboel enthusiast and would like to invite an Adrian Boerboel into your home, here are some suggestions to help you get on the wait list:
Step 1
ÿ Make sure you and your family are fully aware of the strengths and drawbacks associated with such a powerful breed.
ÿ Ask yourself if you are committed for the next 11 or more years to be able to offer a Boerboel a life worthy of living.
ÿ Fill out the Puppy Questionnaire to receive a pick number in a particular litter and submit the form, all information should be current. If you don’t get a response in 72 hours call me or send it again as I did not receive it.
ÿ Once a response is made you have 10 days to enter a*$300 dollar security deposit*, this will keep your original pick number. If I receive it after the 10 days from my response, you will receive the next available pick number.
*deposits are transferable to a different litter or receive a full refund minus any banking fees once a new buyer is found and a deposit received on your litter.
At this point I have reviewed your Puppy Questionnaire and addressed any concerns I might have, I am also there to answer any of yours. This is only the beginning and you will receive updated information on a regular basis. Once the puppies are born I send regular pictures of their progressions so you can begin to take ownership. Personalities start to make themselves known around 7 weeks of age so I do dot require you to make a decision until 8 weeks of age. I breed to progress the Boerboel as a whole so my litters are usually very even, I am confident we will be able to fulfill your needs. If at that time we are not able to fulfill your needs you may transfer your deposit to a different litter or receive a full refund minus any banking fees once a new buyer is found and a deposit received on your litter.
Step 2
ÿ Your pick takes place at 8 weeks of age, after which the remaining balance for the puppy is due plus shipping costs at 10 weeks after birth.
ÿ Sign, notarize, and return a buyers contract before scheduled departure.
The pups are usually spay/neuter at 12 weeks, after which they receive their last shot needed for their first year of life 2-3 weeks later. The puppies have been microchiped, rabies vaccinated and other medical issues addressed. They are sent with all up to date paperwork and you will recieve their birth certificates with the name you've given your puppy after I receive it from the SABT office. Realistically, unless you are willing to pick your puppy up and forgo the last immunization from my vet, puppies are allowed to go to their new homes at roughly14-16 weeks. Weights range from 35-50 lbs; the closest airports are Fanning Field in Idaho Falls (40miles) and Salt Lake City International (170miles) one way. I will give you a shipping quote to the nearest direct airport, unless other arrangements are made.
Arrival
Once your puppy arrives be sure to have a leash, towel for any clean-ups, water and a couple treats. Remember to be fair to your new puppy. He has completely switched to a new environment and will take some time to adjust. By having a set schedule and rules everyone must follow, your Boerboel will be able to recognize his role in your family earlier. Training and socializing for your expectations can start immediately and continue throughout his lifetime. Your puppy is fully vaccinated for its first year of life so there is no need to hold your puppy back, take him out into your world with you. There are very few stores that will not let you bring a puppy in with you, just be sure to have appropriate accidental clean up supplies and leash etiquette.
Now What
The first order of business is teaching your puppy his new name. I gave them names based on their character, which they have come to know. To introduce their new name simple get them in an environment with few distractions and call their name once, ie "Thom-as".Two syllable names are faster to learn, especially when used with one syllable commands. If your puppy does not look at you when you say his name once, then you should make a sound that gets his attention, be creative. When he does cue in on you, say "Yes" and give a small treat or affection, both of which the Boerboel craves. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Remember that "Yes" is your cue that the puppy is doing something right, it is a form of operant conditioning, think clicker training without the clicker.
Continued Training
In your own personal life if you find yourself frustrated for little reason, use words with harsh connotation or think violence is an acceptable solution
DO NOT GET ANY ANIMAL !!!
If your friend does not understand what you are asking him, ask in a different way until a connection is made. Dominating practices get you nowhere; the pack mentality is so wrongly idealized that in dogdom you will end up getting bit. It is better to be consistent and fair. I use electronic collars for my training methods for various reasons, but as with any training device if you do not know how to properly use it, it could do more harm than good. Use your educated judgment as no two dogs are alike and every dog progresses differently. You are responsible for promoting a rare breed.
