Dogs love to "go", so with lots of patience, a trail, a sled and harness, and a helper, you can get the best exercise going. I say that because dogs under two years of age shouldn't pull loads. That means that their human counterparts get to run along beside and behind the sled. When the dogs are old enough to carry you along, what a thrill it is. A warm winter's day on the forest trail, just the jingling of the harness bells, and the swish of the sled skis on the snow, ...amazing!

Carting

Titan enjoys being hitched up to our cart, and displays infinite patience during training sessions in the yard. He's learned to pull straight ahead, to the left and right, to stand and wait, to lie down and wait, and is learning to back up. He's pulled light loads.

Bouviers were used extensively as drought dogs in their countries of origin, Belgium and France. The preferred moderate angulation of the Bouvier gives him the strength he needs to draw heavy loads, at the same time permitting him short bursts of speed while herding. Most of us are familiar with faithful Patrasche and his boy Nello, in the book 'A Dog of Flandres', by Louise de la Rame. Traditionally, the long hair over the eyes was to keep the dust from the roads and trails out of the Bouvier's eyes.

Herding

The Bouvier is a cattle dog. His mass and strength give him the ability to literally 'tackle' a cow to get him going the way he wants. Bouviers don't nip at heals in the manner of sheepdogs. A well-placed hoof would shorten the life of any dog foolish enough to position itself behind the cow. The standard for the Bouvier, which places the male weight in and around 85 pounds, favors a dog with a frame light enough to run all day without tiring, and tight enough to turn easily without injury.

Herding Cap
Saint-Ignace 2001
Vicki TT CGC HIC

Zootherapy

Susan has been doing zoo therapy, or pet therapy, with the Bouviers since her very first dogs Constance and Bruce were certified in 1993 at Ste. Anne's Veterans Hospital. Over the following years other dogs followed. Vicki began to visit when she was 6 months of age, as did Arturo, Grace and Ugenie. They have taken turns visiting with Susan who works there as a nurse. During a typical eight-hour shift the dog might charm 150 to 200 people, - patients, families, staff and volunteers. We tease people about the traffic jams we cause, saying if you want to pass, you have to pat'.
 

Nobleair Bouviers are regular visitors at the seniors residence in Lancaster where Susan volunteers. Quintie and Titan like to visit with her. Also as of Spring 2007, Crystal at 5 months of age has demonstrated a quiet, calm patience and outgoing personality that have already astonished the seniors and staff. They are all so surprised that this young puppy would be so completely in control of the situation. We're no longer surprised, because we've seen it again and again with our Bouviers.

Pet Therapy Sainte Anne's Veteran's Hospital 2002 - Veteran and Arturo Gallant Justinois TT

Pet Therapy Sainte Anne's Veteran's Hospital 2002
Veteran and Arturo Gallant Justinois TT

Tracking

Tracking is something that Bouviers love to do, that requires no special equipment or setup. Young or old people and dogs can do it. A trail can be set in the dewy grass of your lawn or a field nearby.

Protection

Bouviers perform police work in many countries of the world. In certain countries the Bouvier or German Shepherd must prove its abilities in protection work in order to be allowed to be bred.

Vicki's story, Of Birds and Bouviers, tells of her bravery.

Schutzhund, Anyone?

Schutzhund is a dog sport originating in Germany as a series of temperament and working dog tests that a German Shepherd Dog must obtain before being permitted to be used for breeding stock. These tests quickly gained popularity and evolved into a sport, worldwide, with other breeds of working heritage joining in. Schutzhund examinations are the foundation of all police and SAR work, testing the abilities of the working dog. A dog must possess strong nerves, the correct drives and a high level of obedience in order to pass a Schutzhund trial.

Basically, a Schutzhund title is comprised of three phases: