[nagdu] Julie why a boxer? was re: Boxer guides from Pilot

[Julie J.]

Okay, Monty is a Boxer and lab mix.  From everything I know and what 
Boxer people tell me, Monty's personality is much more that of the 
Boxer, except for his love of food.  I absolutely love the way Monty 
works, his approach, his work ethic, his stubborness, his ability to 
stick by his decisions no matter how dumb I am and his focus on one 
person-me.

Maybe I'm trying to find his clone, but if these qualities are among all 
Boxers, I want one. The sporting breeds are very sociable, happy to meet 
people and make new friends.  I strongly prefer a more aloof dog.    
Boxer's are in the working group and were bred to do work.  Their focus 
is on the work.   I like that.  They also have a short coat that is 
easier on my husband's allergies, especially when we have more than one 
dog in the house.  Out of harness they are affectionate with the family, 
playful and energetic.

My second choice for a guide dog would be a Doberman for many of these 
same reasons.  Pilot is also the only place that currently has Dobermans.

I'll be honest and say that Pilot would not be my first choice except 
for the fact that they have the two breeds I would consider.  I don't 
like that they don't teach hand signals.  I think their way of having 
students relieve their dogs is a bit odd.  They don't train traffic to 
the same level as other schools.  They are not an accredited IGDF 
program.   I'm unclear about their ownership policy.  The GDUI survey 
states that they grant ownership, but it also says that they retain the 
right to remove the dog for various reasons.

It's a lot to consider.

Julie