Graduating class 2006 - aren't they something??

[dr2little]

I've been busy doing up my grad certificates for the final classes in 2006. I graduate 24 puppies this Sunday (not all photos are done), and 22 adult dogs next Sunday. I don't start new classes until January 14th......I'll need support through my withdrawl. hehe
Anyway, here are a few of them (about half) and I added a picture of the dog that I would steal (if I could only pick one). His name is Finley and he's a 4 month old white Std. Poodle who has a personality to die for. The whole class would die laughing at his comical antics throughout the 6 weeks.

If his owners would just turn their backs for a few seconds.......

And some of the gang.....I had 4 Berners and a Swiss (not all shown) in one adult class, made the other non-brown/black/white dogs feel out of place..

 

[Dulce Pit Bull]

AYYAY! Congrats! That Swiss Mountain Dog I believe is BEAUTIFUL!!!

 

[rij73]

Awwww... so CUTE! It must be wonderful to work with all those cute puppies all the time. The certificates are adorable!

 

[Renee750il]

Too fun! Only you, Doc, would take graduation pics of your obedience classes

 

[dr2little]

Too fun! Only you, Doc, would take graduation pics of your obedience classes

Honestly, it's just such a blast, and the owners really love the pics. I often see them framed when I do future home visits.

I wish that more were wearing their caps but some just wiggle so dang much and we don't ever force the issue.
They each get this certificate, and a gift bag and 'The ten commandments for dog owners' printed on nice paper (see typed below)

TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR DOG OWNERS


1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. Do not break my spirit with your temper, though I will always forgive you. Your patience will teach me more effectively and will give me confidence that I am loved and valued.

3. Please have me spayed or neutered.

4. Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in the entire world is more grateful for your kindness than mine. Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment. After all, you have your job, your friends, your entertainment…I only have YOU.

5. Speak to me often. Even if I don’t understand all of your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me. Your voice is the sweetest sound I ever hear, as you must know by my enthusiasm whenever I hear your footsteps.

6. Take me in when it’s cold and wet. I’m a domestic animal and am no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask for little more than your gentle hands petting me. Keep my bowl filled with water. Feed me good food so that I may stay well, to romp and play and be by your side. By your side I stand ready, willing and able to share my life with you, for that is what I live for. I’ll never forget how well you’ve treated me.

7. Don’t hit me. Remember, I have teeth that could easily break skin and crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I’ve been out in the sun too long or I may not be feeling well.

9. Take care of me when I grow old. For you will grow old too and if I could, you know that I would take care of you.

10. When I am old, or when I no longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently. And be with me on that difficult journey when it’s time to say goodbye. Never say, “I just can’t bear to watch.” Everything is easier for me when you are there. I will leave this earth knowing that my last breath, that my fate, was safest in your hands…I LOVE YOU.

 

[Saje]

that is so great. No wonder you are so popular!

 

[Dreeza]

omg, those 10 commandments almost made me cry! I wish i lived by you so i could go to your training! you seem beyond awesome!!

 

[dr2little]

omg, those 10 commandments almost made me cry! I wish i lived by you so i could go to your training! you seem beyond awesome!!

Thanks. I wish you lived closer too, you sound pretty awsome yourself!

 

[RD]

Aww, Doc I wish I lived closer to you! I miss having a good trainer to work with.

Your classes sound like fun, and the gift bag is a great idea!

 

[Kase]

Awwww cute pics! You are such a wonderful trainer!

 

[Doberluv]

Oh, that Standard is beautiful. He even has an expression which speaks volumes. What a great thing you do for your students. Wonderful. I'd pick you for my mentor if we lived closer. (I don't know if you could put up with me, but I'd pick you) LOL.

 

[ToscasMom]

I love it! And they all look so smart!

 

[bubbatd]

A lovely happy looking group !! You do a great job !! When can I ship Ollie to you ???

 

[Melissa_W]

Aw, what an adorable group. That's so cute.

 

[Toller_08]

That is wonderful! The pictures are fantastic. I wish my dogs' training classes did something like that. Lol..perhaps I'll have to bring my future Toller pup to you for classes (not just for the pictures and stuff of course, but you seem like an awesome trainer). We do live in the same city after all...I think you're at the total opposite end from me though.

 

[ToscasMom]

Speaking of shipping. Do you mind if I ship Tosca there and pick her up when she's, say, Two?

 

[Zoom]

They all look so happy!

Our grads get a little certificate as well, but no graduation hat or 10 Commandments. I might ask to steal that from you when I start teaching puppy classes!

 

[dr2little]

That is wonderful! The pictures are fantastic. I wish my dogs' training classes did something like that. Lol..perhaps I'll have to bring my future Toller pup to you for classes (not just for the pictures and stuff of course, but you seem like an awesome trainer). We do live in the same city after all...I think you're at the total opposite end from me though.

I thought by your pics that you may live here. There's a fantastic trainer in the North if you're ever looking for someone. I'd love to meet you and your pooches though. I LOVE tollers, but I think that I've already told you that. I've graduated 6 tollers this year, both pups and adults..they're such great dogs!

 

[Lizmo]

Wow Dr2little! :yikes: That is SO great! I would LOVE to come to your training classes!

You are an AWSOME trainer!

 

[~Jessie~]

Great pics! I want your job