2005 Graduations at
San Rafael, California
February 5
March 12 April 16
May 21
June 25
July 30
September 3
October 8
November 12
December 17
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2005 Graduations at
Boring, Oregon
February 12
March 12
April 9
May 7
June 4
July 30
August 27
September 24
October 22
November 19
December 17
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DOG-IN-CLASS
NOTIFICATION
From Puppy Raising Advisor
When a dog in training goes into class at either campus,
the raiser will be notified right away through the leader. However, details
as to who the student is and where they are from will not be available at
this first contact. Student
information and contact phone number in the dorm will be provided to raisers
in the pre-ceremony letter that arrives via mail shortly before graduation.
GRAND GRADUATIONS
Here are some tips from folks who have been to San Rafael or Boring to
attend a pup’s graduation ceremony.
1. This day is for the Graduate, the immediate raisers, and
the dog graduating. Leave current puppies being raised, pets, and career
change dogs at home, or in the care of someone in the audience. Only active pups-in-training will be
allowed inside the building for graduation. But never in the dormitory
prior. Please arrive on time.
2. Common courtesy suggests that you greet the Graduate
before you greet your dog. Remember, this person has worked hard to get to
this day, in a 2, 3 or 4 week program, They are often just as excited and
nervous about meeting you!
3. Ask permission or wait until the Graduate gives you the
okay to interact with the dog. Often graduates prefer to remove the harness
prior to greetings to be consistent. The person may let the dog become
ecstatic to see you, or they may want to keep the dog mannerly and under
control. It’s their choice, as it is
their dog. Either way is fine. You will have time alone with the dog when the
graduate is seated for the ceremony and shortly before the ceremony, so
concentrate on the person while you’re together.
4. Say good things about the dog, and avoid comments that
might hurt, or undermine the graduate’s confidence. This dog is relatively new to them and you don’t want to leave
a negative impression at this critical time in their bonding process.
5. Many raisers remember the Graduate with a gift, but not
required. Some ideas in the past have
been a photo album of cute individual puppy pictures of their dog, a audio
tape of happy fond memories, a frame for the graduation picture, or some
other keepsake. Save your puppy’s favorite toy to give them at graduation, or
buy a new version of their favorite toy for them. Remember that most will be traveling home by airplane, so the
smaller and pack-able the better. You
can mail something larger later, if you want.
6. Graduation is a big deal. The instructors will be dressed formally in suits, and many
people in the audience where “church type” attire. The graduates themselves often wear suits and dresses. Corsages
& boutonnieres may also be worn. Publicity photos are taken of raiser,
graduate and dog together, and sent to the home town of the graduate. So be sure to dress appropriately and make
your attire fit the day.
7. You will be allowed to say a few short words about your
puppy raising experiences. Have a
short speech prepared to give on stage beforehand–write it down if you have
to! Tell a cute story about your puppy or give your heartfelt good luck
wishes for the graduate’s lives together.
Some raisers even present checks from the club during this part of the
presentation.
8. Some raisers provide the trainer with a gift or a puppy
photo, but this required or expected.
9. Bring lots of tissues! Graduations can get very
emotional! And inspiring! A copy of the ceremony on video tape, will
be sent to you after the ceremony along with your photo with the graduate.
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