Want to know more about this program? Click on the button to the right or the link to read the Frequently Asked Questions about the Pit Crew.
Love-A-Bull believes in educating and leading through example. To that end, we are starting an all-pittie therapy group, The Pit Crew. Our goal is for volunteers to visit children and adults in need, including those living with mental and physical challenges. Dogs provide therapeutic interaction that can improve mood, build confidence, and repair hearts. Pit bulls, as natural “people-pleasers,” are perfect for this job, and have served as therapy dogs in many facilities around the country.
Read the Best Friends Animal Society article (2008), featuring a photo of local Love-A-Bull member, Karen, and her dog, Sandy, a therapy pittie. There’s also a video of Leo, one of the dogs seized from Michael Vick, performing therapy work, and a story in TIME about how one veteran’s pit bull is helping him cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. 
The Beginnings of the Pit Crew
Love-A-Bull’s all-pit therapy program launched on February 24, 2011. You can read the official press release here. Composed entirely of pit bulls, The Pit Crew is the first program of its kind in the country.
The first ever class of The Pit Crew graduated and celebrated on March 26, 2011! Check out these photos from graduation day, as well as many more photos of the Pit Crew at work.
Love-A-Bull has also seen some wonderful press and commentary from the local community, news, and our friends from all over! You can also keep up to date with these therapy dogs on our Facebook page!
We received ‘paw-some’ news coverage from KXAN’s Jim Swift who attended the graduation ceremony. And more ‘paws-itive’ press from Best Friends. You can see the news story from UT’s Texas Newswatch here.
The Pit Crew has been busy working with the children at Gullet Elementary School, many of whom have special needs and are disabled. In addition, the Pit Crew offers reading assistance to students, many of whom also have special needs, such as dyslexia. The Pit Crew also visits the BeHive, an innovative afterschool program for school-age children in a neighborhood known for high crime, high unemployment, and lack of affordable, quality care for children. The Pit Crew also services Elder Haven, an adult day care program, as well as Regent Care Center, a nursing care facility. In addition, the Pit Crew has visited Perez Elementary School and KinderCare day care to offer advice on how to properly treat animals, has helped educate the public on animal care at TLAC’s Wellness Clinic, and has attended other public events, such as festivals, farmers’ markets and community-wide celebrations. New venues are always being added, but the Pit Crew intends to service only a small number of venues so that it can keep its ratio of volunteers to venues appropriate. The Pit Crew believes that customer service is of utmost importance. If you have a venue that would like a visit, contact lydia@love-a-bull.org.
Love-A-Bull is partnered with trainer Crystal Dunn. Crystal has taught obedience to all bully breed classes in Houston with great success and has worked with numerous rescues to rehabilitate many abused and neglected dogs. In 2008, she worked with the Conroe Chief of Police as an Adviser to reorganize the Conroe Animal Shelter. This resulted in a complete shelter over-haul with a no-kill agenda, a strong volunteer organization, and the removal of the shelter’s Pit Bull auto-kill policy. Crystal has also been an instructor for the Healing Species of Texas, a non-violence outreach program that teaches empathy and compassion with the assistance of rescued dogs as role models. Crystal is the proud parent of “Mo”, a Pit Bull/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix who has visited Assisted Living Centers, classrooms, and has worked as an assistant for The Healing Species Texas. Crystal currently owns and trains for Leaps N’ Hounds Pet Care & Training in Austin, TX. She offers private obedience training, behavioral counseling, and CGC Classes and is a certified CGC Evaluator. She and the Leaps N’ Hounds team are proud to be partners with the Love-A-Bull organization and offer training discounts to all dues paying Love-A-Bull members. She can be reached directly at 512-814-7297 / crystal@leapsNhounds.com / www.leapsNhounds.com
Questions and Answers About the Pit Crew Training Program
What is the Pit Crew?
The Pit Crew is a group, formed by Love-A-Bull, of volunteers, and their pit bulls, who wish to serve the community through therapy work. Please click here for KXAN’s story on the Pit Crew.
Can anyone participate in the the Pit Crew?
Anyone with a dog labeled as a “pit bull” can register for the Pit Crew’s training classes if his or her dog has passed the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. You must provide proof of your CGC to register. We usually have tests monthly. Check our Meetup calendar for the next test.
What is the Canine Good Citizen?
Started in 1989 by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible ownership for owners and basic manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the AKC.
What do I need to do to register?
You must fill out and return the attached registration form to attend this class. Click here for the form. When returning the form, also include (a) proof that your dog is up-to-date on all shots and has had an annual check up within a year; (b) proof of your CGC. You must scan these materials to training@love-a-bull.org or mail them to Love-A-Bull at P.O. Box 18792; Austin, TX 78760.
Where will the sessions take place?
Classes will be for 7 consecutive weeks and are two hours each. Classes will be at Southpaws Playschool, 2324B South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 . The next classes will commence on March 17, 2012 at 10 a.m. and will run for two hours.
What will the training classes be like?
Training sessions will consist of intense instruction designed to prepare you for the experience you and your dog might typically have when performing therapy work. Not all dogs graduate. While it is our goal to help your dog learn how to work through these situations, some dogs may exhibit behaviors that are not acceptable for this line of work.
Does my dog need to get along with other dogs?
Yes. Your dog will be working in close quarters with other canines. As a result, your pittie must be extremely dog social.
What is the cost?
We require a $150 deposit. The deposit will be returned if you volunteer 15 times within one year of graduation. You can mail a check to Love-A-Bull at P.O. Box 18792; Austin, TX 78760 or pay online by credit card or via Paypal.
Pay for Pit Crew Online
If I RSVP on the Meetup Calendar, does that mean I am registered and I can just show up at the first day of class?
No! You must first register at Meetup.com (if you are not a member, please register here) and then you will receive a confirmation e-mail from Love-A-Bull once you have complied with every step on his page. It is NOT enough to bring your proof of CGC, medical records, payment and registration form to class.
What do I need to bring to class the first day?
All dogs must be on leash during class, and you should bring along yummy, soft treats (bring plenty!!) and no dogs can be on a choke chain. We suggest a Martingale collar (1″ width), such as the one pictured to the left. Leashes must be no more than six feet. Please also wear comfortable, no-slip shoes, such as sneakers.
Is there anything else I should know?
Yes, your dog must be spayed or neutered to participate. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, and you would like assistance in having your dog fixed, please contact leala@love-a-bull.org.
