A bedrock belief of Love-A-Bull is that responsible guardianship involves a commitment to strengthening the bond between you and your dog. To support our goal of helping all of our members to be model guardians of healthy, happy, well-behaved pit bulls, we offer FREE training to our dues-paying Meet Up members who are Proud Parents of dogs labeled as “Pit Bulls” (If you are not a member, join here: http://www.meetup.com/love-a-bull)!
Love-A-Bull is partnered with two trainers, Jessica Wilson and Crystal Dunn:
Jess Wilson is a certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialist, and AKC approved CGC evaluator. She had been involved with Love-A-Bull from its inception, but began teaching the free training class at Southpaws Playschool in May of 2009. When Jess joined the team she completely revamped and redesigned the training program, as well as adding an advanced obedience class tailored towards preparing dogs for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. Jess strives to customize her training programs and behavior plans for each individual dog’s needs and limitations.
Jess is the owner and operator of Austin-based K9 Savvy, through which she offers private lessons, behavior consultations, obedience training, sport training, CGC testing, and adoption consultations. K9 Savvy also offers training discounts to all dues-paying members of Love-A-Bull, and is able to travel to most homes in the Austin area for private lessons. Jess can be reached by phone (512-970-4047) or email (k9jess@gmail.com). Additional information can be found at www.k9savvy.com.
Crystal Dunn 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 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 Free Training Program
Should I take the Basics or the Advanced Class?
Basic Training will go over “Sit”, “Down”, “Stay”, “Recall” and “loose-leash walking,” among other basic commands. Advanced Training will ALSO go over “Sit”, “Down”, “Stay” (but will expect the dog to have had some background in sit and down). It will re-teach “Recall” and “loose-leash walking”; separation anxiety, and reaction to another dog. The goal of the advanced class would be that all dogs should be ready to take (or be working toward their Canine Good Citizen. All dogs who take this class should have had some basic training, BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT; THAT’S WHY IT IS A TRAINING CLASS! If your dog is under 10 months old, you should take Basics. If your dog is under 10 months old but feel your dog is ready to take Advanced, please contact k9jess@gmail.com for permission to take Advanced.
What is the Canine Good Citizen (CGC)?
Started in 1989 by the American Kennel Club (AKC), 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 pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
Where will the sessions take place?
There are sessions at Southpaws Playschool, 2324B South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 and Mud Puppies, 12233 FM 620 N. # 110-A, Austin, Texas, 78750.
How do I know when the next class will be?
All classes are four weeks.
There is a Southpaws Basics Class taking place May 27th, June 3rd, June 10th, and June 17th at 2:30, followed by an Advanced Class at 4:00 p.m. There will also be a Canine Good Citizen Test at Southpaws on Saturday, June 30th at 5 PM. THE ADVANCED CLASS IS CURRENTLY FULL.
The next Mud Puppies Basics Class will be May 6th, 13th, 20th, and the 27th at 6:00 p.m., followed by and Advanced Class at 7:15 p.m. These classes are currently CLOSED. The next Mud Puppies Basics Class will be July 22nd, 29th, and August 5th and 12th at 6:00 p.m., followed by and Advanced Class at 7:15 p.m.
Classes fill quickly. Please don’t delay in registering!
How do I register?
First, you must be a dues-paying member of Meetup. Dues must be paid each calendar year, and they are $25 per person.
You also must pay a $50 fully REFUNDABLE fee. This ensures that you will participate fully in the training program and are not taking a highly desirable space from someone, without the intention of working hard in class. As long as you attend all four classes on time, your $50 will be returned to you after class.
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. Please be advised that we will cash your $50 check and then issue a refund check of that $50, less any Paypal fees if you pay via Paypal. Paypal fees are typically $1.75 and are a cost we incur when you pay via Paypal. Moreover, unused deposits will become donations if you do not register for a class for more than six months.
Pay for Southpaws Online
Pay for Mud Puppies Online
Finally, you must fill out and return registration forms to attend this class. Click here for the forms. Email the completed forms to training@love-a-bull.org. You must fill out the Release form AND the form for the appropriate training facility (Southpaws or Mud Puppies). IF YOU ARE TAKING CLASS FOR A SECOND TIME, BE IT ADVANCED OR BASICS, YOU MUST SEND IN YOUR FORMS AGAIN. If you cannot email the forms, mail them to Love-A-Bull at P.O. Box 18792; Austin, TX 78760. YOU MAY NOT BRING YOUR FORMS OR PAYMENT TO CLASS. EVERYTHING MUST BE PRE-PAID AND MAILED/E-MAILED IN ADVANCE.
What else do I need?
Rabies is required by City Ordinance. Therefore, it’s required by Love-A-Bull. Do not bring your dog to class without a current Rabies vaccination, period. If you cannot afford a Rabies vaccination, and would like to take our class, see our resource page http://love-a-bull.org/resources/clinics/, or contact us for assistance.
What do I need to bring to class the first day?
All dogs must be on leash during class, and owners will need to bring yummy, soft treats (bring enough!!) and a no dogs can be on a choke/prong chain. DOGS MUST BE ON a Martingale collar (1″ width), such as the one pictured to the left. Leashes must be no more than six feet. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE IF YOU DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT COLLAR AND NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, ASK IN ADVANCE. Please also wear comfortable, no-slip shoes, such as sneakers. And also, be ready to have FUN!!
For questions about the training program, please contact us at training@love-a-bull.org.