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 (If you are not a member, join here: http://www.meetup.com/love-a-bull)!
Love-A-Bull is partnered with Jessica Wilson, a Triple Crown trained local trainer with experience with all kinds of dogs. She is patient, knowledgeable, flexible and pit-friendly — and is eager to embark on this special opportunity with us. Ultimately, we want ALL of our dogs to be Canine Good Citizens. Jessica is also available for private lessons and gives discounts to all Love-A-Bull members who are up to date on their dues. Jessica’s website is www.k9savvy.com and she can be reached at 512-970-4047.
Questions and Answers About the Free Training Program
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?
Each session will take place at Southpaws Playschool, 2324B South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704.
How do I know when the next class will be?
Each class will be one hour in length, once a week for 4 weeks. Please check our calendar for each session at http://www.meetup.com/love-a-bull/calendar/ .
How do I register?
First, you must be a dues-paying member of Meet Up. Dues must be paid each calendar year, and they are $20 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.
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. If you cannot email the forms, mail them to Love-A-Bull at P.O. Box 18792; Austin, TX 78760.
If I RSVP on the Meet Up Calendar, does that mean I am registered and I can just show up at the first day of class?
No! You must first register (see above) and then you will receive a confirmation e-mail from a Love-A-Bull staff person. It is NOT enough to bring your dues, deposit and forms to class.
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 their rabies vaccination records to the first class along with yummy, soft treats (bring enough!!) and a no dogs can be on a choke chain (we suggest a Martingale collar http://www.petedge.com/Guardian-Gear-Martingale-Collars-TP330.pro) or a braided nylon slip leash/collar (these can be hard to find so you may want to stick to the Martingale). Leashes must be no more than six feet.
For questions about the training program, please contact us at training@love-a-bull.org.