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 Love-A-Bull members who are Proud Parents of dogs labeled as “Pit Bulls” – More information about membership here!
Trainers
Love-A-Bull partners with three trainers for our classes, Jessica Wilson, Crystal Dunn, and Maida Barbour.
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 in 2009. When Jess joined the team, she completely revamped 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 plans for each individual dog’s needs and limitations. Jess is the owner 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 for private lessons.
Jess can be reached at 512-970-4047 / k9jess@gmail.com / K9 Savvy.
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.
Crystal can be reached directly at 512-814-7297 / crystal@leapsnhounds.com / www.leapsnhounds.com.
Maida Barbour has been working as a dog trainer for Leaps N’ Hounds since 2011, and as an apprentice trainer for Texas Hearing and Service Dogs since 2012. She has a BA with Honors in Cognitive Theory and a graduate concentration in Information Theory, but credits her childhood work on farms and in veterinary clinics for her interest in improving communication between species. She began assisting Crystal Dunn in the Pit Crew classes offered 2012, as well as with numerous obedience classes, and training and behavioral work for private clients. She is a strong advocate for pit bulls, and lives with a service pittie. Along with Crystal, Maida is happy to offer training discounts to all dues-paying Love-A-Bull members, and can be reached directly at 512-206-0385, maida@leapsnhounds.com / www.leapsnhounds.com.
Class Information
All classes are 4 weeks. Classes may not be taken/registered for individually. All classes are taken as a series (typically once a week for 4 weeks). More information about additional, future classes will be posted as soon as available. Pay Love-A-Bull 2013 Dues (required for class registration)
Mud Puppies North » 620 N. & Lake Creek Pkwy. 12233 N. FM 620 , Austin, TX
North Basics will be TBD
Class start time TBD l Trainer - TBDNorth Advanced will be TBD
Class start time TBD l Trainer - TBDMud Puppies South » 2015 E. Riverside Drive, Bldg, 9, 78741, Austin, TX
South Basics will be May 12, May 19, May 26, and June 2
Class start time 5:30pm l Trainer – Jess W. -Registration is Closed-South Advanced will be May 12, May 19, May 26, and June 2
Class start time 6:45pm l Trainer – Jess W. -Registration is Closed-NOTE:
We do not accept registration paperwork in advance or “wait-list” for future sessions! We require those who register to verify they can attend the dates and times of the session posted prior to registering. If you would like to begin training immediately, there is a list of trainers on this page (scroll to the bottom) - All listed are trusted partners of Love-A-Bull.If session is not at capacity, registration will automatically close Day 1 of the training class session and no further registrations will be accepted.
How To Register
1.) Fill out and sign the Love-A-Bull waiver AND Mud Puppies form – Original signatures are REQUIRED! Click here for the forms.
• Email the completed forms to training@love-a-bull.org. You must fill out the Love-A-Bull Release form AND the form for the training facility (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/payment to class – registration & class deposit must be done in advance – no exceptions.
2.) Attach/send forms to training@love-a-bull.org
3.) You will receive a confirmation email advising that your information has been received and/or confirming class space availability.
4.) Pay the training class deposit and Love-A-Bull dues.
• You must be a dues-paying member of Love-A-Bull. Dues must be paid each calendar year, and they are $25 per person.
• You must pay a $50 fully REFUNDABLE deposit.
NOTE:
The class deposit 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 pay online by credit card or via Paypal or you can mail a check to Love-A-Bull at P.O. Box 18792, Austin, TX 78760. 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 about $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 Deposit – Mud Puppies NORTH
Pay Deposit – Mud Puppies SOUTH5.) You will receive a confirmation email from training@love-a-bull.org advising your spot has been saved for the class
Please Note: Due to the small facility size, it’s necessary to limit the class size to ensure the safety of all in attendance. Classes do fill up fast and it’s a first come/first serve basis for those who meet all the requirements as listed above so please register as soon as possible. Your registration is not final until you receive an email from training@love-a-bull.org confirming that your registration is complete.
Upcoming Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Tests
For more information about the Love-A-Bull CGC Program, please go to our CGC page
Love-A-Bull Hosted CGC Test - TBD
Date: TBD l Testing Starts: TBD l Cost: $15.00
Location: TBD
NOTE: This testing site requires advance registration and space is limited. To inquire about space availability/register, please contact training@love-a-bull.org Test fee is $15.00 per dog - cash or check only. Please bring testing fee to test location with you.
Frequently Asked Q&As
The Love-A-Bull 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. If your dog is under 10 months old, you should take Basics.
Advanced Training will focus on preparation for taking/working towards their Canine Good Citizen (see CGC page for more information). All dogs who take this class must have completed a basic training class. We recommend that all dogs taking this class be at least 10 months old. If your dog is under 10 mos, but you feel s/he is ready to take advanced, please contact training@love-a-bull.org for permission to take advanced classes.
Please note: While your dog may preform very well in your home environment, being in a class setting very close to other dogs, people, and interesting smells does increase the challenge factor and it can be overwhelming. If you’re unsure about which class to take, we recommend you air on the side of caution.
How do the class sessions work?
Typically, there are four classes per session. In order to get your class deposit back, you must attend all four classes. Classes can not be taken individually, and our classes are offered as part of a training series, only.
How can I be notified about upcoming classes?
Training classes are scheduled per the availability of the trainers and the facility we use. While we try to get this information out as quickly as possible, there are quite a few coordination points that must be approved prior to publishing dates and times. Joining our Meetup page (http://www.meetup.com/love-a-bull) is the best way to be notified about upcoming sessions.
Is there a class waiting list? Can I send you my forms before future class information is posted to save a spot?
No. Classes are offered on a first come-first served basis for those with complete registration packages (which must include all required forms with original signatures and registrants must be up-to-date on dues and deposit). AND, there must be class availability. Emailing your documents to training@love-a-bull.org is the fastest way for us to receive your information.
Classes do fill up fast, and, due to the small facility size, it’s necessary to limit the class size to ensure the safety of all in attendance. If you decide can not wait or have a preference to begin training immediately, please find the trainer contact info listed on the top of the page for their personal training options.
What happens if I mail my forms/funds for my spot but the class is full by the time you get my information?
You will be contacted via email (per the email you note on your forms) by training@love-a-bull.org to be advised the class has closed and next steps regarding your funds. It is highly recommended that you join our meet-up page to get immediate notification regarding future classes and when classes are open for registration http://www.meetup.com/love-a-bull/
Where will the sessions take place & what at what time?
Classes are typically held on Sundays – Class times are scheduled at the trainer’s availability.
Mud Puppies North Location is located at 620 N. & Lake Creek Pkwy. 12233 N. FM 620, Austin, TX
Mud Puppies South Location is located at 2015 E. Riverside Drive, Bldg, 9, 78741, Austin, TX
If I decide to re-take a class or move from basics to advanced, how does this work?
At the end of each class you will be contacted by our accounting team who will work through next steps with you and confirm refund eligibility and/or your request for Love-A-Bull to “hold” your deposit. To take a future a class, you must meet the criteria below:
• The class MUST BE TAKEN WITHIN 6 MONTHS
• Your membership dues must be up-to-date/renewed
• You must submit a new/updated Love-A-Bull waiver (original signature required) to training@love-a-bull.org or via mail
• You must submit a new/updated facility waiver (original signature required) to training@love-a-bull.org or via mail
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 Resources page, 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 no dogs can be on a choke/prong chain.
• DOGS MUST be in 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!
The classes sound like they’ll be helpful, but I really need some help with a specific behavioral problem or managing my pack dynamic – What should I do?
If you are dealing with a behavioral problem or pack dynamic, we can recommend several local (Austin-area) trainers. Please contact them directly for more information and next-best steps.
Jess Wilson
512-970-4047 / k9jess@gmail.com / www.k9savvy.com
Crystal Dunn
512-814-7297 / crystal@leapsnhounds.com / www.leapsnhounds.com
Specializing in:
- Puppy training, potty training, kennel training
- Destructive Behavior, Jumping, Counter Surfing, Digging
- Recall (come), treating flight risk issues
- Leash Training and Heel
- Hyperactivity
- Resource Guarding
- Separation Anxiety & Isolation Anxiety
- Fear / Confidence Building
- Leash reactivity / Dog or Human Reactivity
- CGC and Therapy Dog Prep
- CGC Certification
Aaron Hedberg
512-736-6919
Specializing in:
- All types of aggression, human and dog/dog. Pack dynamics, introducing new pets into the home.
Sam Tabar
caninebehaviorconsultant@gmail.com
- Canine Behavior
- Obedience Training
- Pack Dynamics
For questions about the training program, please contact us at training@love-a-bull.org.