The Pit Bull Training Team, off to a Great Start |
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February 2, 2009
End Dogfighting in Chicago gives would-be fighting dogs and their people a much more constructive alternative: agility training and positive reinforcement on the Pit Bull Training Team. Jeff Jenkins, lead trainer on the Pit Bull Training Team, shared highlights from the first four sessions. For the latest news, read the current Pit Bull Training Team journal.
March 28, 2009
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| Jaylan and Aaron are the PBTT's newest young, promising members. ©The HSUS |
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We stumbled across our two newest team members, 12-year-old Jaylan and 14-year-old Aaron, in a vacant yard behind a boarded-up, foreclosed house where they were hanging out with their dogs.
The dogs were in fair shape, with no obvious signs of fighting, so we asked them to join us on our walk. We set them up with appropriate leashes and collars (don't even ask what they were using).
They stuck with us the entire night, and they even showed up at class on Saturday.
They had a great time and are looking forward to the next class.
These two kids and their dogs have so much potential—just the kind of guys we're trying to reach. If we can keep these two young men engaged we will have definitely scored one for the good guys.
March 16, 2009
Charlie is this week's newcomer: Darius' little 6-month-old brown dog, named after Charlie Brown. Charlie impressed me with his happy but calm temperament while spending his first class working with Bolo and Congo, two hundred-pound, excitable male dogs who feed off each other's energy.
Charlie spent the majority of his time sitting back and learning how to act while other dogs are working. He showed some fear at first on a few small jumps and a crate. By the end of class, Darius was able to get Charlie to put his front paws up on the crate and hold there happily. He was also able to get him over both the small and medium jumps. It may not seem like much, but they were all huge steps for this dog's first day in class. I expect good things from this group.
Congo, as always, strode into the room pulling Gerry behind him, barking at any dog that moved. I ran Congo through the course a few times. To to my surprise, this big steamroller of a dog easily nailed every task. His focus was on me the entire time, even with his partner in crime, Bolo, sitting in the corner nearby.
Once Congo calmed down a bit, Gerry stepped in and easily ran him over every aspect of the course—including the large A-frame, which he had never done before. Congo looked much more confident and relaxed than ever. Since I last saw this duo four or five weeks ago, they've definitely been doing their homework.
Congo's finest moment, though, came while Bolo was working on the course. At first, Congo would bark and pull whenever Bolo started to move. With a little distraction, Congo focused on Gerry instead of Bolo, and Bolo completed the course multiple times without Congo barking. I never thought I would see the day where Congo stayed relaxed while another big male dog ran the course.
March 7, 2009
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Red and Terrence are proving to be a dynamic duo. © The HSUS/Jenkins |
The two-class structure is paying off. The young dogs work in a room full of dogs of similar ages and skill levels, making it a much more fun and playful environment. The owners benefit too, as we are able to spend more individual time with each team and work at a slower pace.
There is also more time for questions and discussions on feeding, vaccinations, spay/neuter, etc., without the worry of boring the older dogs or owners.
Red was the first to arrive this week and she was a different dog. On her first day in class, she was very fearful and aggressive at times. This week, Red came in like she owned the joint, tail wagging and eager to please. Red and Terrence participated fully this week, moving around the room, over the jumps and up and over the A-frame. Red finished with a nice controlled sit, looking to Terrence for a treat and some praise. Terrence is letting his guard down, genuinely praising Red and having fun.
February 28, 2009
Blood and Mike were back in class and eager as ever. Mike commented that when he gets within a block of the training center, Blood starts to go crazy with excitement.
Mike really stepped up his handling this week. He is figuring out how to encourage Blood without causing Blood to lose focus. He's also learning how to defuse Blood when he crosses the line, without being too heavy-handed. Overall, it was a great class for Blood and Mike this week.
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DeeShawn and China impressed the class this week. © The HSUS/Jenkins |
As for the older dogs, we are continually impressed with China and DeeShawn. Once again, DeeShawn rose to the occasion when China was a bit hesitant on the large A-frame. With words of encouragement and enthusiasm, he gave her the confidence to conquer the daunting obstacle.
DeeShawn also surprised us with terrific recall: With China perched atop the box after tearing through the agility course, DeeShawn gave her the "stay" command and walked to the end of the room. As China held her perfect stay and DeeShawn started to head back to her, DeeShawn suddenly stopped and and called out, "China, come!"
China leapt off the box, ignoring every dog in the crowded room, and ran directly toward DeeShawn, striking a perfect sitting pose at his feet and staring up at him intently. Of course, we all went wild as DeeShawn stood there with a big "now, top that" grin on his face.
February 25, 2009
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Bolo made lots of progress, in spite of a dicey reaction to the other dogs. © The HSUS/Jenkins |
Our new two-class structure was well worth the effort to get it going.
The younger, less experienced group worked during the first hour. The biggest benefit here went to Blood—or should I say Mike. They make quite a pair, Mike standing six and half feet tall and Blood just breaking six and a half inches. Blood responded wonderfully to the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere in the younger group.
Blood comes from a long line of fighting dogs, so it is crucial that we get him socialized and obedience trained early. Blood had a terrific class from the get-go. He was holding his stays while other dogs ran by, and Mike did a great job of keeping Blood focused in an upbeat way. Blood also had his best day so far on the agility course.
We all had a good laugh when Blood completed the agility course and Mike dropped to floor to praise him. Blood ran full speed and did a flying dog drop right on Mike's head. They rolled around together on the floor celebrating until they were both out of breath.
China and her owner DeeShawn also performed better with the new schedule. DeeShawn tends to hold back when the room is full of large, loud dogs—and large, loud guys, for that matter. So the calmer dynamic really suited him and China.
There was one crossroads moment. China was holding back, not terribly confident as she approached the A-frame, and DeeShawn would half-heartedly try to get China up and over it. I told DeeShawn he needed to empower China and make her feel like she could fly over that A-frame. The half-hearted attempts were doing more harm than good.
DeeShawn took a moment, reset himself, and took off with China, much more energized this time. As he approached the A-frame, he yelled "China, let's go," and she did. Up and over the six foot A-frame, two jumps, a ladder, a twelve-foot tunnel and a perfect sit-stay back on the box. DeeShawn showered her with praise and, of course, treats.
The new schedule also helped the older group. With the smaller class size, we could concentrate on the more challenging dogs.
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Jeff greeted Tyson, Bolo's "big brother." © The HSUS/Jenkins |
Bolo's problem is staying focused when the other dogs are moving around. Training Bolo alongside more advanced dogs allowed us to keep him working in a productive way, instead of having to remove Bolo from the room, which we have had to do a few times. By the end of the day, Bolo managed to sit still while two of the younger dogs wrestled a few feet away. This would not have been possible a few weeks ago.
In fact, Greg treated us to a special visit. He couldn't wait to show us Tyson, Bolo's big brother, shown above. Keep in mind that Bolo weighs in at a solid 95 lbs.
Another good week in the Austin neighborhood.
February 2, 2009
Congo came up from the south side with his owner Pooh. Congo is about two years old, male, un-neutered and highly dog aggressive. Pooh is 16.
We cleared the room before Congo made his Austin debut. For the first twenty minutes, Congo was on edge, well aware of Bolo in the next room. Working with Congo was no easy task, as he is not particularly connected with people. I chalk this up to his lack of socialization and human contact as a pup.
Eventually, Congo settled in and started to engage me and wag his tail a bit. Once he realized he could trust me, and Bolo was not a threat, he really kicked it in.
We ended each agility run with me on the ground and Congo licking my face and mugging me for more treats. Congo got to the point where Pooh could work him and Greg could work Bolo in the room together. As long as Greg and Pooh were on their game and the dogs were engaged all was good in Austin.
January 6, 2009
Mario was back in class with his dog Snoop. He showed up right on time as promised and Snoop was wearing the leash and collar I traded him last week for the tow chain and padlock.
Snoop was distracted and very vocal for most of the class. I instructed Mario to have Snoop sit next to him and observe class for a while. This proved to be a challenge for both. About halfway through class I worked with them. Mario started to find his rhythm and Snoop calmed down a great deal once she had a chance to move. If they stick with us, Snoop will be a solid dog.
Bolo was definitely wound up by Tyson. It was very clear the moment Tyson walked into the room that he and Bolo were not going to be friends. Greg was growing impatient with Bolo, so I had them step away for a portion of the class. Bolo and Greg stayed after class for some extra work, which sent them home on a high note. The change in Bolo is really something. He used to literally drag Greg around the room; now he is working with and for Greg.
I have high hopes for Bolo passing the CGC in the near future.
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Tyson, right, had a lot to learn, but he responded well and Anthony was pleased. © The HSUS/Jenkins |
December 28, 2008
A new dog showed up for class number 8 in Austin. Tyson is a 16-month-old male pit owned by Anthony, a Hispanic man. I mention this because the class is starting to become more ethnically diverse, which is a good thing as the neighborhoods are racially segregated.
We are starting to reach more people in more places, regardless of race.
Tyson, named after Mike Tyson, lived up to the name. I got him fitted in a new collar and leash, as the ones he came in with looked as if they were going to snap with one more lunge. Tyson set the rest of group off as Bolo did last week. I spent the first ten minutes working Tyson and showing him and his owner Anthony how we expect the dogs to behave in class. Tyson responded extremely well, and Anthony and his girlfriend were thrilled.
Honey was back this week with Omar. She is really growing up nicely. Omar has really stepped his game in class and at home. I sent Omar home with a big orange cone last week to put in his living room, since Honey was afraid of it in class. Well, she is not afraid of orange cones anymore: she shredded it by the third day.
This was a good example of exposing a dog to things they fear so that they do not become fear biters.
Honey, like Beyonce, is great when she is working and has the potential to get aggressive when she is not. To keep Honey and Beyonce in check without being confrontational, as they were very worked up by the introduction of Tyson, I placed both of them in down-stays in the middle of the room. They lay down by their owners and facing each other, as the other dogs took turns running and jumping. After a few minutes and several attempts to bite the other dogs, they figured it out and were generously praised. Then they were allowed to run the course themselves.
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Terrell got CeCe started right by putting him to the test. © The HSUS/Jenkins |
December 13, 2008
Shawn and Beyonce continue to set the bar high. Antoine stopped by to check out the competition. He and Shawn have a great relationship that is both friendly and competitive. Antoine was impressed, even though he won't admit it, by Beyonce's progress.
Shawn, of course, never missed an opportunity to brag in front of Antoine, which made for a lot of fun in class. It also helped bring the others out of their shells.
Little Terrell and CeCe continue to improve. CeCe is quite a handful and Terrel is stepping up every day. Our challenge is to get Terrell to be more openly affectionate to CeCe in class. He has no problem showing affection after class, he is just a bit shy in front of the group.
December 5, 2008
Fourteen-year old Terrell, a regular at the Carroll Care Center, took in a dog several weeks ago. His dog CeCe joined us in class for the first time this week. They were both very excited and did great.
Terrell is part of our long-term strategy: Engage, educate and inspire the kids now, before they start abusing and fighting dogs.
November, 2008
Honey is a new 6-month-old dog and fantastic at agility work. She's one of the best in class, with absolutely no fear. She will jump over anything, tear across the ladder and attack the A-frame with reckless abandon.
Honey will also bite anyone who pulls on her leash. My sense is she was bred from a fighting line of dogs. I am glad we got her in class before she gets too big. If they stick with us she will train great. I really like this dog—lots of fire.
Kutty is back after a two-week absence. Kutty is a big male, highly aggressive, and it was too dangerous to have him join the class this week. I stayed an hour after class and Kutty, Bolo and their owners made nice progress. I will do the same next week in hopes of getting Kutty worked into the class in a few weeks. The challenge with Kutty is that he goes after other dogs, and when you try to stop him he turns on you, and he means it.
Time will tell.
September, 2008: Session Four
Class started with several returning members and several new dogs.
Diva, handled by 16-year-old Darrius, was back in class. She has always been a good, energetic dog, but a bit young to handle serious obedience. Now, Diva is starting to mature very nicely. Diva is making great strides because Darrius has been consistent in his attendance and is really stepping up in his handling. Diva may be ready to test for her CGC by the end of the session.
August, 2008: Session Two
This class was standing room only. The Carrol Care Center felt small for the first time since we started the program. I suppose this is a good thing; everyone likes to play to sold-out crowds!
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George and Red demonstrated how to do a jump. © The HSUS/Deir |
August, 2008: Session One
It was clear from the get-go that Trouble cannot afford to miss any classes. Tamaris had school commitments that took him away from class for two weeks.
In order to keep things safe and sane, I have to spend some extra time with Tamaris and Trouble this session.
By the time Trouble joined us last session the other dogs were reasonably well behaved—not the case this time. We have two others giving Trouble a run for his money. My plan is to get Tamaris and Trouble to class early each day for some additional work.
July, 2008
Coco and Antoine: Another team that passed in a big way. In fact, Antoine is asking for an advanced pit bull class for the dogs who are at a higher level...something to think about.
Coco has so much fun in class, and the bond she and Antoine have is really special. When Antoine left the room for three minutes as part of the test, Coco sat there like a statue staring in the direction Antoine exited. I don't even think she blinked.
June 29, 2008
Trouble and Tamaris were late this week because of a family commitment. They did stay after class and we worked for a good half hour inside and out. Trouble continues to make solid gains week after week. When you work Trouble in a room without dogs he is amazing. When you throw a few other pits in the mix, you see instantly the toll that years of fighting have taken. The key is to keep him focused and working. Once he has free time he is looking for a fight.
Shawn continues to bring Jigga to class, which is a real treat. Often Shawn and Jigga will demonstrate the newest training challenge and they always rise to the occasion. I don't know who is prouder of himself, Jigga or Shawn. It reinforces to the rest of the teams how good their own dogs will be if they stick with the program.
June 23, 2008
There are some real standouts among the dogs and handlers in the class. Antoine and his dog Coco have come a long way and are on track to pass the Canine Good Citizen test, or CGC, with flying colors. The biggest change is the way Antoine lightened up and got much more affectionate with Coco. This class opened his eyes to a more positive approach to training.
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Antoine and Coco were proud of their Canine Good Citizen certificate. © The HSUS/Jenkins |
It is really something to see Antoine, who is not a small man, drop down and get silly with his dog after a series of hurdles, as the rest of the class applauds.
The team that best highlights the need for this type of program is Tamaris and his dog Trouble—or as he spells it, Truble. Trouble is about 3 and Tamaris is 15. The first time Tamaris brought Trouble into class everything came to a screeching halt. It was clear Trouble had been fought, a lot.
I spent the next several weeks right next to Tamaris during class, intercepting Trouble as he made his move toward other dogs. Frequently we had to remove Trouble from class for the safety of the other dogs. Tamaris spent much of the time with his eyes cast to the floor, one hand in his pocket and the other on the leash. Tamaris would barely speak above a whisper if you asked him a question.
Now, I am proud to report that Trouble and Tamaris are participating fully in the class. Tamaris has found his voice, calling out commands crisply and confidently as he and his dog navigate the room. They are also able to train with us outside in the neighborhood. There is not a chance in hell that Trouble will pass the CGC anytime soon, but if we can have this effect on all the dogs and young men in the program it will be time well spent.
Panting for more? Get the details about Jeff Jenkins and the End Dogfighting series of programs.
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