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TRAINING CLASSES

 

The media has not been kind to “pit bull” dogs.  As a result, the reputation of the American pit bull terrier and pit bull dogs has been tarnished and the dogs and their owners have suffered significantly.  Because of the current hostile environment in which we live, owners of “pit bull” dogs must be more responsible than the average dog owner.  There is no room for error.  Each individual dog represents the entire breed/type of dog when in public.  Consequently, owners must ensure their dogs are well behaved in public and represent the entire breed/type of dog positively.

It is up to us, as responsible dog owners, to restore the reputation of the “pit bull” dog.  For the Love of Pits® urges all pit bull owners to train your dogs to be well-behaved in public and to be ambassadors.  For the Love of Pits wants to help owners of “pit bull” type dogs who are otherwise not able to afford training or who merely want to train your dogs in a nonjudgmental, friendly and supportive environment. 

As a result, we offer training classes for owners of “pit bulls.”  Our classes will help you and your dog better communicate.  Your dog will be better behaved in your home and in the community as long as you are willing to work with your dog for at least 15 minutes a day.  The primary goal of For the Love of Pits is to have each pit bull attending our classes to become Canine Good Citizen ("CGC") certified.  As you may already know, under the current City of Cleveland ordinance, if your dog is CGC Certified, you are exempt from the vicious dog requirements, which requirements can be costly and difficult to satisfy. 

We offer three separate classes (described more fully below), each of which builds on lessons from and cues learned in previous classes. 

Basic Obedience Classes

As we are all too aware, canines and humans do not speak the same language.  Owners expect their canines to listen and obey; however, canines do not understand what it is their owners are asking them to do.  For the Love of Pits’ basic obedience training is taught by a volunteer trainer who teaches basic skills and communication methods so that dogs are set up for success and owners understand how dogs learn.  This class helps owners and canines better communicate with each other by providing cues both dog owners and their dogs understand.  This class will prepare owners and their dogs for handling classes.  Please be prepared to spend at least 15 minutes per day working with your dog.  If you cannot commit to at least 15 minutes a day, please do not sign up for classes.

In this basic obedience class, you will learn how to properly use a clicker and you will be provided the skills to teach your dog the following cues:

"Sit"
"Watch"
"Down"
"Stay."    

Each session of basic obedience classes is 4 weeks. 

Handling Classes

For the Love of Pits also offers handling classes for owners of “pit bull” dogs.  These classes will help you and your pit bull learn how to be a better team.  Your dog will learn how to behave on leash and learn self control around increasingly intense distractions.  You'll learn safe, humane handling skills so your dog can be a canine ambassador in any situation. 

In the first class, we will discuss leash manners, available training aids and proper use thereof, basic obedience, socialization, responsible ownership and basic problem solving.

Each session is 6 weeks.  Please be prepared to spend at least 15 minutes per day working with your dog.  If you cannot commit to at least 15 minutes a day, please do not sign up for classes.

Please make sure you are able to attend all 6 classes.  Missing a class or not showing up sets back the entire class because we need all participants to accomplish the end goal.

CGC® Workshop

These classes are taught by certified dog trainers who offers her services free of charge.  These trainers so kindly volunteer to help For the Love of Pits accomplish our goals and help us show the world our canines are amazing dogs but still just dogs!

If your "pit bull" dog is already basic obedience trained and is good on leash, take the next step and get your dog Canine Good Citizen® ("CGC") certified.  The AKC's CGC program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The CGC Program is a two-part program that emphasizes 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.  YOUR DOG MUST BE BASIC OBEDIENCE TRAINED TO ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP!

As previously stated, “pit bull” dogs and their owners are under a microscope these days and it's extremely important for “pit bull” dogs to be well-behaved in public.  These classes will help prepare you and your dog for real world situations.

Before enrolling, please review the CGC evaluation items on the AKC website to determine if your dog is ready for this class:  http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm.

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PLEASE BE A RESPONSIBLE OWNER!!!

 

 

Click on the links below to learn
detailed information about classes.

Basic obedience classes

Handling class
Canine Good Citizen® Workshop`