Sundays are always best when Bully Project is involved! We were so excited to see a packed lawn of pitties and their owners.
And the Bully Project team – Kelly, Ann, Katherine, Julie – was ready! We had two separate classes this round because we had such a great response! In addition to the hands on volunteers, Bully Project couldn’t do it without the help of Animal Farm Foundation (treat pouches and more!), Deja Foundation (leashes and collars) and our graphic design helper, Michelle A.! And thanks to all who donated to our cause, which enabled us to purchase some non-aversive training tools like Easy-Walk harnesses and Gentle Leaders. (Jennifer has been calling Josh the Easy-Walk pusher – everyone who didn’t have one, got one!)
Some students were familiar faces like Gertie and her folks who tried out our tricks class in the Fall. When we first met her, she was a super excited, newly-adopted dog. Her parents came super prepared – yummy treats, treat pouch, gentle leader and clicker!
Gertie working with her dad
Some folks came from other boroughs, like Debo – who is just 6 months old – and his friend Manolo, who came from the Bronx! Both dogs quickly liked “working” as both families listened to Ann King, our trainer. The class started out with “focus.” Sounds simple right? Dog looks at you, give a treat. Well, it’s not quite so simple when you are outside, in a new space, with 10 other dogs, and you are right next to the enclosed dog run! But our teams did fabulously! Sometimes, when working with some harder behaviors, we brought out the big guns – no not electronic-collars, but yummy turkey and cheddar cheese!
Debo and his family.
Manolo and her mom
We were excited to have another friend join us: Dosa, a sweet pup who is a “charter member” of Big Apple Pittie Pack! She is such a happy girl! And, we loved seeing how excited her parents got when she started doing “down” on the grass!
Dosa and her family
Our oldest dog at class – yes, old dogs can learn new tricks! – Mac, is not only a sweetheart, but a true survivor. He is very lucky that he found his mom, Ina, a vet, when he needed rescuing! Hopefully, we can dedicate a whole post to him and his amazing story! (And, we were lucky, because she offered to answer anyone’s health questions after class!)
Mac and his dedicated mom
We were also happy to Bleu, who is the exact type of dog that will benefit from a class like this. Her owner is dedicated and smart. Bleu is a very excitable adolescent who can’t visit the dog park and needs additional outlets for exercise and stimulation. This team worked from a distance to keep Bleu under threshold. Training class is great opportunity for this team to practice with a group (dog teams and Bully Project team) that understands and can help!
One of the great things about Bully Project class is that everyone can work on a different need and we will help! Some teams just need to fine-tune behaviors with distractions, others are working from scratch and some practice being calm in a class situation. One thing all the teams share: they are dedicated!
Bleu
There is so much to say about this great group of dogs and people! We hope to share more stories as the class continues. In the meantime, here are some more pics:
Manolo and Gertie
Harley
Dosa
Debo
And that was just the 10am class! More on the 11am class tomorrow!
Im so jealous! This is so cool! When is the next class. DOSA IS SO BIG!
Next class is this coming Sunday, but it’s all full! Our next 6 week session will begin in May.
I was in the dog park and able to see both classes. The dogs and their families are inspiring. There are a few I know from the area, and some new faces.Everyone I chatted with after classes felt they had learned something, and had a better idea of what to work on with their dogs.Can’t wait to see them again.
good work!
That looks like my dream come true! Sounds like great work all around- I love seeing all those focused faces!