Sean Moore spent 13 years fighting dogs, and by his own admission, did everything else you’ve heard that dog fighters do, too.

As a boy, Sean was intimidated on the streets and in alleys by older kids-the bullies in the neighborhood-who used their German Shepherds to threaten, scare, and chase those without dogs that might protect them.  The choice for young teens walking in their own neighborhood can mirror the choice presented to many adults with pit bulls.  Fight or else.

Just last summer Julius Birdine had been harassed by someone trying to get him to fight his dogs.  When he wouldn’t comply, the man hit one of the dogs, Birdine stepped in and took his two dogs up the stairs of his house. That’s when he was shot in the back.  The shooter left and returned in minutes and shot him twice in the head. His 10-year-old daughter and wife were in the house.  The toll dog fighting takes on communities is immeasurable, preventing them from being safe, welcoming places to raise a family and have a good life.

There are moments in life when you can choose to lead or continue to follow.  Moore has decided to lead.  He now walks the streets to stop the kids who were like him.  He’s proud of working as a partner with his dog after graduating from the Pit Bull training program, and as part of the team with the Humane Society to help end dog fighting.  Hear Moore’s story in his own words at the end of the article.

Jeff Jenkins, Lead Trainer, Pit Bull Training Team has been around before the beginning of the HSUS backed program.  He was busy with exhibitions performed with his Pit Bull, Lola, in a “circus” act, showing how smart, trainable, agile, and athletic the breed is to the youth at the St. Charles correctional facility, city schools, and park districts.

He got involved with this program when he dropped off a CD of what his training did for Pit Bulls at Anti-Cruelty. He said “I’d like to do more for these dogs” and left the CD at the desk.  Elliot in Outreach saw what he could do, called, and put him in touch with Tio Hardiman and the two of them put their heads together.  They tested their program ideas over a 10-week period at Jim Morgan’s training facility, Chicago Canine Academy.  The results were solid and Tio presented the idea to HSUS.

Jenkins has designed a physically demanding regimen of training that requires as much from people as it does from dogs.  He develops the character, strength, and physical abilities of Pit Bulls, taking them to a level of fitness, obedience, and health that owner’s finishing the course are justifiably proud of.  It is not a course for sissies!

Saturday classes at 3334 W. Carroll are divided into pre-class worthy dogs not ready for a class full of other dogs, followed by a beginner’s course, then the advanced, and followed by individual work with troubled dogs, and particular situational issues that need to be corrected.

Right now a 104lb Pit Bull who has never been outside or around people is one example of serious need.  Jenkins gets results in 10 minutes for what to him are simpler issues.  People who have been unable to get their dog to mind, stop pulling the kids down the block with the leash, and aggression on leash have shook their heads in amazement when suddenly their dog understands what’s acceptable behavior and what isn’t.  Walks become fun and uneventful, and the dog doesn’t need to be locked away when company comes.

Jenkins says passing laws won’t stop dog fighting. But showing people how desirable, and fun, it is to have a Pit Bull that is well-trained, obedient, loyal, fit and healthy is a road to a well-developed and completely different relationship with these dogs.  It’s changing the face of the community, one dog owner at a time.

Jenkins is active in the Austin and Engelwood areas, the latter of which just secured a church location:  Liberation Christian Center, 6810 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60636 thanks to Pastor James E. Dukes.

Strong leather leashes and collars with quality clasps and buckles are always needed should you wish to donate. You can contact Jeff Jenkins at jeffj@midnightcircus.net

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Part III, featuring the Pickett brothers, founding participants in the End Dog Fighting program, breaking up dog fights and working the streets, and passionate about changing the reputation of Pit Bulls.

“If  You’re Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too” was the headline that caught my eye over at Science Daily.  I had to laugh.  I mean, I know there’s a lot more behind the study than the headline, and often the headline is not really an accurate description of what follows.  But it seems so obvious!  I’ve seen so many dog situations where people prove themselves to be the cause of being threatened or bitten by dogs.  Especially children.

Kids like to yell and flail their arms about when playing and that looks like a threat to many dogs, because it’s “crazy” behavior and confuses the dog.  That’s what happened when a friend brought his kids over for a visit.  The youngest son started acting silly, as kids do, and at first I thought nothing of it.  Then I saw the hair on the back of my Springer Spaniel’s neck stand up and his shoulders visibly lowered, his neck extended forward, while his gaze was absolutely focused on the boy.  That was the point at which I said “Dickens, come!” and I could see his focus change, but only slightly, as his body relaxed somewhat.  It had all happened so fast.  I took hold of his collar and we walked into the bedroom where I turned on the TV and settled him in, shutting the door on my way out.  That was close!

The Science Daily article, as it turns out, was not really “as advertised” in the headline.  The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine  study reports that aggressive dogs cannot have the aggression trained out of them by using harsh training methods.  When positive training practices were used, like extra walks or treats, very few aggressive behaviors were reported.  Starring a dog down or taking threatening stances [and yelling] resulted in aggression, and dominance-based training methodologies coupled with punitive-based training techniques create a fear-based relationship that can turn into owner-directed aggression.

Summer is coming soon, and that’s prime time for dog bite incidents.  You can check Best Friends and ASPCA web sites and search for prevention information and basic lessons to teach your family about interacting with dogs.

Ever think you might have to give up your dog because of behavior you don’t understand, or that isn’t getting any better no matter what you do?  There’s a great little website dedicated to helping people just like you get the information you need in order to make an informed decision.

It is pretty thorough, given the abbreviated style of one short page per topic.  Working your way from the abc’s of training a dog new to your family life, to understanding and dealing with abused dogs, anxiety-based behaviors, and  allergies, it becomes clear that there’s some real depth here as you move across the layers of the site.  Lack of time problems are discussed, as are introducing children to dogs, how to add a second dog to the family “pack”, and what to do about your four-legged best friend if you are going into military service.

You might find something here that will give you hope, help you solve a problem, or help you keep your dog rather than letting frustration get the better of you.  If not, there is also information on safely rehoming your pet, with or without the help of a shelter.

I have to thank Horst Hoefinger of Dogster’s For The Love of Dog Blog, who has the helpful website listed as a resource–thanks!  Happy 5th Birthday to Dogster, by the way!

“Marley and Me” is to some a happy little dog movie you can take the family to, a nice bit of holiday fluff.  Puppies are always cute and these movies incite a riot of requests for the starring breed at shelters everywhere.  The other perspective is that movies like these often leave people with the impression that unruly, untrained, dogs are acceptable in the family home, or that somehow the new furry friend should just “fit in” with no help from the family. 

Training takes time, effort, money, and guidance from an expert with a resume and references.  It’s not something that should be ignored for the well being of the dog, the bonding that comes from understanding, and your own sanity.  For these reasons, the based-on-real-life Marley movie is the nightmare that runs through adoption counselor’s heads.  When people come to the shelter to adopt a dog that is completely opposite their lifestyle needs, and shelter personnel comply, a return is assured.  People want a Springer Spaniel because they have cute freckles and look pretty, or request another high-energy dog like a Retriever or Labrador, when the family works all day, the kids have gone away to college, and the parents are couch potatoes.  It’s a recipe for disaster.                                                   

Some city facilities put “returns” probability as high as 70%  within the first two years after adoption where no formal training has occurred, and adopters did not research breed characteristics first.  Puppies are cute for 6 months, and then, without training, getting bigger every day, dogs can become quite wild and destructive with no outlet for their natural genetic urge to hunt, retrieve, herd, guard, or whatever their breed’s purpose demands. 

The best answer is to do your homework before adopting any animal into your family.  Find out which breed you think fits your family schedule and determine who is in charge of training and what will happen if that person does not fulfill his or her job.  Choosing a furry family member is important as it will last for the life of that four-legged sweetie.   The ASPCA  has great information on behavior issues.  You can also check out Petfinder for shelters in your area, as well as information on adopting and preparing your house, your schedule, and your family members for the adjustment, and a dog and cat breed directory.  You will want to discuss your conclusions with the shelter of your choice and gather other information they have to offer.  Ask about area trainers.  If you are working with a well-run shelter, they will have a couple of suggestions with a short comment about training methods used.  HSUS has some basic positive reinforcement training information here.

Hope this helps the next time you adopt, or pass it along to someone who may need it.