Bad Rap : Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit bulls

Pit Bull Friendly (Pit Experienced!) Trainers in the Bay Area

These dog obedience trainers come with recommendations by the pit bull owners in the bay area. If you have a favorite trainer, please let us know. Training methods and levels of breed experience can vary by trainer, so you might want to ask for references or sit in on a class before committing. NOTE: Dog-on-dog aggression within this breed is NORMAL and shows up in varying degrees in most pit bulls -- especially when a pit bull reaches maturity (14 months on up). While it can't be 'cured', most pit bulls can learn to have perfect leash manners around other dogs.

Helen Marie Capps - Vallejo Dog Training Club - BAD RAP's own trainer, Linda Chwistek, raves about Helen's classes. She uses a mix of techniques to bring out the best in every dog. Check her out for your pooch! Helen Marie Capps

John O'Conner - Martinez - 'Euro-training Kennels' John evaluates & trains dogs with behavioral problems referred to him from Veterinarians and Humane Societies throughout the Bay Area, from the Animal Behavior Departments of UC Berkeley and of UC Davis. (Warning: $$$) See his site at: Euro Training Kennels

Rich Mason - South Bay. He teaches out of 'DogSkool.' Group classes are much more reasonable than private lessons. NOTE: Rich uses compulsion training (ie force training), which can be hard on some dogs. We suggest watching classes before committing time or money. DogSkool.com

Dave Deleissegus - South Bay. May be a help for extreme cases of dog-dog aggression. NOTE: Dave uses compulsion training (ie force training), which can be hard on some dogs. We suggest watching classes before committing time or money. 831-663-0459

Mike Wombacher - Peninsula - His business name is 'Doggone Good' and he's comfortable dealing with dog-dog aggression issues. NOTE: Mike is especially helpful guiding parents who have dog/kid issues at home. (Warning: He's somewhat pricey and very busy) 415-437-0848

BAD RAP's Award Winning Classes:

1. Pit Ed Class
In Berkeley - As part of our mission, we offer a hands-on class which focuses on helping pit owners understanding pit bull specifics, dog-dog tolerance levels, and fostering better communication between the dog & owner.
NOTE: Because of all the dang pit bulls out there these classes tend to run very full with a waiting list for new dogs.
To sign up for the next session, link to: Registering for Pit Ed

2. BAD RAP CGC Coaching - Berkeley - Does your pit bull already have decent manners? If you want to shine up your handling skills to help him pass the CGC test, check out Linda Chwistek's Coaching Class. Linda loves the breed and has helped numerous folks certify their little muscle head. CGC Coaching Class
BAD RAP was proud to receive the American Humane Association's 2006 Award for Best Practices in Behavior and Training. Classes are kindly sponsored with a grant from PetSmart Charities and Kate Heike Memorial Fund.

Training Links to help you better understand your dog:

The TOP 10 TIPS for dealing with Problem Behaviors in K9s.
Several Links for: Training & Behavioral Issues
Have a New Puppy? Read About: Puppy Raising
Yes, many BAD RAP members choose Prong Collars over other training collar options when teaching new leash manners to adult dogs. Read why they're a humane option for pit bulls: Prong Collars
Properly fitting a Prong Collar on your dog:
Read About: Prong Fitting
Great info for learning how to teach your dog Basic Obedience:
Read About: Lures & Timing
Good info on living with Dogs & Cats

Free & Cheap Spay and Neuter Resources

IMPORTANT: Spay/Neuter your Dog !
to curb territorial aggression, to prevent certain cancers, to prevent more (and more and more) unwanted puppies, and to prevent your dog from roaming.

Below:
FREE Spay/Neuter Resources
in the East Bay:

East Bay SPCA PIT FIX Program

Two clinic locations: Oakland & Dublin

FREE for pits & pit mixes owned by
residents of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

To qualify, you must have proof that you live in Alameda or Contra Costa County. A current Drivers License or California ID with your address on it is acceptable. Only surgery related procedures are included for free. Vaccinations, medications, other treatments, microchipping and/or procedures are at the owners expense.

Call 1-877-4 PIT FIX or 510-639-7387

Berkeley Residents: FREE Spay/Neuter to All Berkeley Pit Bulls!
Link here to learn how it works: Berkeley SNYP Program

Friends of Fairmont Animal Shelter FOFAS
(510) 816-0954
2700 Fairmont Drive
San Leandro, CA 94578

FREE spay/neuter for pit bulls. Call (510) 816-0954 or e-mail paigeforce@aol.com to request a FREE certificate. Proof of residency in Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, or unincorporated areas of Hayward or San Leandro is required. Please call for availability. CERTIFICATES are LIMITED.

Hayward Friends of Animals Humane Society (HFofA)
(510) 886-7546
PO Box 3986
Hayward, CA 94540

Spay/neuter for pit bulls is FREE. Call 510-886-7546 to request a certificate. Surgeries are performed on Tuesday only.

Low Cost Spay Neuter in the South Bay

The Nike Animal Rescue Foundation (NARF)
(408) 224-6273
P.O. Box 26587
San Jose, CA 95159

FREE spay or neuter at participating vets. This program is available to anyone...there are no financial qualifications that you have to meet. If you want a FREE coupon, leave your name, phone, address in Box 1 on the NARF phone line. 408-224-6273

Be prepared to provide the following information:

Your name

Dog's name, age, sex, and breed

Your phone number

When your request is approved, you'll be mailed a coupon to take to one of the participating vets.

These unwanted puppies were a sad casualty of the overpopulation crisis. Please help spread the word: 'Stop the Littering ~ Spay and Neuter.'

Humane Society Silicon Valley S/N Clinic
(408) 727-3383.
2530 Lafayette Street
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Pit Bull Spay or Neuter $90-$120 depending on weight
HSSV Spay Neuter

Palo Alto Animal Services
(650) 496-5933
3281 E. Bayshore Rd.
Palo Alto, CA 94306

http://www.papd.org/animal/health/index.html

Low Cost Spay Neuter (S/N) in the North Bay:

FAIRE (Friends of Animals In the Redwood Empire)
FAIRE offers low cost s/n for residents of Sonoma County, Petaluma, Marin, Kenwood, Schellville, Penngrove, Rohnert Park and Cotati.
Call 707-579-SPAY FAIRE

The Humane Society of NAPA County
Low cost s/n and shots: Humane Society of NAPA

Low Cost Spay Neuter in Contra Costa County:

Low Cost S/N through Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation
ARF will spay/neuter all pit bulls, male or female, for $20 for Contra Costa residents!
Thursdays only by appointment. You must drop off between 7:30-8:00am.
To make an appointment: ARF Spay Neuter Programs
Check in about: ARF Spay Neuter Programs

Contra Costa County Animal Services Dept. offers low cost S/N and Shots. For prices and info, visit: Check in about: Contra Costa S/N Programs

East Bay SPCA Pit Fix
1-877-4 PIT FIX or (510) 639-7387
Two clinic locations: Oakland and Dublin

The East Bay SPCA offers FREE spay or neuter surgeries for pit bulls & pit bull mixes owned by residents of Alameda & Contra Costa County.

Low Cost and FREE S/N in Sacramento,
Auburn, Roseville, Folsom, Diamond Springs, Citrus Hts.:

Free and Low Cost: Sacto Area S/N Programs

Low Cost S/N in Southern CA:

Low Cost S/N through DAWG - A small no-kill shelter in Santa Barbara
"It Pays to Spay" program for pit bulls and pit mixes. Owners will recieve free surgery, shots and a microchip. Yay DAWG!
5480 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA. 93111
Phone is 805-681-0561
DAWG's Website

Low Cost Shots for Your Dog

In the City

Pet Food Express
371 West Portal
SF, CA
(415) 759-1400
Low Cost Shots/Worming Meds
Saturdays 10am - 11:30
and Sundays 12:30 - 2pm

Petco
on Sloat
SF, CA
(415) 665-3700
Low Cost Shots/Worming Meds
Sundays 3pm - 5pm

Low Cost Shots in the East Bay

Oakland SPCA
Vaccination Clinic
(510) 639-7387
8323 Baldwin Street
Oakland, CA
(No appointment required)
Monday - Saturday
9:00 am - 12:00 pm / 2:00 pm-4:00 pm

PetVet Petfood
4814 Broadway
Oakland, CA
(510) 652-9822
Low Cost Shots/Worming Meds
Call store for times

PetFood Express
Rockridge Store
5144 Broadway
Oakland, CA
(510) 654-8888
Low Cost Shots/Worming Meds/Microchips
Call store for times

Low Cost Shots in the South Bay

Silicon Valley Rescue Spay and Neuter Clinic
(650) 592-7827
1137 Laurel Street
San Carlos, CA 94070
Low Cost Innoculations

Palo Alto Animal Services
(650) 496-5933
3281 E. Bayshore Rd.
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Low Cost Innoculations/Microchips

An-jan Pet Supplies
Monthly low-cost vacination clinics at their stores. Visit:
http://www.anjan.com/home.htm

Pit-Friendly Doggie DayCare and Boarding

K9 to 5 in San Franciso
K9 to 5 is great for young pit bulls. The play groups can be loud and rowdy, so make sure your dog is able to deal with LOTS of stimulation.
90 Welsh Street in SF
(415) 227-4729

Alta Vista Veterinary Clinic - Hayward
For boarding. A fellow pit bull owner told us, "It doesn't look like much. The dogs are kept in runs, and it doesn't look like the ritz. BUT... and this is the huge but... They love their dogs - Including pits. It's also really cheap.. you might want to check their current rates, but it was one of the best deals that I found. My dog was excited about going every time. There was just one time that I had to board her somewhere else (because Alta Vista was full)... it cost twice as much, and was AWFUL. When I picked her up after 4 days, she had bloody stools for two days. When I called them to complain, they said that it was the "stress of seeing me". Sophie's gone back to Alta Vista ever since then". 27641 Mission Blvd, Hayward CA 94544
Phone: (510) 537-3562

Bark Park Inc - Redwood City
A doggy day care center and boarding facility
840 Sweeney Ave, Redwood City, CA 94063 Phone: (650) 365-6521

PetCamp - SF
525 Phelps St., San Francisco, CA 94124 Phone: (415) 282-0700

Canyonwyck Kennels - Walnut Creek
This kennel accepts pit bulls including dog aggressive pits, after an initial meeting to make sure that they can handle your dog. All dogs get walked separately.
2225 Tice Valley Blvd - Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
Phone: (925) 934-4090
$19 a day
Other suggestions:
VCA Bay Area Pet Hospital on Shattuck and Telegraph in Oakland and VCA Bay Area Lammers in Richmond. They each do well with pit bulls and will give your dog a treat-stuffed kong ball everyday (you provide) to keep her from getting totally bored.
Don't forget to check in with your own vet to see if they do any boarding. My vet (Claremont Vet Hospital in Oakland) loves my pit bull. She's crazy about this place because all her human friends are there - She wags and whines whenever we drive near it.