Training and Rehab - The Pit Bull Image

Anyone who truly knows , understands that as a company we are really a family of people committed to the health and welfare of every dog, whether in our immediate care or in the external community. Our philosophy of creating positive experiences for as many dog and owner teams as we can extends throughout our business – from training to grooming to retail – and we believe that each and every dog should be evaluated on their own merits, as individuals.

In the community, many of our staff are active volunteers and fosters for dog rescue groups or welfare organizations. It is also our goal to be influential leaders in the care, training and rehabilitation of dogs. To do this we share our knowledge, experience and insights with everyone from the client who walks in our front door – to the shelter worker trying to save as many dogs as he can – to the trainer in Iowa who needs help understanding the fear aggression issues of a client's dog.

K-9 Coach, and in particular our owner Amber Burckhalter, has been involved in the rescue, assessment and rehabilitation of many, MANY dogs over 13+ years – of almost any breed you could think of!

In that regard, Amber was recently invited by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT – the dog training industry’s biggest professional group) to contribute an article about her experiences, leadership and insights into appropriate and effective processes for evaluating and rehabilitating pit-bulls.

These much abused, maligned and media-centric dogs are rescued from illegal breeders and fighting rings, or are simply brought into shelters as strays or owner surrenders. Amber’s article aims to educate and advise other trainers, shelter workers and the general public on best practices when handling intake for these dogs, and in determining whether individual dogs are suitable pets.

The attached report from the APDT Chronicle is the first of a 3-part article on The Pit Bull Project.

What are your thoughts on pit bulls? Do you think they're accurately portrayed in the media and pop culture? Tell us in the comments.