http://lsspbc.com/blog/2009/06/03/its-over/

There are -a lot- of them! We came out pretty well thanks to the work of many hardworking people.

The state legislature has adjourned til 2011. Local laws, however, may require our attention in the meantime.

Be sure to sign up for our [...]]]> In order to keep all updates in one place, I summarized all the bills here-

http://lsspbc.com/blog/2009/06/03/its-over/

There are -a lot- of them! We came out pretty well thanks to the work of many hardworking people.

The state legislature has adjourned til 2011. Local laws, however, may require our attention in the meantime.

Be sure to sign up for our e-mail list (see CONTACT) page so you will be notified when it is time to write and call legislators.

http://lsspbc.com/blog/2008/12/27/frisco-tx-added-to-list-of-cities-wanting-bsl/

2009 is a serious matter, folks. I cannot emphasize this enough.

Living outside the city [...]]]> On another website I manage, I have been updating a list of all the cities in Texas that have publicly said they want BSL, have passed resolutions asking to be allowed to have BSL, or have included BSL in their legislative agendas:

http://lsspbc.com/blog/2008/12/27/frisco-tx-added-to-list-of-cities-wanting-bsl/

2009 is a serious matter, folks. I cannot emphasize this enough.

Living outside the city limits may not offer protection, as counties are asking to be allowed to pass breed-specific legislation as well.

I am in regular contact with the treasurer of the Endangered Breeds Association, who lives in Oklahoma, and even though it has come up before, passing a bill to allow BSL in Oklahoma does not seem to be in the forefront as it is in Texas. However, if anyone hears anything please contact me right away. A bill to allow BSL in Florida has been introduced which means that it could always happen anywhere.

Representative Tony Goolsby writes in his letter that “Numerous cities and counties have expressed a desire to enact municipal ordinances to ban or regulate breed specific dogs primarily Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds [...]]]> The Texas Attorney General’s office has been asked to issue an opinion regarding whether or not Breed-Specific Legislation actually is legal in Texas.

Representative Tony Goolsby writes in his letter that “Numerous cities and counties have expressed a desire to enact municipal ordinances to ban or regulate breed specific dogs primarily Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Doberman Pinchers [sic].”

OK, so why is it wrong to let the cities and counties decide?  A patchwork of local laws would limit the freedom to move within Texas. How would tourists and other travelers know which of our 254 counties may have breed restrictions? This includes:

• Families who travel with pets.
• Pet owners taking their dogs to or through certain cities for medical care.
• People attending dog shows, tracking, herding, agility and other competitions. Cities in Texas will have difficulties attracting large events, due to the risk of dogs being seized.
• Hunters, many of whom use bull breeds to legally hunt the invasive and damaging feral hog.
• Assistance, therapy, search & rescue, tracking, police and military dogs. All kinds of breeds and mixes serve in these capacities. Search and rescue teams will avoid traveling through or going into certain areas, which slows down disaster response. Out of state teams will hesitate to come to Texas when needed for large disasters, such as hurricanes.

To some, any short-haired muscular dog is a “Pit Bull” and any black-and-tan dog a Rottweiler. Even if a law allows working dogs or dogs in transit a defense from prosecution, no one wants to risk having a beloved family pet, show dog, or highly trained working dog seized and impounded pending a hearing from a judge.

Breed-specific legislation does not improve public safety, which is why it is opposed by the Humane Society of the United States, the SPCA of Texas, the American Veterinary Association and many more expert groups. The culture of Texas has a unique respect for individual and property rights. We consider our dogs members of our family, but legally they are also our property. It is un-Texan to limit where millions of law-abiding Texans may move, simply because a very small number of irresponsble dog owners make the headlines.

Where: Waterloo Lake Park (in the large pavilion overlooking the lake – same side of the park as the National Guard Armory) 1101 Waterloo Lake drive Denison, TX 75020

*********IMPORTANT***********

In order to ensure safety for dogs and people, the safety rules will be strictly enforced. The complete rules are here: http://texomabullybreed.com/wordpress/events

-Children [...]]]> When: Saturday, November 15 at 2PM

Where: Waterloo Lake Park (in the large pavilion overlooking the lake – same side of the park as the National Guard Armory)
1101 Waterloo Lake drive
Denison, TX 75020

*********IMPORTANT***********

In order to ensure safety for dogs and people, the safety rules will be strictly enforced. The complete rules are here: http://texomabullybreed.com/wordpress/events

-Children must be under the direct control of a parent or adult guardian at all times.
-The owner needs to be able to focus 100% on his or her dog. Which means that cell phone use, smoking or other distractions may lead to an accident.

Please Bring:
1. A secure buckle-type collar (no quick-release snaps). A 4 foot or shorter leash is highly recommended (Flexi or any leash longer than 6 feet is not safe). Or have a knot in your 6 foot leash and don’t use the whole leash. A crate is a really good idea. Dogs can’t be tied up in a public area. I don’t expect to see anyone using a chain as a leash or collar, but I have in other places – but just in case? this is not OK.
2. Your dog should wear his rabies tag, ID tag and city registration tag (if applicable). Carry the vaccination records just in case of an emergency.
3. Treats and water from home and dishes.
4. Poop bags – we will leave no doody behind! We must keep the area nicer than how we found it, or the venue will not allow us to return.

Please don’t bring:
1. Puppies under 4 months old, or any dog who is not fully vaccinated. Another dog may have left parvovirus in the grass, where it can live for months. Puppy sales are not allowed, regardless of age.
2. Females in heat.
3. Any human-aggressive dogs, period.
4. Any dog you cannot control. We don?t expect a bunch of obedience champions, as we are here to learn, but if cannot control your dog safely please start with private lessons before public events. If being in a park full of other bulldogs is overwhelming for your dog, there is nothing wrong with taking him home and starting more gradually. We have at least one professional trainer in our group who will be glad to suggest some next steps for you and your dog.
5. Anything that you wouldn’t want your grandma to see you wear. Expect to see the media and members of the general public at our events.
6. Alcohol is prohibited in public parks. Don?t bring anything you wouldn’t want your grandma to see you with, either.

We will be reaching out to the community at Petco [...]]]> Pit Bull Awareness Day was a wonderful experience, and we are so thankful to PetCo for allowing us to set up our information table. We met many wonderful bulldogs and their people, as well as many responsible dog owners willing to help us fight Breed-Specific Legislation.

We will be reaching out to the community at Petco at the Sherman Town Center with an information table from 10AM – 2PM.

Volunteers welcome! Please come by and say howdy! Due to the high-traffic location, we are only bringing 1 dog, who is a registered therapy dog.

Our objective is to join bull breed owners all over the country to raise awareness of dog owners’ rights and responsibilities, given that the 2009 legislative session is right around the corner and many cities have expressed the desire to ban specific dog breeds. We want to let other bull breed owners know that there is help and support for their training and socialization questions right here in Texoma.

Location: PETCO: 4184 Town Center Sherman, TX 75092 (at 75 and 82).

Map & Directions

Read here for more info on Pit Bull Awareness Day.

Clinic and Picnic!

Bring a covered dish, drinks or dessert for the picnic.

The clinic is presented by Shelton, from the Texoma Club ADBA club here in the Gainesville area. All equipment is provided. Try out pulling and find out about how you can use pulling just to exercise your dog at home, or [...]]]> Weight Pull

Clinic and Picnic!

Bring a covered dish, drinks or dessert for the picnic.

The clinic is presented by Shelton, from the Texoma Club ADBA club here in the Gainesville area. All equipment is provided. Try out pulling and find out about how you can use pulling just to exercise your dog at home, or compete. If there is enough interest we can start having fun pulls here in the Sherman-Denison area.

When: Sunday, July 13 6:30 PM

Where: Waterloo Lake Park (in the large pavilion overlooking the lake – same side of the park as the National Guard Armory)
1101 Waterloo Lake drive
Denison, TX 75020

Click for a larger version of the flyer:
  or .pdf file: texbbo_julevents 

Who should come: All bull breeds and their people. We also welcome other “targeted” breeds

Why: Meet other bully people, help keep our dogs legal in Texas and Oklahoma!

*********IMPORTANT***********

In order to ensure safety for dogs and people, the safety rules will be strictly enforced. The complete rules are here: http://texomabullybreed.com/wordpress/events

-Children must be under the direct control of a parent or adult guardian at all times.
-The owner needs to be able to focus 100% on his or her dog. Which means that cell phone use, smoking or other distractions may lead to an accident.

Please Bring:
1. A secure buckle-type collar (no quick-release snaps). A 4 foot or shorter leash is highly recommended (Flexi or any leash longer than 6 feet is not safe). Or have a knot in your 6 foot leash and don’t use the whole leash. A crate is a really good idea. Dogs can?t be tied up in a public area. I don?t expect to see anyone using a chain as a leash or collar, but I have in other places – but just in case? this is not OK.
2. Your dog should wear his rabies tag, ID tag and city registration tag (if applicable). Carry the vaccination records just in case of an emergency.
3. Treats and water from home and dishes.
4. Poop bags – we will leave no doody behind! We must keep the area nicer than how we found it, or the venue will not allow us to return.

Please don’t bring:
1. Puppies under 4 months old, or any dog who is not fully vaccinated. Another dog may have left parvovirus in the grass, where it can live for months. Puppy sales are not allowed, regardless of age.
2. Females in heat.
3. Any human-aggressive dogs, period.
4. Any dog you cannot control. We don?t expect a bunch of obedience champions, as we are here to learn, but if cannot control your dog safely please start with private lessons before public events. If being in a park full of other bulldogs is overwhelming for your dog, there is nothing wrong with taking him home and starting more gradually. We have at least one professional trainer in our group who will be glad to suggest some next steps for you and your dog.
5. Anything that you wouldn?t want your grandma to see you wear. Expect to see the media and members of the general public at our events.
6. Alcohol is prohibited in public parks. Don?t bring anything you wouldn?t want your grandma to see you with, either.

The class is 5 consecutive Saturdays at 10:00 AM. July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 12.

Michele takes a 100% positive approach. This is great for bull breeds because as we all know, they are much stronger than we are and trying to use [...]]]> Canine Good Citizen Class Especially for Bull Breeds starts Saturday, JULY 12 2008!

The class is 5 consecutive Saturdays at 10:00 AM. July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 12.

Michele takes a 100% positive approach. This is great for bull breeds because as we all know, they are much stronger than we are and trying to use intimidation and physical force is counterproductive. You will train with other bully owners in a comfortable and supportive environment. Does your bulldog lose focus at the sight of other dogs, birds, etc? Does he act up and embarrass you? Well, we have been there because we are bulldog people too.

COST: The cost for the 5-week class is only $60 which includes the training collar. For safety purposes and to comply with the AKC test rules only the approved training collar may be used. The going rate for these classes is $100 and the collars alone are usually $10.

TEST DAY: Saturday, August 12, 2008, same time and place.

Location: Super K-9, in Denison, not far from the Sherman Town Center.

The only extra fee for the test is $5 for the optional certificate ordered directly from the AKC.

On test day, there will 4 independent AKC-certified evaluators present. The cost for the test only (if no class is taken) is $10.

If you are not familiar with CGC, the info is on the American Kennel Club website-
http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm

This is all on-leash, and is basic obedience and socialization. We believe that all bulldogs should be able to meet this basic threshold, even those who are dog aggressive.

We have seen laws passed and insurance companies that give protections to dogs with the CGC (i.e., when muzzle laws are passed, CGC holders are exempt), so it is a good thing to have just in case. Plus it is a huge feeling of pride for you and your dog.

Thanks again for your support of the dogs!