Programs: Education

Our popular free and low cost PIT ED CLASSES run weekly in Berkeley every Saturday. Participants work their dogs hard and learn basic handling skills, dealing with breed traits and responsible ownership protocol. Awarded by the American Humane Association in 2006 for Best Practices in Behavior and Training. More Info on Pit Ed Classes

A look at BADRAP's partnership with The City of Berkeley

Free CGC COACHING CLASSES help intermediate handlers and their dogs pass the Canine Good Citizen Test. Certified dogs make better breed ambassadors. More Info

OWNER SUPPORT AND
COMMUNITY OUTREACH

BADRAP partners with east bay agencies to assist under-resourced communities in quarterly 'Shots Fairs.'

Volunteers offer free training, behavior counseling, spay/neuter vouchers, leashes/collars, microchips and general support to pit bull owners. MORE INFO

Some of our regular destinations:
Richmond
East Oakland
Watsonville
and Vallejo.

PARTNERS IN SHELTER SERVICES

BR works with its sister org, Animal Farm Foundation to help shelters around the country create solutions for the pit bulls in their community, specifically viable education/adoption programs for their sheltered pit bulls.

Pit Bull Hall was a three year long project that brought attention to the pit bulls at East Bay SPCA. Five BR-owned dogs rotated through the shelter's kennels as an example of ambassador dogs. Free materials educated hundreds of visitors each year. For more info on: Partners in Shelter Services

PIT ED CAMPS

We offer a busy, six day breed intensive designed to help animal care workers gain a deeper understanding of breed issues. Tailored to animal welfare professionals who desire hands-on experience with selecting, training, housing and placing pit bulls from a shelter environment.

Camps are small (5-8 attendees) and take place inside bay area shelters and include a day at BR's popular Pit Ed training class. Alumnae Campers receive follow up support as they embark on new and improved programs back home. Camp Info

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

BAD RAP travels extensively to support shelters in their efforts to create viable programs that support pit bulls in their shelters and in their communities. Our presentations focus on understanding breed traits, assessing pit bulls for adoption programs and working with the challenges of housing and training sheltered pit bulls. Also: working with volunteers and screening/educating homes for permanent, successful adoptions.

Our educational mission reaches the general public through the power of the Internet. Our popular and informative website averages 3000 visitors a day. A large team of volunteers work behind the scenes to answer questions and give help to hundreds who need breed specific advice and referrals.

Outreach Events at Pet Fairs and other venues bring BAD RAP's educational mission to the streets. A dedicated body of volunteers handle demo dogs and answer questions. The BR 'CGC Drill Team' shows off impressive obedience skills to audiences at larger events throughout the bay area. More Info

BR offers Dog Safety Classes to city employees that interact with dogs.

Rescue

BR's successful Foster Care Program serves as a model program for pit bull placement. Selected dogs are home fostered, trained and socialized by pit bull experienced volunteers. Once ready, our 'ambassadors' are offered for adoption to quality, breed educated homes. Nearly 450 pit bulls and pit crosses have found a second chance at life via this program. More Info

Assessement and Rescue Support. BAD RAP travels extensively to support shelters, law enforcement and federal authorities by evaluating pit bulls from cruelty cases, namely fighting situations, and provides disposition recommendations to agencies and courts. Wherever possible, BR works to coordinate the transfer of pit bull victims of cruelty to appropriate adoption programs for further observation and adoption. Download BADRAP's Professional Resume for information.

Owner Support

BR members enjoy free training, online help and discussion, and an understanding network of pit bull owners who can support them during these trying times. Members participate in parades, education events and social get togethers. Many organize dog play groups and enjoy the camraderie that can only come from hanging out with like minded souls!