Sunday, August 26, 2012

Incred-A-Bull

  
After the loss of their two dogs in 2009, Jesica Clemens, founder of Incred-A-Bull, and her husband, Michael Gardner went to the local shelter to adopt a dog.  The thought of getting a pit bull had never entered their minds.  They did not want the stigma, the liability, or the stereotypes that went along with owning a pit bull.

As they searched the local shelters they began to realize that pit bull type dogs made up the majority of the residents. 
It became obvious that if they wanted to adopt a dog who needed a chance at a good life, it had to be one branded as a pit bull.  

That's when they adopted Duke, a 2 year old, labeled by the shelter as an American Staffordshire Terrier.  After adopting Duke their first "pit bull mix", Jesica and Michael felt like many other bully owners, an obligation to change the general public’s perception of these underdogs in any way they could.  Duke changed the direction of their lives forever.



Early in 2010, Jesica's love and dedication to this misunderstood group
of dogs lead her to leave a career in real estate to pursue her passion, working with dogs.  She developed an affinity for the bully breeds.

She founded Incred-A-Bull in 2011.  The idea was simple: a group solely dedicated to repairing the image and educating the public of Clark County on dogs commonly labeled "pit bulls".  To fight breed discrimination through education, advocacy, and low cost services.  The mission soon became, "To dispel the myths and hysteria surrounding pit bull type dogs".


After obtaining their 501(c)(3) non-profit status in July of 2011 and throwing a kickoff celebration, things slowly started coming together for Incred-A-Bull.  Volunteers starting working away, ideas became realities, and they quickly started making an impact in the Las Vegas Valley.  First and foremost was educating the public by focusing on the major misconceptions of the breeds, connecting people to breed friendly housing, and helping people to become more responsible owners.

Our Mission:

  • To restore the positive image of pit bull type dogs through education, advocacy and low cost, accessible services. Securing equal treatment for all dogs, regardless of breed or type.

Our Vision:

  • Be part of creating a community where dogs are seen as individuals and are treated as such.

  • Bring about a drastic reduction in the number of healthy dogs who are euthanized due to lack of homes through education and accessible services.

  • Be a source of reliable information, fostering respect and compassion for the pets of our community.  



In October of 2011 Incred-A-Bull joined forces with the Heaven Can Wait clinic and began their groundbreaking subsidized spay & neuter program "Fix-A-Bull" for Pit Bull & Pit Bull mix type dogs.  The program offers a low flat rate to local dog owners who want to have their dogs fixed, but may be unable to afford the surgery without financial assistance.  Incred-A-Bull has worked hard to be able to provide one of, if not the lowest rate for spay and neuter surgeries in the Las Vegas area. To date over 80 dogs have been fixed thanks to the subsidy program.

Being pro-active encompasses much of the work done by Incred-A-Bull through their Owner Support/Community Outreach program. "Many times we are contacted by owners who want to surrender their dogs due to issues they are having, which most of the time have very simple solutions," explains Clemens.  Since the group does not operate as a rescue, they offer support to those willing to put in the effort required to keep their dog(s).

A dog named Roxy is a prime example of how Incred-A-Bull is helping keep dogs out of our local shelters and rescues by educating well meaning owners. 



    Roxy’s owner contacted the group looking for someone to take the dog and find her a new home.  After inquiring about Roxy’s situation, the group learned that despite living with a family that includes two active teenage boys, Roxy was not being exercised.  Being an active dog with no stimulation, Roxy, who was left outside most of the time, was channeling that energy into destructive behaviors which were jeopardizing her living situation.  


    So volunteers were assembled and went to visit Roxy and her family.  During the consultation, Incred-A-Bull volunteers provided hands-on education for the family on the basics of walking Roxy in a controlled manner, as their reasoning for not doing it in the past was that she pulled.  Incred-A-Bull also recommended the use of the family’s treadmill as an additional tool to exert Roxy.  Additionally, the volunteers provided Roxy’s family with an appropriate leash and collar for walking, as well as a flirt pole to use as an exercise alternative.
    Flirt Poles are available at Mugsy & Moxie's!

    Because the family was open to having Roxy in the house more often, training and a crate were donated to the family.  Education and the proper tools given to Roxy and her family are just an example as to what the Owner Support/Community Outreach program offers to owners needing help.  Some of the other items offered through this program include food, shade structures, dog houses and other things that work to improve the quality of life for dogs and their owners in our community.

    While the Fix-A-Bull and Owner Support/Community Outreach programs  are their major contributions to the community thus far, Incred-A-Bull also has a meet up group that schedules regular meet up events with the purpose of getting well behaved bullies out in the community to show everyone that these types of dogs are just dogs, like any others.  

    Although the goal of the group is to change perceptions about pit bull type dogs, they welcome all kinds of dogs, and their owners.  Join them today! It’s free and there is no obligation to attend outings.

    With all the ongoing education and events, a top priority for the group right now is getting signatures for a petition in support of the proposed revision to NRS 202.500. The revision to the statute that addresses dogs considered to be dangerous or vicious would add language making it unlawful to enforce or enact any measure based solely on the appearance or perceived breed of a dog. In a nutshell, it would prohibit Breed Specific Legislation, also known as BSL in the state of Nevada. So far Incred-A-Bull has collected over 2,300 signatures in support of the bill’s revision and will continue to do so until the bill is brought before the Assembly in the 2013 Legislative session. Want to support their efforts? Sign the petition here: http://www.change.org/petitions/nevada-legislature-revise-nrs-202500-to-make-breed-discrimination-illegal-in-nevada

    The local group is also actively working on building their community education/outreach programs and is especially looking for volunteers with any CGC or certified therapy pit bulls or pit bull mixes.  For those with dogs who are not yet certified, but show potential, Incred-A-Bull will pay for their dog to go through certification testing, provided that the handler can commit to participating in at least one outing each month.  If you are interested in taking part in this program, please email info@incredabull.org

    Incred-A-Bull is run solely by dedicated volunteers, they pay no salaries, and all donations are used to keep their programs up and running.  All donations are tax deductible, and they accept both money and merchandise that they can resell. Incred-A-Bull is always looking for more special people dedicated to restoring the image of such a beloved breed. If you are interested in volunteering please contact them today!


    Mugsy & Moxie's Bully Couture is proud to support Incred-A-Bull as one of their offical Non-Profit Charities.
     
    We carry their products and ALL FUNDS go directly back to the organization.




    "Jesica is a driving force and intelligent business woman behind her organization.  We are proud to support Incred-A-Bull.  It's a true, honest and organized Non-Profit that we all need to personally thank as they fight breed discrimination and educate the uneducated on Pitbull type dogs.  I personally respect her; the All-American girl with brains, beauty, passion and substance....she should be wearing the cape.  A true animal hero".
    Dee Mounts CEO/Co-Owner 
    Bo & DeeMo & Mugsy& Moxie's Bully Boutique
     

    Friday, August 10, 2012

    Body Talk - K9 Zen of Danny Chavez


    Imagine suffering from allergies in your environment; severe enough to face death numerous times as a young child.  
    Growing up on a four acre property is heaven for most children, yet Danny Chavez’ Father had to sell their beautiful property, move into a small house in the city of Bogata, Colombia to minimize his son’s allergy issues. 

    Growing up Danny had a fearful childhood living in Colombia; along with his illness, his Mother would coddle him and became very over protective, which made his fears worse. 

    Danny shares,  "In Colombia, people were abusive and mean to dogs.  As a child, I witnessed dogs being thrown from two story buildings into the middle of the street.  Motorcyclists kicking dogs while driving by.  People killing dogs then eating them in front of other dogs.  It was violent and disrespectful."

    Danny had always felt a deep connection with animals in general.  He wanted to know the reasons why they behaved in certain ways and most of all how he could learn to communicate with them and gain a certain bond.  Because of his life experiences he bonded with a pack of dogs.  

    He moved from Colombia to Orlando, Florida where he learned how to train and communicate with dogs from Ed Reyes, a police dog trainer. 
      
    He had just finished getting his dog training license and thought he knew it all.  Then he lost his dog Hooch for the simple reason that he was not his leader.  Something across the street sparked Hooch's attention, he ran and the leash slipped from Danny’s  hand and he could not stop him Hooch was hit by a car and died on the way to the hospital in the back seat of Danny’s car.  Danny shares tearfully, “I still have guilt, my heart is still broken over Hooch.”

    In Loving Memory Of Hooch
    It was at that point that he decided to dedicate himself to help others communicate with their dogs.

    Danny’s Training Methods are based on three things...

    Influence, Trust and Respect!

    INFLUENCE: 
    Everything, every situation, every emotional feeling you have influences your dogs. 

    TRUST: 
    Gaining the trust of the dog is an important step.  If the dog doesn’t trust you, the dog will not follow you, or your commands. 

    RESPECT: 
    The human MUST respect the dog as a DOG.  "I'm not a fan of equipment.  There are so many collars available to the public, but owners must learn how to use them AFTER they have successfully done the three most important actions:  Influence, Trust and Respect".

    During our interview, we all sat around the room with a room full of dogs discussing "Danny’s Way".  As King Mugsy Malone jumped up on Danny there were no words or oral commands to correct Mugsy.  Danny made slight body movements talking to the bulldog through energy.  In a matter of seconds, Mugsy left Danny’s space and respected him.  It was like magic really.  Seven dogs belonging to three different people and the room was "balanced" and "peaceful".

    Danny’s Analogies:
    This will help you understand his philosophy so that you can be a leader to your dog.

    Leash: 
    The leash is like the umbilical cord from Mom to baby.  Everything she feels, eats and drinks directly effects her baby without words or oral communication.  Learning how to hold the leash and transfer your commands without speaking to your dog is amazing.  But you are “speaking” through how you are feeling or your energy.  Slightly tugging to correct or tell the dog what you want is barely a movement and a quick reaction from the dog.   


    Please watch Danny in action!
    Controlling the Dog: 
    People are taught to be forceful in voice, even verbally abusive to train your dog. Danny states, "Controlling is not fixing the issue.  From the moment you meet any dog, you must ignore and through your energy demand respect from the dog.  This will make your training more positive for all".   


    Please watch Danny in this video


    Correcting the Owner: 
    Go back and remember when you were a kid.  Your Dad had already punished you for something you did, but Mom comes in and argues with him in front of you.  Remember the feeling?  Hum, I can "work" Mom easier to get what I want, but Dad is staying strong! But whatever he says doesn’t mean much because Mom is overriding him! ... Oh MY!!!  Danny says, "Never come in and correct the owner in front of the dog".  The dog gets confused, just like you did when your parents were contradicting themselves in front of you.

    Activity: 
    It’s simple really.  Doing activities, physical exercise for twenty minutes before training will give you the upper hand and respect from your dog.  You have just released "excitement", fulfilled the dog’s need of exercise and they are ready to listen to you.

    Issues:

    What to do before you "Fix"
    1. Must get the dog to follow you… literally.
    2. Mind/Body connection first.  Structured exercise or walk establishes leadership to the dog.
    3. Equipment - True communication is without the leash or collar.
    4. Nature - Nature is forgiving, has wisdom and demands respect.  You can accomplish this with patience.
    5. Pitch - Be careful of the pitch in your voice.  High voice excites the dog, Angry voice confuses the dog etc. 

    Danny... "The foundation I believe in is to teach dogs and people to communicate with each other.   It’s simply building a relationship between you and your dog using the most important building blocks Trust, Respect and Leadership".

    I believe if you earn your dogs trust and respect this can help you bond with your dog easily and quickly. With bonding, comes understanding your dog’s mind and getting to know him or her and vice versa. 

    These are one of the main reasons I don’t believe in using force and intimidation on your animals.  It will only make things more difficult and you will be missing out on gaining a true friend that we all call "Man’s Best Friend".

    Dee Mounts, Co Owner with husband, Kevin Mounts of
    Bo & DeeMo’s retail store, Mugsy & Moxie’s Bully Couture asked Danny to teach a free session to their customers who needed to "see" Danny’s Way.  "It was so successful, Danny & I decided to book an event each month.  At least for a while, so dog owners can learn how to become positive leaders through communication", Dee states. 


     A few students listening to Danny
    share his "way" in the August class.

     
    Cody, showing Danny respect!
    Danny getting to know Dozer & Cocoa along with the rest of his class.
    Jeff, the Boston Terrier has all eyes on Danny!

     
    Dee Mounts CEO/Co-Owner 
    Bo & DeeMo & Mugsy& Moxie's Bully Boutique

    I work with many dog trainers, Danny has a real connection with animals and his training methods fit many dog owners concerns:  Gentle Training.  Witnessing Danny “talk” to dogs solely through body language to correct behavior is amazing to say the least.  He is a talent we had to write about and share his gift with our customers and fans.  I love working with him and refer many clients. Danny has a magical connection with animals.  I had to write a story about his amazing gift. Everyone who hires him has only great things to say about their experience.  100% positive feedback on trainers is very rare!

    Wednesday, August 8, 2012

    The Review Journal

    King Mugsy Malone Las Vegas celebrity bulldog and face of our company Bo & DeeMo's makes the front page of The Review Journal Business section! Look at him "owning" the store "Mugsy & Moxie's Bully Couture!


    http://media.lvrj.com/images/7401561-2-4.jpg
    Read the full article: Market LV

    Sunday, August 5, 2012

    Las Vegas Weekly

    King Mugsy Malone stole the heart of Steve Marcus the Las Vegas Weekly photographer in this article! Go Mugsy! It's a Bully Thing!