MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The best thing to help you decide if LARPBO is something that can help you is to hear from those who have already found success with us. So below is what our members have to say about what we do to build relationships between our members and their dogs and the friendships that have been forged in the process. With our training classes, swimming/dock diving classes, agility, CGC, packwalks and public events we hope that we have something to offer everyone and we’re always working on growing.

Kelly: (previously an out of state member) My dog Roxy (an AmStaff) and I live out of state and I stumbled upon the LARPBO group while researching pit bull friendly activities and housing. I was immediately greeted by several people who share the same interest in their dogs and the welfare of the breed as a whole. I am really looking forward to meeting new friends and finding activities for Roxy and I to do together.

Thanks to everyone involved in such a cool organization!

Carolyn: I found LARPBO when looking for training so I could walk my dog without her pulling me down the street. What I got was so much more.

I went to the first class and was horrified as Wiggles lunged at other dogs and wouldn’t do anything I asked. I left in tears feeling frustrated, embarrassed and defeated. When I got home I went on the meet-up page and apologized for my dog’s behavior. I had no intention of ever going back. And then an amazing thing happened… everyone told me not to worry about it. Everyone said they really hoped to see us at the next class. Many people who had amazingly well trained dogs at class told me stories of their first class and described behaviors that I couldn’t believe those calm, trick doing dogs had ever possessed.

Everyone was so nice and supportive that I went back. And Wiggles improved. But even more important, I improved. The beauty of LARPBO isn’t just the training we got (which is a bargain and quite convenient) or the pack walks we go on. I got the benefit of the knowledge of 100’s of people who love their dog as much as I do. LARPBO is a place where I can ask any question, receive tips, share pictures and funny stories as well as frustrations and successes. I have made new friends. I have become a better dog owner and dog advocate.

LARPBO is a place where a lot of very different people come together out of a mutual love for an amazing breed of dog. It is a place where people respect each other and are kind to each other. If I had to sum up what LARPBO has done for me, I would say they have opened my eyes, my brain and my heart.

Neysa and George: What can my husband George and I say about LARPBO that hasn’t already been said! From the very first drop in class that we attended, we were warmly welcomed. Not just from the trainers and volunteers, but from participants of the class as well. We have seen such improvements in Hercules’s behavior since starting classes, that we even started bringing our 8lb Terrier/Maltese mix (she’s still a work in progress, BOL). We can’t extend our gratitude enough for the hands on training we have received and all the tips and strategies we have learned along the way. What we learned from LARPBO is not just about being a responsible pit bull owner, but being a responsible dog owner period. We are looking forward to continuing to grow with the LARPBO family and raising positive awareness of our pitties!!

Megan: For my family, we love LARPBO because it’s a place where we can go and no one will ever judge our dog just on how he looks. While there are other places in L.A. to take your pit bull for training or socialization, there will almost always be somebody in your class or group who doesn’t want your dog there. LARPBO also doesn’t judge you if your dog needs help with behaviors that many training schools won’t deal with. LARPBO truly believes every dog has potential and won’t turn anybody away who is willing to do the work it takes to help their dog become happier and more balanced. Something else you won’t get at other training classes is the community. LARPBO has a strong on-line member community where we can share successes and ask advice, and there are opportunities to socialize in person by volunteering at events where we promote responsible ownership. The LARPBO community continually inspires me to strive for new levels of achievement for my dog Petey, and the training classes have given me the skills to help him get there.

Anne: LARPBO helped me socialize Katie and make her feel more comfortable being around other dogs. The LARPBO dogs showed her the proper way to greet another dog – not nose to nose and in your face but in a much more civilized manner. Katie got to try out agility and working on drills with other dogs. She learned to listen to me more and I also learned how to communicate with her more effectively. I may not have a pit bull, but I learned so much from this group. Everyone I have met is so nice and knowledgeable about dogs and loves their pets to distraction. I recommend LARPBO and the training at the park to everyone I meet with a dog I think would either really benefit or be a real asset to the group.