FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
	Contact:	Sandy Kachur 713.439.6292

Tricks for Pits Program

The Veterinary Public Health Division of Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES) will launch its Tricks for Pits program in the Aldine community.  The program, scheduled for this summer, will offer FREE veterinary health checks/vaccinations, dog training equipment, 8 weekly dog training classes, and graduation certificates.  Youth who own pit bull dogs and reside in the targeted Aldine ZIP Codes, 77039 and 77093, are eligible to participate.

The program is designed to teach youth owners how to use positive training and bonding skills to create a well trained pet.  Pit bulls are extremely loyal dogs who can be wonderful pets and companions with proper socialization and obedience training.  The key is to understand and harness the innate terrier type of intensity that pit bulls have and use it to develop a companionship bond between youth and their dog.  The goal in developing this bond is to change the culture of pit bull ownership in urban areas where misuse and dog fighting is prevalent.

To qualify, youths must be between the ages of 13 and 18, own or have access to a pit bull dog, be willing to attend all 8 dog training sessions, and live in ZIP Codes 77039 or 77093.  The Tricks for Pits program has 50 spaces available; registrants will be on a first come first served basis.  All activities will take place in the Aldine area.

For information or to register, please contact Fiona Jones (HCPHES) at 281-999-4714.