We're doing that now. She's amazing. In one class Lucy learned, SIT, DOWN and STAY.

Pretty good!

I understand what you are saying, Jane. I've seen that with clubs, even the reversal where suddenly the majority is interested only in obedience and other things and let the interest in conformation go by the side. The thing is though, in order for a club to continue AKC recognition, it MUST have the annual Specialty.

HOWEVER......a club is made of members. Just because this is the way it is, doesn't mean it has to stay that way. But, it does need members willing to step forward, offer suggestions, then volunteer to chair that event, to organize it, etc.

So if Kandace was to join, and you and Sue and whomever else, so what about just the show people. Suggest programs, and offer to get the speakers. Call all the members on the list (don't just depend on the newsletter, offer a more personal touch to the uninvolved people) and invite them to come out. Suggest a Bulldog Gymkana day, where you have a bar-b-que (or start it early in the morning and have a breakfast at the park), make up a fun obstacle course, have fun prizes, get the word out to all members and non members that you know that live in the area (so you might end up with new prospective members), and have fun.

If no one is involved in obedience, but some of the "silent members" are, offer to find an obedience teacher that LIKES Bulldogs and put together a 4-6 week basic obedience class for JUST Bulldogs. It makes it so much easier for a new person to get involved if there are other Bulldogs trying to learn obedience, too. I know from over the years that sometimes the classes that are put on by the local AKC obedience club will have some teachers that quite openly question why you are there with a Bulldog. But I have also found and know some that LOVE Bulldogs....makes a difference.

Just some ideas. Remember, things can change, but those wanting something different have to be willing to offer and volunteer to help make the change.

Yes, you will be welcome at BCA, both the National and the local Chicago Bulldog Club. Since you live so close to me, I will be happy to sponsor you for both.
I believe that you have to join the National BCA before you can join the Chicago Club or at least apply to both of them at the same time. Someone told me this, but I am not sure if that is still a fact.
Your help at the shows will be most welcome. They are always looking for help.
As far as fun matches, etc. are concerned, I am working on doing something like that within my rescue organization. We are just brainstorming about it now, but if it happens all of you here will be the first to know.
Kelly, I am so happy that you are having the Bully Fests. They are so much fun, and we all get to meet one another and our bullies. I really think that the Chicago Bulldog club is missing a lot by not doing these things. Maybe if enough of us attend the meetings we can make some changes happen.

Jane

This is why I am planning the fall bulldog fest again-they don't care about it and may talk about it for the next year but wont get anything done-plus its too close to there show in November! The club has been disappointing to me! But I told myself I would give them a year-and that is until Feb I think so maybe things will improve!

KB

I really enjoyed speaking with her on the phone and felt that she had good methods!

KB

are you referring to joining the BCA, the local Chicago Bulldog club or both? You need a sponsor to join the BCA - a member in good standing from your division. Jane, myself and Kelly are members and can sponsor you.

You can request an application to our Chicago Club and club members that attend the meetings will vote you in. Sponsorship isn't required but it always helps if you know a member. Actually our local club (30+ people) is comprised of mostly pet owners but most don't attend meetings. Our club's sole purpose is their annual specialty show. We don't have fun get togethers for pet and show dogs like many other clubs. Your help at the specialty show will always be welcome but as far as learning about the breed, the club will discuss things at meetings if you attend and have questions but as far as formal get togethers with speakers etc, that doesn't happen.

I will forward this info along.

LOL, you know I'm the one person you don't need to tell that to. They weren't even a consideration.

Jane,

I don't plan to show, is there still a place for me in BCA? I'd really like to get to know other owners and learn about the breed. As well as help out at shows, etc.... What are your thoughts?

In my humble opinion, there is no need to contact the Chicago Bulldog Club. They are only interested in showing and not much else.

Jane

It's in Roselle, IL. Janice Hicks.

Thanks Patti. This request was first sent to Betty Fisher and Elaine sent it on to me since I live local. We are checking into it for the people by first posting on our various forums to see if there are local bulldoggers doing this and with whom they are training.

The dog is currentiy in agility classes but they are looking for more info - possibly a trainer that specializes in bulldogs so they can get the best training for their dog. If we can't locate a bullie pro, then I'm sure Betty will give them other info to follow up on and have them check the clubs you mentioned.

Agility and obedience for bulldogs are not popular at all in this area as it is on the West Coast and other parts of the country

Either the all-breed clubs, or obedience clubs in that area? They might have part of their club, or know if there is a separate group.

Also, since agility is now a licensed AKC event, check with AKC to see what they show for clubs in that area.