Members of the Bulldog Club of Indiana (BCI)

Members of the Bulldog Club of America (BCA)

 

Amichien Bonding Training

In May 2006 we had the opportunity to become certified in the Amichien Bonding Method developed by Jan Fennell (pictured in the photo above). We studied the basic foundations and are now putting our new knowledge to use by employing her methods on our own dogs. What an awesome experience!

Jan Fennel is the author of the Dog Listener, The Seven Ages of Man's Best Friend and Tales from the Dog Listener. (Above: Doug pictured with Jan at the PAWS, Chicago Clinic in May 2006.)

Animal Expressions

In May 2006 Mindy completed level 1 and 2 of the Animal Expression course taught by Animal Communicator, Maggie Bunce. In this course she learned how animals communicate to one another and to humans.

Indiana State Museum

In September 2006, we were invited by the Hoosier Kennel Club to participate in the Meet the Breeds exhibit at the Indiana State Museum. It was a fabulous opportunity to meet dog lovers. It was also a great opportunity to represent the Bulldog breed and dispel Bulldog myths. We took Mojo and two of Rocky's puppies.

Spice was featured on the museum website as a Pet of the Week and also had a photo in the Pets in America exhibit.

Indiana Children's Museum

In October 2006, we were invited by the Hoosier Kennel Club to participate in the Meet the Breeds exhibit at the Indiana Children's Museum. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet young dog lovers and to dispel Bulldog myths. We took Mojo who was a big hit.

Breeding Better Dogs

In November 2006, we attended Dr. Carmen Batagglia's Breeding Better Dogs seminar in Orlando where we learned how to select better stud dogs and brood bitches.

After getting married mid-life and opting not to have children, we decided to get a dog. She wanted a cute little purse dog complete with dog clothing and a pink designer handbag. He wanted a big, masculine dog with a bark as big as its bite. While researching different breeds, a relative purchased a cute little bulldog puppy. Otis was so cute we couldn't stay away from him. It wasn't long before we yearned for one of our own.

We read every book we could find on bulldogs (at that time about four), every magazine article, and every piece of information we could get our hands on. Although we thought we knew what to expect, the real thing exceeded everything in the literature. Reading about a belching, snoring, and gassy dog isn't the same as experiencing it. Our first bulldog, Rocky, burps more than any animal we know of, tends to make visitors to our house ask us if she has a gas problem, and snores so loudly we had to move her crate to the other end of the house. She's also a never-ending source of special effects sounds.

Now, having said all this, they really are great dogs and we enjoy them tremendously. They do, however, require more maintenance than other breeds, and this can sometimes be very expensive. Bulldogs are natural clowns with very expressive faces. They just love children and are usually very gentle with them. And since bulldogs have a high pain tolerance, an occasional pulled ear doesn't phase them. They can be stubborn, and although they hear you, they will sometimes simply choose to ignore you and do what they please. Training is best accomplished by repetition, routine and reward, and being consistent with them is key. Starting training early is also very important, as is establishing the grooming routine early on so your bulldog gets accustomed to it and doesn't fight you every time nails or whiskers need to be trimmed. Lastly, be prepared to get lots of attention when out in public with your bulldog. Bulldogs love the attention and love to meet new people.

Even though Rocky is AKC registered, we feel she's not quite show-quality. But she does have good features and is from a good bloodline, and bred with the right dog she produces some outstanding puppies. We bred Rocky in April of 06 and she had 8 puppies, 2 of which went to show homes. Rocky had a second litter of two beautiful puppies in 2007, and is scheduled to have her last litter in the late fall of 2008.

Then there's Spice, our second bulldog and first Champion. Ch. Empire's Legend Spice-Girl, as she is formally known came from a local breeder. We found a mentor and worked diligently with Spice. We would not be where we are today without our mentor, and we are grateful for her wisdom and guidance. Spice finished at the Muncie Kennel Club show on August 17, 2006. It took us 15 months to finish her and it's been a wonderful experience. We are so proud of her.

Spice took an Award of Merit at the Westminster Kennel Club show in New York City on February 12, 2007. Her brother Ch. Cherokee Legend Rock took 2nd Place in the Non-Sporting Group for the second year in a row. Spice has been featured in the local news several times in 2007 and on local television twice (Zionsville Sentinel, Lebanon Reporter, Lafayette Journal and Courier, Purdue University, WTHR Channel 13, WXIN Fox 59). Spice was also featured in the Fall 2008 edition of Lafayette Magazine.

Spice had her first litter in June 2008. She only had one puppy but she was just gorgeous - red and white just like Spice. The Sire was Ch. Karma's Big Shot, a.k.a. Duncan. We plan on doing a repeat breeding in the fall of 2008.