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October, November and December 2009 Classes
Classes fill very quickly; please register early if there is a class you are interested in. We're constantly recruiting new experts so we can expand our catalog.
Online registration is now open for most classes! If you prefer to enroll via the mail, click here to download a registration form. Forms should be returned to Animal Friends University, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. You can also call 412.847.7035.
Click the links below to explore:
Classes for the Young Pet Lover
Classes for the Adult Pet Lover
Paws and Pours
Pet-Friendly Events
Wellness Programs
Companion Animal Training Classes for You and Your Pet
Drop-In Sessions
Private Lessons
Bunny Wranglers’ Corner
For students in grades 6-9
Animal Friends’ veterinarian and veterinary technician will lead this class for students in grades 6-9 who are interested in exploring a career as a veterinarian or vet tech. Topics will include an overview of schooling options, the how and why of our animals’ initial physical exams, types and uses of surgical equipment, x-ray analysis and parasite detection. Students will also enjoy a snack, a behind-the-scenes tour of our facility and interaction with a shelter rabbit. Students should bring questions about veterinary careers. Enrollment is limited to 12 students per session, grades 6-9 only. This class is offered several times a year, but each session fills quickly. Early registration is encouraged.
Click here to register for this class!
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Tuition: $25
Ages 3-5 with an adult caregiver
In this fun session, preschoolers will learn how to safely approach and befriend a dog (Hint: Petting a strange dog on top of the head is not recommended!), when to leave a dog alone and what to do if a dog jumps on you. A kid-friendly, tail-waggin’ Animal Friends dog will visit so that the children may practice their new dog-safety skills. The session includes a snuggle-in read aloud, craft and snack.
Enrollment is limited to eight children, ages 3-5. This session is not appropriate for children who are allergic to or afraid of dogs. To register, please call 412.847.7035 or email dklingelhofer@thinkingoutsidethecage.org
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Tuition: small bag of dog food or an unused dog toy per child (Caregiver free)
For families whose child is coping with a fear of dogs
Animal Friends’ volunteers with their owned, child-friendly Canine Good Citizen (CGC) dogs are available to assist families with children who are afraid of dogs. Animal Friends will provide a meeting space and CGC dog and handler. The family will provide a therapist who will run the sessions. Parents should contact their child’s pediatrician who may be able to recommend a therapist to work with the family. It will be the family's financial responsibility to pay the therapist for his/her time. Please have the therapist contact Dana Schultz, Education Coordinator, at 412.847.7033 or dschultz@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org to schedule a reservation for one or more Canine Courage sessions.
Date: By advance reservation only
Tuition: a donation of dog food per session
For Junior Girl Scout Troops
Junior Girl Scouts troops are invited to Animal Friends to complete six activities to earn the Pet Care Badge. Refreshments and an Animal Friends fun patch will be provided. (Troop leaders will provide the actual Pet Care Badge.)
Junior Girl Scout Badge Criteria #:
#3: Add It Up
Use items from Animal Friends’ retail store to determine the cost of owning a dog, cat, or rabbit.
#4: Facts of Life
All animals at Animal Friends are spayed or neutered. Find out why this operation is so important.
#5: Staying Healthy and #6: Don’t Pass It On
Discover how our medical team helps keep Animal Friends’ residents healthy and how you can keep your own pets healthy too.
#8: Animal Talk
Learn how we communicate with and train our shelter residents. Learn how to read the “secret language” of animal body language.
#10: Other Ways to Be Around Animals
Learn how Animal Friends’ volunteers foster and rehabilitate our animals and how kids can help our residents too.
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Tuition: $6 per scout
To register, please contact Donna 412.847.7035 or email dklingelhofer@thinkingoutsidethecage.org
Reservation Guidelines for Pet Care Badge Day:
- Because this event is only held in the fall and spring and sells out quickly, early reservations are strongly encouraged.
- Troop reservations and complete payments must be received by Friday, October 9, 2009, by 5:00 pm.
- Complete payment must be received to secure a troop reservation.
- Once a payment has been made, additional scouts may not be added to a troop’s headcount.
- Refunds will be made for scouts who cannot attend if requests for refunds are made by Tuesday, October 20, 2009,
by 5:00 pm.
- Space is limited. No Brownies or siblings may attend. Each group should have at least two chaperones but no more
than four.
- Parking is limited. Please carpool.
- Groups may not arrive before 3:00.
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Classes for the Adult Pet Lover
Pets are part of the family. Join other pet lovers to discover exciting new ways to bond and interact with your favorite four-legged companion. These classes are tailored to adult students ages 16 and up. Some instructors will consider younger students, so be sure to call if you have questions. To register for or ask questions about any of the adult programs, please call the Animal Friends University Registration Line at 412.847.7035 or email your questions to dklingelhofer@thinkingoutsidethecage.org.
The excitement of preparing for the arrival of a baby should not be dampened by concerns about your pets’ reactions. With some planning, preparation and training, introducing your newest family member to your pet can be very successful and rewarding. The Baby-Ready Pets! Workshop will assist you in making the preparations for these introductions. Instructors: Mary and Ron Papik.
Note: This is a people-only workshop; please leave your pets home.
During this workshop, expectant parents and guardians will participate in the following ways:
- Discuss preparing the pet for the sights, smells and sounds of babies
- Explore training exercises to prepare your pet for the baby’s visitors
- Evaluate the pet for challenges that need improvement
- Address individual concerns about a specific pet
Date: Wednesday, December 16 Click here to register for this workshop!
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Tuition: Free. (Donations are welcome!)
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Paws and Pours
BYOPet to a happy hour with heart! This special series is for adults over 21 years of age and their pets. Themes vary and highlight different species, but all are welcome to join in! Pet-friendly pets are always welcome (but no retractable leashes, please). Call 412.847.7055 to learn more or to register your spot.
Join us for holiday cocktails! Pick your favorite and take home the recipe for your holiday guests. Your 4-legged friend will enjoy a doggie social while you enjoy raffles and opportunities to sponsor the adoptions of the animals who want to go home for the holidays. Click here to register for this event! "This event welcomes those 21 years of age or older*
Date: Friday, November 13, 2009
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Tuition: $20
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Pet-Friendly Events
Have a ball with this fun morning of off-leash play and walks on our trails, then kick back with a hot beverage and socialize with other dog lovers. Refreshments will be provided. One dog per person preferred. All dogs must be at least four months of age, non-aggressive, current on shots and leashed. (No retractable leashes, please.)
Dates: Sundays, November 8 and December 13
Time: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Tuition: $8 per person. Dogs are free!
Bring your pet to Animal Friends for photos with Santa! A pair of 4x6 prints is just $10 and will be mailed to your home. No registration or RSVP requested.
Dates: Saturday, November 21, 2009 and Sunday, November 29, 2009
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Our famous Bake Sale is back! Stock up for the upcoming Thanksgiving week with our volunteers’ irresistible homemade cookies, cakes and dessert rolls!
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Pancakes, sausage links, eggs and fruit are on the menu for a scrumptious breakfast with Santa Clause! Click here to register for this event!
Tuition: Adults: $6; Children under 10: $4
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2009
Time: 9am to 11am
After breakfast, take part in our annual Holidays with Heart extravaganza. Join other pet lovers to create special holiday crafts for your pet. There are several items to choose from at varying skill levels that are suitable for canine, feline or rabbit family members.
Gifts for people will also be available through vendors such as Party Light, Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple and Silpada. Portions of the proceeds benefit Animal Friends. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Vendors are subject to change.
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2009
Time: 10am to 1pm (Attendance at the breakfast is not required!)
Tuition: Ranging from $2 and up
Looking for professional photos and a comfortable environment for your pet? Animal Friends is proud to offer professional-style photos by our talented photographer, Natalie. For $40, each guest will receive a private, 20-minute photo session. Your pet will relax without the distractions of other excited pets in our Wellness Suite. Natalie will snap dozens of photos to ensure the perfect shot. After your session, you will sit down and choose your two most-treasured photos, which Animal Friends will develop and mail to your home. You can keep CD of the digital shots from your entire session! Reservations are required. Please contact Donna 412.847.7035 or email dklingelhofer@thinkingoutsidethecage.org for an appointment.
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2009
Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tuition: $40 per 20 minute session
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Wellness Programs
The loss of a pet can be heartbreaking and the grief may seem overwhelming. Know that you are not alone. Through Pet Loss Support, you can gain a better understanding of how you are feeling and find comfort in the camaraderie of others who understand. For more information or to register, contact Ann Cadman at 412-847-7031 or acadman@thinkingoutsidethecage.org. Group leader: Marsha Koschik, Veterinary Technician.
Date: Wednesdays, November 25 and December 23
Time: 7 pm
Tuition: There is no cost to join the Pet Loss Support Group.
Calling all seniors! Come enjoy a relaxing coffee and cookie break hour with some of our lovable pooches and felines. For a suggested donation of $5 per person, your small group can enjoy the companionship and one-on-one interaction with a pet within the quiet comfort of our Wellness Suite.
Maximum number of people accommodated: 6. The Wellness Suite is wheelchair and scooter accessible.
Reservations for the Wellness Suite can be made by contacting Ann Cadman at 412.847.7031 or acadman@thinkingoutsidethecage.org.
Companion animals enrich our lives in so many ways. Anyone who has lost a beloved pet knows the sadness and emptiness that accompanies that loss. Join others for a candlelight remembrance and celebration ceremony to hear interfaith and spiritual words of comfort and pay tribute to those wonderful animal friends that will be sorely missed.
All are invited to remain afterwards for refreshments and discussion. Children are welcome when accompanied by a parent. For more information or to register, call Ann Cadman at 412.847.7031 or write to acadman@thinkingoutsidethecage.org. Ceremonies are hosted by a member of the Pittsburgh Clergy.
Date: Thursdays, October 8, November 12 and December 10
Time: 7:00 pm
Tuition: There is no cost to attend a Remembrance Service.
“I am very glad that my Mother and I attended this ceremony on Thursday. It was a meaningful experience for us. You did a wonderful service and we are thankful to Rev. Cherry and Animal Friends. I would highly recommend this service to anyone who is suffering from losing a pet.”
Bless you and thank you,
Linda and Willa
This event welcomes residents from assisted living facilities, retirement and nursing homes.
Start the holidays off on a “high note” by joining us for a good old-fashioned Pet-Assisted Therapy Sing-A-Long! Enjoy coffee and holiday cookies and cuddle a friendly four-footed angel as you sing your favorite holiday tunes. For more information or to register, call 412.847.7031 or write to acadman@thinkingoutsidethecage.org.
Date: Monday, December 14
Time: 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Tuition: Free!
NEW TOYS NEEDED!
Drop off your donations of new dog, cat or bunny toys and enjoy cookies and a cup of
hot chocolate. All donations benefit the Animal Friends' Chow Wagon, which supplies pet food, treats and toys to over 1,300 local and needy families through neighborhood food banks.
Date: Friday, November 27
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
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Companion Animal Training Classes for You and Your Pet
Animal Friends is dedicated to providing people and their companion animals with the tools they need to develop lasting and successful relationships with one another and their community. All training is accomplished through kind, effective positive reinforcement techniques. You will learn how positive reinforcement is a way to build a relationship with your pet. To register for any training classes, please call the Animal Friends University Registration line at 412.847.7035 or email your questions to kreck@ThinkingOutsidethecage.org.
AF 602 Cat Massage Therapy
No live cats for this workshop, please. Bring a stuffed kitty to use for training purposes.
Learn to give your little price or princess the pampering they deserve, as well as all the health benefits of massage. Massage increases the bond between you and your cat and helps relax, build trust, increase flexibility, make the coat shine and improve your cat’s overall well-being. Bring a stuffed animal and join us for a fun, relaxing class to learn basic techniques that will have your favorite feline eating out of your hand! Instructor: Katie Tontala, Certified Massage Therapist. Click here to register for this class!
Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: 7pm to 9 pm
Tuition: $20
Is your cat shy? Anxious? Afraid of the vacuum? There is a flower for it. Expecting some life changes like a new baby, a move or someone heading off to college? Flower essences can help your cat cope. Learn about Rescue Remedy and the other 38 flower. Discover which essence could help you bring emotional balance back to your cat. Instructor: Jenn Riffle, Veterinary Technician Click here to register for this class!
Date: Sunday, November 22
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
Tuition: $10
AF 603 Litter Box Problems How to Prevent and Treat
Most cats have an occasional “miss,” but if your cat is having difficulty finding the litter box more often than not, you should consider coming to this workshop. We will focus on both the medical and behavior aspects related to litter box issues and how to resolve them once they exist, along with ways to manage the environment so they don’t start. We will talk about how the box itself, its location, the type of litter and how its cleanliness can affect your cat’s decisions. We will also explore how changes in family dynamics or the environment can cause turmoil for your feline(s) and a nightmare for you.
Please join us for this informative workshop as we try to identify the major reasons and solutions for this unwanted behavior, as well as provide information needed to analyze your own situation and resolve a current problem or prevent one from happening. Instructors: Animal Friends’ Cat Behavior Team and Medical Staff. Click here to register for this workshop!
Date: Sunday, October 11
Time: 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Tuition: $15
Canine Training
All dogs must be current on age-appropriate vaccinations.
AF 401 Four on the Floor! - SOLD OUT!
Is your dog a jumper? Does your dog greet you and everyone he meets by jumping on them? Does he stand on his back legs and seems to not understand the meaning of “four on the floor?” Let us help. This one-session class will teach you the basics of getting your dog to walk on all fours and to greet people with manners. Click here to register for this class!
Date: Saturday, November 14
Time: 10 am to 11:15 am
Tuition: $15
AF 402 Comings & Goings - SOLD OUT!
For dogs nine months and older with basic obedience skills. Dogs must be dog-friendly.
Does your dog “walk” you? Refuse to come when called? Learn a variety of positive training techniques to teach loose leash walking and coming when called to gain a more compatible companion. Click here to register for this class!
Dates: Thursdays, November 5 and 12
Time: 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Tuition: $25
AF 403 Crate Games and Self-Control Exercises
Does your dog or puppy lack focus and self-control? Does he bolt for the door? This class will teach simple improvement techniques and how to relax in (and even come to love) his crate. Note: It is helpful if your dog already knows the sit/down command. Class size is limited to six canine students. Instructor: Debbie Hartzell Click here to register for this class!
Date: Wednesdays, November 4, 11, 18 and Dec 2
Time: 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Tuition: $40
Date: Thursdays, October 22 and 29
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tuition: $25
Test Fee: $10
Test Date and Time: TBA
AF 403 CGC/TDI Testing Prep - SOLD OUT!
Are you interested in doing therapy work or maybe just seeing if your dog is a Canine Good Citizen? This two-week session will offer you the opportunity to run through the test from start to finish. This is not an instructional class. All participants must have prior training and know commands such as sit, “down “stay, come and walk well on loose leash. In addition, they must enjoy people, being handled and be able to maintain their good manners around other dogs. Enrollment limited to eight dog/handler teams. Instructor: Marcy Fenell. Click here to register for this class!
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Drop-In Sessions
Weekly drop-in socialization sessions for pups 12-20 weeks
Organized playtime for pups provides much-needed mental and physical exercise and develops your puppy’s social skills with dogs and people. A trainer is available to discuss puppy issues like housetraining, chewing and mouthing. Trainer: Amy Dukes
Dates: Alternating Mondays, October 12 and 26, November 9 and 23 and December 14
Time: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Tuition: $5 per visit
Any questions? Please call 412.847.7035
Little guys equal high energy! Do you have a small dog that weighs 25 pounds or less? Ever try taking your little one to the dog parks, only to have him trampled by the big guys? Would you like a place to take your dog where he can run and socialize with canines his size? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we would like to invite you to our Small Dog Social Hour. Here your small one can run and socialize with canines his size, and expend all at energy! Leaders: Nancy Furis (Mondays), Shirley Hasson and Jenny Fuga (Sundays)
Dates: Alternating Mondays, October 5, 19, November 2, 16, 30 and December 7, 21
Alternating Sundays, October 11, 25, November 8, 22 and December 13
Every Wednesday, September 30 and October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18 and December 2, 9, 16
Time: Mondays: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Sundays: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Wednesdays: 11:00 am - Noon
Tuition: $5 per visit
If your teacup, toy, mini or purse-sized pooch is struggling to keep up with the bigger guys at Small Dog Socials, we have a new social hour for dogs and puppies weighing 10 pounds or less. Your teeny-tinies will get an opportunity to run, romp and socialize with others closer to his size without the worry of being body slammed by a 25-pound poodle.
Dates: Sundays, October 11, 25, November 8, 22 and December 13
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Tuition: $5 per dog
Any questions? Please call 412.847.7035
All well-behaved, friendly dogs welcome!
Enjoy one hour of romping and playing with dogs of all sizes and breeds in our indoor training center. Enjoy agility equipment, a treadmill, toys and fun to help burn excess energy in an environment supervised by skilled staff and volunteers. Dog and people-friendly dogs only! Dogs must be current on all vaccinations.
Date: Sundays, October 25 and November 22
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Tuition: $5 per dog
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Private Lessons
Would you, your family, and your canine benefit from a one-on-one session with one of our highly qualified trainers? Our one-hour private consultations offer personalized advice, training and guidance to help you cope with behavior issues ranging from anxiety to aggression. Private consultations are by appointment only. Please call Donna at 412.847.7035 or email dklingelhofer@thinkingoutsidethecage.org
Tuition: $40/hour
Dog-Human Aggression Cases: $50/hour
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Bunny Wranglers’ Corner
Do you have two bunnies at home that just aren’t bonding? Are you thinking of adopting a second bunny? This workshop will help to explore the “meet and greet” ritual by discussing body language, how to prevent squabbles and break them up if they do happen. Instructor: Suaz Forsythe
Time and date: By appointment (Call 412.847.7035)
Tuition: One can of 100% pumpkin (not pie filling) for our resident bunnies
Are you a new bunny owner or considering adopting one? This workshop is for you! We will cover all aspects of basic bunny care such as litterbox training, grooming, medical topics and managing negative behavior. Please join us for this educational workshop. Instructor: Mary Cvetan. Click here to register for this class!
Date: Saturday, November 28
Time: Noon - 1:30 pm
Donation: $5
Would you like to treat your bun to his/her own spa day? Learn grooming basics such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, scent gland cleaning, brushing/combing and mat removal to help your bun feel pampered.
Please bring your bun (in a carrier) to this workshop. The first portion will be instruction, with the remainder of the workshop for practicing techniques on your own bunny. Please bring your own grooming supplies such as brush, comb, nail clippers, ear cleanser, Q—tips and bath or hand towel. Instructor: Alyssa O’Toole. Click here to register for this class!
Date: Monday, December 14
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Donation: $5
Learn to make toys that are fun, healthy and mentally stimulating for your bunny. Or, if you don’t own a bunny, join us for a crafty evening, then donate your newly-made toys to our resident rabbits and know that you are making a difference in the life of a shelter bun! Animal Friends will provide supplies. Instructor: Alyssa O’Toole. Click here to register for this class!
Date: Monday, November 23
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Tuition: $10
Would you like to treat your bun to his/her own “spa” day? Grooming basics such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, scent gland cleaning, brushing/combing and mat removal to help your bun feel pampered will be covered in this workshop. Please bring your bun (in a carrier) to this workshop. The first portion will be instruction, with the remainder of the workshop for practicing techniques on your own bunny. Please bring your own grooming supplies such as brush, comb, nail clippers, ear cleanser, Q—tips and bath or hand towel. Instructor: Alyssa O’Toole.
Date: Monday, October 12 Click here to register for this class!
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Donation: $5.
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