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August, September and October Animal Friends University Catalog
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.
This edition of the Animal Friends University catalog is generously sponsored by The Charity Randall Foundation.
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.
Animal Friends reserves the right to cancel any class or event due to insufficient enrollment. You will be notified in the event this happens. Please notify us as soon as possible, but no later than three (3) days prior to the start of class, if you are unable to attend. This will give Animal Friends time to notify someone on the waiting list of the opening.
Click on the links below to visit specific sections or scroll down to view all available classes & camps.
Classes for Young Pet Lovers
Camps for Kids and Teens
Classes for the Adult Pet Lover
Paws & Pours and Bark 'n' Brews (21+ only)
Pet-friendly Special Events
Wellness Programs
Companion Dog and Cat Training Classes for You and Your Pet
Specialty Mini-Courses and Workshops
Drop-In Sessions
Bunny Wrangler's Corner
Ages 3-5 with an adult caregiver
In this fun session, preschoolers will learn how to safely approach a dog (Hint: Petting a strange dog on top of the head is not recommended!), when to leave a dog alone, what to do if a dog jumps on you, and what to do if there’s a loose dog around. A kid-friendly, tail-waggin’ Animal Friends dog will visit so that the children may individually practice their new dog-safety skills. The session will also include a snuggle-in read aloud, a craft and a 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. Registration deadline is Friday, September 24. Instructors: Sandy Miller and Susan Young
To register, please email dklingelhofer@thinkingoutsidethecage.org or call 412.847.7035.
Date: Wednesday, September 29
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Tuition: small bag of unopened dog food or can of dog food per child (caregiver free)
#3: Add It Up
Use items from Animal Friends’ retail store to figure 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.
To register, please email dklingelhofer@thinkingoutsidethecage.org or call 412.847.7035.
Date: Saturday, November 13, 2010
Time: 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Tuition: $6 per scout
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 Wednesday, October 13, 2010, 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 Friday, October 15, 2010, 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.
For families whose child is afraid of dogs
Animal Friends’ volunteers with their owned, child-friendly Canine Good Citizen (CGC) dogs are available to assist families whose child is afraid of dogs. Animal Friends will provide a meeting space and CGC dog and handler. Families must 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
Classes for the Adult Pet Lover
These classes are tailored to adult students ages 16 and up. Some instructors will consider younger students, so be sure to call 412.847.7035 if you have questions.
The excitement of preparing for a new 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.
Please note that this is a people-only class; no pets, please. Seating is limited and advance registrations are required. Instructors: Ron and Mary Papik
Date: Wednesday, September 15 Click here to RSVP!
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Tuition: Free
or
Date: Wednesday, October 27 Click here to RSVP!
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Tuition: Free
Sponsored by Bruegger’s Bagels
Have a ball with this fun morning of off-leash play and walks on our trails. Then kick back and relax in our Outreach Center while you enjoy a hot cup of your favorite beverage and socialize with other dog lovers. 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.) Light refreshments included.
Dates: Sundays, September 12 and October 10
Time: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Tuition: $8 per person. Dogs are free.
We all want to be prepared when our pets need us the most. Join Animal Friends’ Director of Veterinary Medicine, Porge Nakovich, VMD along with Marsha Koschik, Animal Friends’ veterinary technician, to learn how to recognize when your animal needs emergency treatment. Some emergencies are common and can be treated at home. Other emergencies require an immediate visit to an emergency clinic. Do you know how to respond? Do you know what to include in a basic first aid kit for your pet? Also learn which emergencies can be prevented by maintaining your pets’ overall health and tricks of the trade for administering medications. This class is for people only; please leave your pets at home. Click here to RSVP!
Date: Saturday, September 25
Time: 3 pm – 5 pm
Tuition: At least of one small bag of dog or cat food for our Chow Wagon (each bag 7 lbs or less, please)
Join us for an exercise opportunity for humans and their dogs inspired by the book by
Dr. Dawn Marcus. This class is similar to a regular dog training class but with continuous movement for humans, such as walking, jogging (if that suits you), arm movements, wide strides/lunges and stretches. Dogs should have basic skills such as heel, walk, sit, down, stay and come. This class is appropriate for all levels of fitness. Please wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes. Dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and both people- and dog-friendly. Click here to register!
Date: Saturday, September 18
Time: 10 am - 11:30 am
Tuition: $20
To register, please visit www.thepetdocs.com and click on events.
Join Dr. Dodman, founder and Director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University, for special workshops at Animal Friends. Dr. Dodman appears regularly on radio and television, including: 20/20, Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Dateline, World News with Peter Jennings, Discovery Channel, NOVA and Animal Planet. Dr. Dodman has also authored 7 books including The Dog Who Loved Too Much, Dogs Behaving Badly and The Cat Who Cried for Help. This program is ideal for veterinarians, vet techs, behaviorists, animal trainers, owners and hobbyists.
Topics Covered Include:
• Dominance vs. Conflict Aggression
• Separation Anxiety
• Phobias in Pets
• Compulsive Behaviors
• 7 Steps to a Well Adjusted Pet
• Practical Case Studies
The Well-Adjusted Cat Workshop
Date: October 22
Time: 9 am - 5pm
Tuition: $125 before 9/10/10, $149 standard. Light breakfast and box lunch included
The Well-Adjusted Dog Workshop
Date: October 23 and 24
Time: 9 am - 5:15pm
Tuition: $275 before 9/10/10, $325 standard. Light breakfast and box lunch included
Paws and Pours (21+ only)
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). Proceeds benefit Animal Friends.
Before the fall nights turn to cold winter evenings, join Animal Friends for our last W(h)ine event of the season. Bring your dog to Animal Friends a doggie social while you enjoy sipping wines from around the world and a delicious spread of desserts. Try you luck at raffles and enjoy the autumn night! This event fills up quickly and reservations are required.
Date: Friday, September 17 Click here to register!
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Tuition: $20 per person
Pet-Friendly Special Events
A new addition this year is Bully Doga: yoga for you and your bully! No prior yoga experience is necessary; just bring a large beach towel, some treats, leash and a willingness to learn! Space is limited; first come, first serve. This class will take place at 2 pm.
Canine Good Citizen certification testing will be available from 1 pm – 3 pm. If your Bully is a true ambassador for his breed and knows basic manners and commands (sit, stay, down, come when called, meets other dogs politely and accepts petting and brushing by others), he may be a candidate for this prestigious title. An AKC-certified tester will be on-site to test your pooch if you think he is ready for the challenge. Please check www.AKC.org for the specifics of this test or stop in and ask our greeter for a handout on CGC testing. Click here to register!
Date: Sunday September 19
Time: Noon - 4 pm
Donation: $10 OR one sturdy toy for our shelter Bullies
Animal Friends presents the 16th Annual Howl-o-Ween Party and Pet Parade in Schenley Park at the Vietnam Veterans Shelter in Oakland. Dogs and their owners are encouraged to participate in our annual guest favorite, the costume contest! Judges will be on hand to pick the most creative, family interactive, and scariest of costumes. Prizes will be awarded. Stay for pet photos and other fun. Click here to register!
Date: Sunday, October 10
Time: Noon - 2 pm. Parade begins at 1:15 pm.
Location: Schenley Park, Oakland at the Vietnam Veterans Shelter
Tuition: One pet = $20, two - three pets = $25
Does your dog run to the door and bark at all the little ghosts and goblins every Halloween? Give him – and yourself– a break this year and bring him to Animal Friends for a howling good time. Snausages, Pup-Peronis, Milk Bones and much more will be waiting for your four-legged friend on our illuminated walking trails. Canine games and activities will be offered in our Outreach Center and dog parks. The party will go on rain or shine and outdoor activities will be weather-permitting. Costumes for pets are optional, but not required to attend. Please, no humans in costume. Click here to register!
Date: Sunday, October 31
Time: 7:30 pm - 9 pm
Location: Animal Friends
Donation: $10 per dog (register by Friday, 10/29)
Wellness Programs
Calling all seniors! Come and enjoy a relaxing coffee hour and cookie break with some of our lovable pooches and felines at Animal Friends! 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
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 Koschic, Veterinary Technician
Date: Wednesdays, August 25, September 22 and October 27
Time: 7 pm
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 us 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 discussion. Children are welcome when accompanied by a parent. For more information or to register, contact Ann Cadman at 412-847-7031 or acadman@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org. Ceremonies are hosted by a member of the Pittsburgh Clergy.
Date: Thursdays, August 12, September 9 and October 14
Time: 7 pm
Companion Dog and Cat Training Classes for You and Your Pet
Animal Friends is dedicated to providing people and their pets with the tools they need to develop successful relationships with one another and their community. All training is accomplished through kind, effective positive reinforcement techniques. Please visit www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org to register.
Who doesn’t love a great massage? Now you can learn to give your feline prince or princess the extra pampering they deserve, as well as provide the wonderful benefits of massage. Massage increases the bond between you and your whiskered friend, helps aid relaxation, helps your cat to learn to build trust, increases flexibility, makes the coat shine and improves your cat’s overall sense of well-being. Grab a stuffed animal and join us for a fun, relaxing class as you learn the basic techniques that will have your favorite feline eating out of your hand! No live cats for this workshop, please. Bring a stuffed kitty to use for training purposes. Class size is limited to 12 students. Instructor: Katie Tontala, Certified Massage Therapist. Click here to register!
Date: Thursday, September 16
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Tuition: $20
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 and a nightmare for you. Instructors: Animal Friends’ Cat Behavior Team and Medical Staff. Click here to register!
Date: Sunday, October 17
Time: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Tuition: $15
All dogs must be current on age-appropriate vaccinations.
For puppies 10 – 20 weeks of age (large breed puppies up to 16 weeks)
Start that new family member off on the right paw with positive reinforcement techniques that teach your puppy the basic commands of sit, down, settle and leave it. This five-week class encourages socialization with other pups and people, which helps to build their positive associations with other dogs, strangers and the surrounding environment. Important behavior issues such as house training, jumping, chewing and mouthing are addressed. Class size limited to 9 puppies. Instructors: Denise and Monte Pursifull and Anita Debiase. Click here to register!
Dates: Saturdays, September 18, 25 and October 2, 9, 16
Time: 12:45 – 1:45 pm
Tuition: $ 60
For dogs 6 months and older
Good manners equals good dog. This seven-week session demonstrates positive reinforcement techniques for teaching your dog basic commands like “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “come” and walking on loose-leash. By working together in a group environment, you will help your dog build a positive association to other dogs, strangers and the surrounding environment. The first class is orientation - humans only, no dogs. Instructors: Barb Grosch and Lori Caruso. Click here to register!
Date: Thursdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and October 7, 14
Time: 7:30 – 8:30 pm
Tuition: $ 85
Is your dog fearful when confronted with new situations or taken to unfamiliar places? Does he have trouble meeting new people and other dogs? This three-session class will help you build a positive relationship between you and your shy dog. Learn to read and understand your dog’s body language for signs of stress and identify ways of helping him cope. Important techniques for you to safely manage and support your shy dog in the daily world will be demonstrated. Instructor: Lori Caruso. Click here to register!
Dates: Saturdays, October 2, 9, 16
Time: 10:15 am to 11:15 am
Tuition: $40
For Dogs 35 pounds or less
Terrier or Terrier-ist? Peek-a-poo or Peek-a-poop? Establishing a healthy bond between you and your smaller four-footed friend is the goal of this four week class. Positive reinforcement techniques are demonstrated to help you teach your dog basic commands like sit, down, stay, come and to walk comfortably on a loose leash. Socializing with other dogs his size will encourage positive associations to other dogs, strangers and the surrounding environment. Solving many behavior issues common to smaller breeds is included. Instructor: Lori Caruso. Click here to register!
Dates: Saturdays, September 25 and October 2, 9, 16
Time: 9 am - 10 am
Tuition: $50
For dogs one year and older with basic obedience skills. Dogs must be people and dog friendly. A phone consult with one of our trainers is required prior to acceptance into this class. Call 412.847.7035 to arrange for phone consult. Please, register for this class ONLY after you have received a trainer’s approval.
This class practices all the skills needed to achieve certification as a Canine Good Citizen with the AKC and a therapy dog with Therapy Dog International. Once certified, your pet and his trained handler will be welcomed at most facilities for pet-assisted therapy and humane education programs. What a great way to share the power of the human-animal bond! Instructors: Jan McCune and Barb Grosch
Date: Wednesdays, September 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27 and November 3
Test Date: November 21 (Please call 412.847.7035 to register.)
Time: 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm
Tuition: $85 (does not include testing fees)
Testing Fee: $10
Specialty Mini-Courses & Workshops
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. Instructors: Barb Grosch and Lori Caruso
Date: Tuesday, September 21 Click here to register!
Time: 7:15 pm - 8:30 pm
Tuition: $15
For dogs nine months of age and older with basic obedience skills. Dogs must be dog-friendly.
Does your dog “walk” you? Does your dog refuse to come when called? This course offers a variety of positive training techniques to teach loose leash walking skills and coming when called. These are easy steps to take toward a more compatible companion. Instructors: Barb Grosch and Lori Caruso. Click here to regiser!
Date: Saturdays, October 2 and 9
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Tuition: $25
Drop-In Sessions: No registration required so come on over!
Weekly drop-in socialization sessions for pups 12-20 weeks
Organized playtime for pups provides much-needed mental and physical exercises and offers effective ways to teach basic commands like “come,” “sit,” “drop it,” and “leave it.” Early identification helps to problem- solve puppy issues like housetraining, chewing and mouthing. Instructor: Amy Glessner Dukes
Dates: Alternating Mondays, August 9, 23, September 13, 27 and October 11, 25
Time: 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Tuition: $5 per visit
Dates: Mondays, August 16, September 20 and October 4, 18
Sundays, September 12 and October 10
Wednesdays, Aug 18, 25, September 1, 8, 15, 29 and October 6, 13, 27
Time: Mondays: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Sundays: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Wednesdays: 11 am - Noon
Tuition: $5 per visit
If you have a teacup, toy, mini or purse-sized pooch that is struggling to keep up with the bigger guys at Small Dog Socials, we have a new social hour just for him or her. This social hour is for dogs and puppies weighing just 10 pounds or less and their two-legged moms and dads. 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. Leader: Karen Anick
Dates: Sundays, September 12 and October 10
Time: 11:30 to 12:30 pm
Tuition: $5 per dog
Bunny Wranglers’ Corner
Do you have two bunnies at home that just aren’t bonding? 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
We will cover all aspects of bunny care such as diet and nutrition, litter-box training, grooming, medical topics and managing negative behavior. Please join us for this educational workshop. Your bunny is welcome to attend, but must arrive in a carrier. Instructor: Mary Cvetan. Click here to RSVP!
Date: Saturday, September 25
Time: Noon - 1:30 pm
Tuition: Bundle of fresh greens
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. The first portion will be instruction, with the remainder of the workshop for practicing techniques on your own bunny. Bring your own supplies such as brush, comb and nail clippers. Your bunny must arrive in a carrier. Instructor: Alyssa O’Toole
Monday, August 30 Click here to RSVP!
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Tuition: Bundle of greens OR one can 100% pumpkin
or
Date: Monday, October 18 Click here to RSVP!
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Tuition: One can of 100% pumpkin or bundle of fresh greens
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