Effective March 1, 2022, Animal Friends will relax its mask policy. Masks are now optional.
Masks ARE required for individuals that:
• Have been exposed to COVID-19 within the past 10 days
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 10 days
Disposable facemasks will still be placed near entrances as an option for all visitors.
From Chaos to Calm: Understanding and Helping Your Leash Reactive Dog New Offering!
Leash reactive dogs are those who overreact to typical things in the environment– dogs, people, animals, cars – while on a walk. Join us for ideas to manage and begin to modify your dog’s reactive behavior. We will explain and demonstrate techniques that you can use on walks, discuss dog body language and help you to understand your dog’s emotional state which causes reactivity. Please note that we can not provide a personalized behavior modification plan at this class, but will provide information and resources.
This is a human-only workshop; please leave your canine companion at home!
Date: Thursday, Please check back for future seminar!
Time: 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Tuition: $30 per dog family (dog family members 16 years of age or older are welcome to attend!)
Instructors: Rebecca Hilbert, CPDT-KA, Barb Grosch, CPDT-KA
Vaccination Requirements
For the health and safety of all class participants, both human and canine, please provide an updated vaccination record to attend class (no exceptions).
- Puppies 16 weeks or younger | Minimum two rounds of DHPP* and age-appropriate vaccinations including rabies – PA state law states that puppies must be vaccinated for rabies between 12-16 weeks.
- Puppies younger than 12 weeks may not have their rabies vaccination yet, and that’s okay!
- 5-9 months | three rounds (boosters) of DHPP* and rabies.
- Older than 9 months | up-to-date on DHPP* and rabies.
Bordetella is strongly recommended for your pup’s best protection, but not required. *distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus vaccination.
Dog Training Classes
We’re committed to providing you and your dog with the tools you need to develop a strong and lasting relationship. All of our instructors teach using humane and effective positive reinforcement techniques. Family members (including well-behaved children) are encouraged to attend our training classes with their dogs!
While on campus, please refrain from using our walking trails as they are designated for our staff/volunteers and canine shelter residents ONLY – thank you for your cooperation!
Guidelines/Release and Waiver of Liability
Be sure to read our cancellation policy before completing your registration. If you have questions about any of our course offerings or prefer to register by phone or email, contact Animal Friends University.
Email | 412.847.7035
Our group dog training classes are best suited for pups who are both people- and dog-friendly. If you have concerns about whether one of our course offerings is suitable for your dog, contact our trainers at 412.847.7035 or BGrosch@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
Puppy Training Adult Dog Training Dog Sports Dog Socials
Puppy Training
AF 301 – Kinderpuppy
For puppies who have had their 2nd DHP vaccination and are 20 weeks of age or younger. Small breed and/or shy puppies may attend until 24 weeks of age. Puppies must be dog and human friendly and non-reactive.
Puppies may start class as soon as the vaccination requirements are met (please see above “Vaccination Requirements”).
Kinderpuppy classes make learning fun through games and positive reinforcement to help your pup develop into a great companion. All classes include puppy playtime with the exception of “Puppies Learn through Fun”. Each class focuses in on specific theme which as a whole help train a well-rounded pup and provides socialization with pups and people. Sign up for some or for all of the classes based on your team’s needs.
Tuition: $20 per dog/per class
Instructors: Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET, Rebecca Hilbert, CPDT-KA
Kinderpuppy – Puppies Learn Basic Manners
For puppies who have had their 2nd DHP vaccination and are 20 weeks of age or younger. Small breed and/or shy puppies may attend until 24 weeks of age. Puppies must be dog and human friendly and non-reactive.
Your puppy will learn basic manners like sit, down, stand and to come when called. You will also learn how to encourage and get voluntary attention from your puppy and how to discourage jumping.
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Wednesday, August 24 – Sold Out!
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 8 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per pup – humans free!
Kinderpuppy – Puppies Around the Home
For puppies who have had their 2nd DHP vaccination and are 20 weeks of age or younger. Small breed and/or shy puppies may attend until 24 weeks of age. Puppies must be dog and human friendly and non-reactive.
You will learn how to decrease puppy biting through games and we will discuss housetraining issues. Your puppy will learn how to go to their mat and relax and wait at the door or for the food bowl.
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Wednesday, August 31 – Sold Out!
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 15 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per pup – humans free!
Kinderpuppy – Puppies in the World
For puppies who have had their 2nd DHP vaccination and are 20 weeks of age or younger. Small breed and/or shy puppies may attend until 24 weeks of age. Puppies must be dog and human friendly and non-reactive.
Your puppy will learn how to walk nicely on a loose leash as well as how to play games with you to stay focused while in distracting environments.
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Saturday, September 10 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 22 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per pup – humans free!
Kinderpuppy – Puppies Learn to Share
For puppies who have had their 2nd DHP vaccination and are 20 weeks of age or younger. Small breed and/or shy puppies may attend until 24 weeks of age. Puppies must be dog and human friendly and non-reactive.
Your puppy how to drop it and leave it while you will learn resource guarding prevention. You will also learn about food enrichment, how to offer it to your pups as an only pup or as the pup of a multi-dog household.
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Saturday, September 17 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 29 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per pup – humans free!
Kinderpuppy – Puppies Learn through Fun
For puppies who have had their 2nd DHP vaccination and are 20 weeks of age or younger. Small breed and/or shy puppies may attend until 24 weeks of age. Puppies must be dog and human friendly and non-reactive.
Puppies are fulfilled when both their mental and physical needs are met. In this class, puppies will be introduced to beginner agility obstacles for confidence building. You will also learn about play and the rules of play as well as enrichment and how to incorporate it into everyday life.
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Saturday, October 1 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per pup – humans free!
Kinderpuppy – Puppies Learn to Build Confidence
For puppies who have had their 2nd DHP vaccination and are 20 weeks of age or younger. Small breed and/or shy puppies may attend until 24 weeks of age. Puppies must be dog and human friendly and non-reactive.
For some puppies the world can be intimidating. You will learn how to properly introduce your pup to new things to set them up for success, how to desensitize them to handling and grooming equipment as well as games that will help your dog communicate with you on how they are feeling.
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Wednesday, August 17 – Sold Out!
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per pup – humans free!
Intro to Scent Work for Puppies New Offering!
For puppies who have had their 2nd DHP vaccination and are six months of age or younger. Puppies must be dog and human friendly and non-reactive.
In this single session, we’ll introduce you and your puppy to scent work. We will teach your puppy to sniff out food in various containers and search areas. Scent work is confidence boosting and great socialization for your pup!
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Sunday, October 2 Register
Time: 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per pup – humans free!
AF 302 – Puppy Manners
For puppies ages 5 months to 9 months. Basic training for the older puppy will include household manners, manners for interacting with new people and places and playtime to increase dog-dog social skills. Cues to be taught include: sit, down, come, walk nicely on leash, wait politely, drop it and leave it.
Note: this is a five-week class. Please bring your pup to ALL five classes!
Current Session:
Dates: Wednesdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – Sold Out!
Time: 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Instructor: Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET, Rebecca Hilbert, CPDT-KA
Next Sessions:
Dates: Thursdays, Sep., 8, 15, (22-no class event), 29, Oct., 6, 13 Register
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Instructors: Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA, Angelo Theofanous
Dates: Saturdays, Sep., 10, 17, (24-no class event), Oct., 1, 8, 15 Register
Time: 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Instructors: Sarah Stephens, CPDT-KA
Tuition: $100 per pup (humans free!)
Adult Dog Training
AF 304 – Companion Dog Manners
For dogs that are both people and dog-friendly and 9 months or older.
This first level class gets your dog started with the cues of sit, down, stay, coming when called and loose leash walking. Laying a solid foundation with these skills is the key to living happily with your four-legged friend. As well as good manners, class discussions will give you an understanding of why dogs do the things they do to and how to build a strong relationship with your dog.
Note: this is a five-week class. Please bring your dog to ALL five classes!
Next Sessions:
Dates: Thursdays, Sep., 8, 15, (22-no class event), 29, Oct., 6, 13 Register
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Instructors: Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA, Angelo Theofanous
Dates: Saturdays, Sep., 10, 17, (24-no class event), Oct., 1, 8, 15 Register
Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Instructors: Sarah Stephens, CPDT-KA
Tuition: $100 per pup (humans free!)
AF 309 – Bashful Buddies New Offering!
This class is targeted for shy, non-reactive dogs 6 months of age or older.
NOTE: If your fearful dog reacts to new people, dogs or situations with barking, lunging or aggressive behavior, individual behavior modification is needed prior to attending a group class. Please contact us at AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org for more information and referrals.
In this class, we will explore a variety of exercises to build confidence in your shy/fearful dog. We will include meeting new people, confidence in new situations and making positive associations with vet visits and grooming activities. This is a five-week class – please bring your dog to ALL five classes! Instructors: Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA, Angelo Theofanous
Current Session:
Dates: Wednesdays, July 13, 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, 17 – Sold Out!
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Next Session:
Dates: Wednesdays, Sep., 28, Oct., 5, 12, 19, 26 – Please see pre-req. below
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Tuition: $125 per pup (humans free!)
Pre-req: phone consultation to determine if this class is a good fit for your dog and training goals.
Please contact Donna at AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org to inquire about a phone consultation; please provide a phone number contact.
Training Fun – Single Sessions
Instructor: Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Enrichment Essentials
For dogs 8 months and older that are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non-reactive in a group setting.
In this session we’ll discuss the importance of enrichment in your dog’s daily life, identify the different types of enrichment, and explore provided examples of enrichment activities.
Date: Saturday, August 27 Register
Time: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per dog (humans free!)
Outdoor Attention & Leash Manners
For dogs 8 months and older that are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
In this Outdoor Session we will practice leash handling and a variety of ways to encourage polite loose leash walking. Maintaining connection with your dog is a challenge in the distracting outdoor environment! In case of bad weather, the class will move indoors.
Date: Saturday, August 27 – Sold Out!
Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Tuition: $20 per dog (humans free!)
Canine Scent Work!
AF 411 The Nose Knows, Level One
For dogs 6 months and older that are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
Looking for sport that can be done indoors with dogs of all ages? Want to exercise your dog mentally and physically? Come and find a fun way to channel your dog’s natural talent for sniffing! Scent games are a great way to stimulate your dog while working together as a team. Watch and learn as your dog detects an odor and hunts to locate its source. Have a good time while building skills through new search activities each week.
Dates: Sundays, Sep., 11, 18, (25-no class event), Oct., 2, 9 Register
Time: 6:30- 7:30 p.m.
Instructors: Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA, Missy Marzolf
Tuition: $80 per dog (humans free!)
AF 412 The Nose Knows Continues, Level Two
For dogs 6 months and older who have completed The Nose Knows 1 classes (or equivalent) and are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
Have fun and build on your scent work foundation skills with challenging new sniffing activities each week. You and your dog will work as a team doing container, exterior, interior and vehicle searches to locate target odors.
Dates: Tuesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Instructors: Marcy Fenell, CPDT-KA, Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Tuition: $80 per dog (humans free!)
The Nose Knows – Single Sessions
Instructors: Marcy Fenell, CPDT-KA | Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET |
Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA
Multiple Hides
Pre-req: for teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows or equivalent
For dogs 6 months and older who have completed The Nose Knows 1 classes (or equivalent) and are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
Ready to search for more? All search areas will be set with two or more hides!
Date: Tuesday, September 6 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per dog (humans free!)
Search and Rescue
Pre-req: for teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows or equivalent
For dogs 6 months and older who have completed The Nose Knows 1 classes (or equivalent) and are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
Challenge your dog to find hides in heaps of boxes or lots of ‘safe’ rubble and other challenging items.
Date: Tuesday, September 13 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per dog (humans free!)
The Nose Knows – Mini-Series New Offerings!
Instructors: Marcy Fenell, CPDT-KA | Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Building Drive to Source
Pre-req: for teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows or equivalent
For dogs 6 months and older who have completed The Nose Knows 1 classes (or equivalent) and are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
Finding source is the name of the game! In this mini-series, your dog will have to navigate through search areas in order to find the source of odor.
Date: Sundays, August 21 and 28 Register
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuition: $40 per dog (humans free!)
Element Searches
Pre-req: for teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows or equivalent
For dogs 6 months and older who have completed The Nose Knows 1 classes (or equivalent) and are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
This mini-series will introduce your dog to a variety of search elements you may see in different trials such as containers, interiors, height, distractions, and more.
Date: Tuesdays, August 23 and 30 Register
Time: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Tuition: $40 per dog (humans free!)
Scent Hike at Riverview Park
Pre-req: for teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows, Level One or equivalent
For dogs 6 months and older who have completed The Nose Knows 1 classes (or equivalent) and are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
Let’s take our super sniffers on the road and meet at Riverview Park for some fun! We will hike approximately 1/2 mile and give our dogs the opportunity to find target odors along the trail.
Note: Directions to the trail head will be provided in the reminder email, the week before the hike.
Date: Sunday, August 21 Register
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per dog (humans free!)
C-WAGS Sanctioned Scent League
Dates: Sundays, Check back for fall league!
Time: Check-in 5:00 p.m. First dog on line 5:15 p.m.
NOTE:
- This is not a beginners game (prior nose work required) and dogs should be on all odors.
- Teams must be registered with C-WAGS before registering for league.
- No resets will be offered
- Limited to ten teams per run
- Cost is $20 per run, per dog
Tuition: $20 per dog, per run
Judges: Marcy Fenell, Maribeth Hook, Tracey Miller, Stephanie Barber
Trial Secretary: Lisa Bartel
Advocates: Marcy Fenell, Gayle Bair, Tracey Miller
Dog Sports for Fun!
AF 410 Beginners Agility for Fun, Level One!
For dogs 1 year or older that are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
This course will help the dog and handler to build a strong relationship based on positive reinforcement training and fun! A dog with basic obedience skills will be comfortable in this class. Obstacles introduced in this beginning course will include jumps, tire jump, tunnel, dog walk, a- frame and pause table. Instructors: Elaine Mayowski, Colleen Woods
Current Session:
Dates: Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28,Aug (4-canc weather), 11 (Rain date: August 18) – Sold Out!
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Lower large outdoor grass play yard
Tuition: $120.00 per dog (humans free!)
AF 411 Beginners Agility for Fun, Level Two! New Offering!
For dogs 1 year or older that are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
Pre-req: for dogs who have completed Agility for Fun, Level One at Animal Friends or a basic agility class at another training facility.
Continue the agility fun with level two! This session covers the following: stays on start line, different crosses (blind, tandem, rear), crossing behind obstacles, distance work and solid weave poles. This course will help the dog and handler to build a strong relationship based on positive reinforcement training and fun! A dog with basic obedience skills will be comfortable in this class. Instructors: Elaine Mayowski, Colleen Woods
Current Session:
Dates: Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28,Aug (4-canc weather), 11 (Rain date: August 18) – registration closed
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Location: Lower large outdoor grass play yard
Tuition: $120.00 per dog (humans free!)
AF 413 Rodeo Dog
For dogs 6 months or older that are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
The purpose of Rodeo Dog is to form a bond (teamwork) with your dog and compete in a safe environment. The dog enjoys moving around barrels and the owners find it challenging to decide the best way to work the dog. The team starts at an easy level and works their way to harder and more challenging levels.
Rodeo Dog results in rounded and conditioned dogs. It demonstrates training and good teamwork. Rodeo Dog does not discriminate against any dog or handler because of a disability, accommodations can be made. Good team work can develop with any dog and handler team. Instructors: Elaine Mayowski and Colleen Woods.
Date: Thursday, August 25 (rain date: Sep 1) – Sold Out!
Time: 6:15-7:45 p.m.
Location: Lower large outdoor grass play yard
Tuition: $20 per dog (humans free!)
DOGA: Yoga for Your Dog and You
Your dog should be 6 months of age or older to participate in DOGA. Dog attendees must be both people and dog-friendly to participate as there is brief off-leash play at the beginning and end of class – participation optional.
Dogs are natural yogis! They live in the moment, they breathe from their bellies and they stretch immediately upon waking! Deepen your connection with your dog in this fun class. Class will include a walking meditation, human and canine yoga poses, doggie-massage and meditation. Please bring a large beach towel, treats, leash and a willingness to learn! Prior yoga experience not required. Space is limited; advance registration required. Instructor: Leta Koontz and Laurie Held, Certified Yoga Instructors.
NOTES: Any children in attendance must be 12 years of age or older. Yoga with dogs will be a more active class than with humans only.
Date: Sunday, October 9 Register
Time: 11 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per person (includes/admits one dog)
Hiking Hounds
Grab a leash and hit the trail! Join us with your canine companion for a Sunday hike through one of the area’s beautiful parks. Hiking is a great way to exercise, relieve stress, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Come out and explore a different park each month with your best friend. Dogs and people must be in condition to hike up to three miles on unpaved trails. You will receive details the week prior to the scheduled hike. Hike Leader: Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA
Location: Frick Park
Date: Sunday, September 18 Register
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Montour Trail New Offering!
Date: Sunday, October 16 Register
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $10 per dog – humans free!
Please note: maximum two dogs per handler.