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!
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.
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!
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.
Waiver and Policies
Guidelines/Release and Waiver of Liability
If you have questions about any of our course offerings please email AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
Puppy Training Adult Dog Training Dog Sports Dog Socials
Saturday Morning Behavior Series Workshops (human-only)
Mythbusters: Facts and Fiction about Dogs New Offering!
Have you ever heard the saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” Or “a wagging tail always means a happy dog?” In this workshop, Certified Professional Dog Trainers will discuss common ideas heard about training dogs and dog behavior and explain the facts about them.
This is a human-only workshop; please leave your canine companion at home!
Date: Saturday, October 14 Register
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Tuition: $30 per dog family (dog family members 16 years of age or older are welcome to attend!)
Instructors: Rebecca Hilbert, CPDT-KA, FDM, CCDT, MBA, Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Home Alone: Techniques to Manage and Modify Separation Anxiety
Some dogs have difficulty separating from their humans. Dog separation anxiety symptoms can vary from mild to severe. In this session, we will discuss ways to help your dog feel better about “alone time.”
This is a human-only workshop; please leave your canine companion at home!
Date: Saturday, October 21 Register
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Tuition: $30 per dog family (dog family members 16 years of age or older are welcome to attend!)
Instructor: Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA, AABC- ADT, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer and Hersenwerk Enrichment Mentor
Other workshop topics – please check back for future dates!
- Think and Learn Like Your Dog: How Dogs Learn and Socialize
- Canine Body Language: Your Dog is Speaking to You – Are You Listening?
- Unleash the Ways to Your Best Leash Handling Skills
- Cooperative Care: Help Your Dog To Be a Willing Participant in Basic Care
- Resource Guarding: It’s MINE!
- Chaos to Calm: Managing and Helping Your Leash Reactive Dog
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: $25 per dog/per class
Instructors: Barb Grosch, CPDT-KA, Angelo Theofanous, 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. We will also practice techniques to discourage jumping.
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Wednesday, October 11 – Sold Out!
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuition: $25 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.
Useful cues of “touch” and “wait” (at the door or for the food bowl) will be taught. This class focuses on management of common puppy issues like housetraining and puppy nipping.
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Wednesday, October 18 Register
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuition: $25 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.
This class will focus on social interactions with new people and places. Skills include how to walk nicely on leash, come when called, greeting new people and dog-dog on leash greetings.
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Wednesday, September 13 – registration closed
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 25 Register
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuition: $25 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.
This class focuses on resource guarding prevention. You and your puppy will learn the useful “drop it” and “leave it” cues.
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Wednesday, September 27 – registration closed
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuition: $25 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 will be introduced to beginner agility obstacles for confidence building. You will also learn about play, scent games and enrichment and how to incorporate play into training and fun with your puppy.
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Wednesday, October 4 Register
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuition: $25 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 as well as enrichment activities and brain games for your puppy. 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!
Sessions:
Dates: Thursdays, Sep 7, 14, (21-no class due to event) 28, Oct 5, 12 – Sold Out!
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Dates: Thursdays, Oct 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16 Register
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Instructors: Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, Angelo Theofanous, CPDT-KA
Dates: Saturdays, Sep 9, 16, (23-no class due to event), 30, Oct 7, 14 – Sold Out!
Time: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Dates: Saturdays, Oct 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18 Register
Time: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Instructors: Sarah Stephens, CPDT-KA, Anita DeBiase
Dates: Wednesdays, Check back for a future class!
Time: 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Instructors: Barb Grosch, CPDT-KA, Angelo Theofanous, CPDT-KA
Tuition: $125 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!
Sessions:
Dates: Thursdays, Sep 7, 14, (21-no class due to event) 28, Oct 5, 12 – Sold Out!
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Dates: Thursdays, Oct 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16 Register
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Instructors: Angelo Theofanous, CPDT-KA, Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT
Dates: Saturdays, Sep 9, 16, (23-no class due to event), 30, Oct 7, 14 – Sold Out!
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Dates: Saturdays, Oct 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18 Register
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Instructors: Sarah Stephens, CPDT-KA, Anita DeBiase
Tuition: $125 per pup (humans free!)
AF 309 – Bashful Buddies
This class is targeted for shy, non-reactive dogs 6 months of age or older. Please see below information on pre-requisite requirement of phone consultation.
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!
Next Session:
Dates: Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – Sold Out!
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
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.
Tuition: $135 per dog (humans free!)
Instructors: Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Angelo Theofanous, CPDT-KA
Training Fun – Single Sessions
Instructors: Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Basic Skills Refresher – Top 5 Training Exercises
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 session we’ll work on cues that are in many trainers’ Top 5 Exercises your dog should know. Join us and find out how many of these activities your dog may already know and learn something new while adding to your teamwork!
Date: Saturday, September 16 – registration closed
Time: 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Tuition: $25 per dog (humans free!)
Tricks for Treats!
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.
Let’s have fun for Howl-o-ween and teach your dogs some tricks. We will also include some body awareness exercises, using agility equipment. These activities are a fun way to enrich your dog’s life by using a variety of their senses.
Date: Saturday, October 14 – Sold Out!
Time: 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Tuition: $25 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.
Next Sessions:
Dates: Sundays, Sep 17, (24-no class due to event), Oct 1, 8, 15 – Sold Out!
Time: 6:30- 7:30 p.m.
Instructors: Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA, Missy Marzolf
Dates: Sundays, Check back for future class!
Time: 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Instructors: Marcy Fenell, CPDT-KA, Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Tuition: $105 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.
Next Sessions:
Dates: Tuesdays, October 17, 24, 31, Nov 7 – Sold Out!
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Instructors: Marcy Fenell, CPDT-KA, Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Dates: Sundays, October 22, 29, Nov 5, 12 Register
Time: 6:30- 7:30 p.m.
Instructors: Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA, Missy Marzolf
Dates: Tuesdays, Check back for future class!
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Instructors: Marcy Fenell, CPDT-KA, Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Tuition: $105 per dog (humans free!)
The Nose Knows – Single Sessions
Instructors: Marcy Fenell, CPDT-KA | Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET |
Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA
Primary School Scent Games – Sniff for Treats! Beginner Level!
For dogs 6 months and older who are both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
Interested in learning more about the game of scent work? Join us with your dog to search for primary (food). Your canine companion will be mentally challenged while searching various set-ups that mimic something you would find in scent work. Your dog will be tired and enriched after using their nose to complete all the sniffy fun challenges that come their way.
Note: advance registration required; no walk-ins permitted.
Date: Saturday, October 21 Register
Time: 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Tuition: $25 per pup – 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, September 24 – Sold Out!
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuition: $25 per dog (humans free!)
C-WAGS Sanctioned Spring Scent League
Dates: Sundays, September 17, October 8, 15 Register
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, Susan Wetherell
Trial Secretary: Lisa Bartel
Advocates: Marcy Fenell, Maribeth Hook, Tracey Miller, Lisa Bartel
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
Next Session:
Dates: Wednesdays, Check back spring 2024 for class!
Note: Rain date is
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Lower large outdoor grass play yard
Tuition: $150.00 per dog (humans free!)
AF 411 – Beginners Agility for Fun, Level Two!
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
Next Session:
Dates: Wednesdays, Check back spring 2024 for class!
Note: Rain date is
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Location: Lower large outdoor grass play yard
Tuition: $150.00 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: Wednesday, Please check back for future class!
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Location: Lower grassy play yard
Tuition: $25 per dog (humans free!)
Hiking Hounds
Grab a leash and hit the trail! Join us for a wooded walk to enjoy the fall color! This is a almost flat, out and back walk along an abandoned road bed. A Hiking Hounds favorite! 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: Montour Trail
Date: Sunday, September 24 – registration closed
Location: Irwin Run
Date: Sunday, October 22 Register
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $15 per dog – humans free!
Please note: maximum two dogs per handler.