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
COVID Policy
Masks are now optional.
Disposable face masks will still be placed near entrances as an option for all visitors.
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)
Your Dog is Speaking to You – Are You Listening?
One of the best things any dog owner can do is to learn how to listen to their dog. In this class, we will teach you how to “hear” what your dog is saying through a variety body language cues from their nose to their tails. We will explore the different vocalizations of dogs – decoding barks including excitement, warning, fear and frustration. As Orhan Pamuk said, “Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.”
This is a human-only workshop; please leave your canine companion at home!
Date: Saturday, April 1 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, Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Unleash the Ways to Your Best Leash Handling Skills
In this class you will learn how to hold your leash like the pros for maximum comfort, safety and control of your dog during walks. We will also prepare you with tips and tricks to keep you and your four-legged friend safe if rushed by an off-leash dog. Dog park attendance will be discussed including how to determine if your dog is enjoying the experience, what red flags to look for and safety tips to at the dog park.
This is a human-only workshop; please leave your canine companion at home!
Date: Saturday, May 6 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, Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Think and Learn Like Your Dog: How Dogs Learn and Socialization
We will discuss how dogs learn in order to build better relationships in training with our four-legged companions. This workshop also covers socialization: what it is, what it is not. We will review how to properly socialize your puppy during the critical stages or how to train remedial socialization for your adult dog.
This is a human-only workshop; please leave your canine companion at home!
Date: Saturday, Please check back for a future workshop!
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, Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
From Chaos to Calm: Understanding and Helping Your Leash Reactive Dog
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: Saturday, Please check back for a future workshop!
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, 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.”
NOTE: we can not provide an individualized behavior plan, but will provide information and tools to improve this behavior.
This is a human-only workshop; please leave your canine companion at home!
Date: Saturday, Please check back for a future workshop!
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
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. 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: Saturday, April 1 – Sold Out!
Date: Saturday, May 20 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 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.
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: Saturday, April 22 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 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.
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, March 4 – Sold Out!
Date: Saturday, April 29 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 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.
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, March 11 – Sold Out!
Date: Saturday, May 6 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 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 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, March 18 – registration closed
Date: Saturday, May 13 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 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 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: Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Sold Out!
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Instructors: Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA, Angelo Theofanous, CPDT-KA
Next Sessions:
Dates: Thursdays, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11 – Sold Out!
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Instructors: Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA, Angelo Theofanous, CPDT-KA
Dates: Saturdays, April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20 Register
Time: 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Instructors: Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA, Anita DeBiase
Dates: Saturdays, Check back for future class!
Time: 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Instructors: Sarah Stephens, CPDT-KA, Anita DeBiase
Tuition: $120 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!
Current Session:
Dates: Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – registration closed
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Instructors: Angelo Theofanous, CPDT-KA, Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA
Next Sessions:
Dates: Thursdays, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11 Register
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Instructors: Angelo Theofanous, CPDT-KA, Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA
Dates: Saturdays, April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20 Register
Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Instructors: Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA, Anita DeBiase
Dates: Saturdays, Please check back for future class!
Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Instructors: Sarah Stephens, CPDT-KA, Anita DeBiase
Tuition: $120 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. 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, April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16 – Sold Out!
Time: 7:00-8:00 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.
Instructors: Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA, Angelo Theofanous, CPDT-KA
Training Fun – Single Sessions
Instructors: Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Recall Basics
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.
Does your dog come when called? In this session, let’s work on that! We’ll teach your dog to come when called through fun games that will be a foundation to a reliable recall! Please bring your dog’s favorite toy if they have one. We’ll be doing fun games that include movement so be ready to move!
Date: Saturday, March 18 – Sold Out!
Time: 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Tuition: $25 per dog (humans free!)
Four on the Floor
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 you will learn fun and effective ways to help your dog stop jumping. We’ll teach you how to create successful setups at home with a goal of not jumping on people or counter surfing. These activities will show your dog the floor, and not jumping, is more rewarding!
Date: Saturday, April 1 Register
Time: 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Tuition: $25 per dog (humans free!)
The Magic Touch New Offering!
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.
Join us to learn and practice a simple cue where your dog learns to touch your hand with their nose. This behavior will then be used in a variety of ways to teach polite walking, recall, polite greetings and more!
Date: Saturday, April 22 Register
Time: 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Tuition: $25 per dog (humans free!)
Instructors: Angelo Theofanous, CPDT-KA, Debbie Thomas, CPDT-KA
Enrichment Essentials: Fulfill Your Dog’s Needs
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 discuss the importance of enrichment in your dog’s daily life, identify the different types of enrichment, and explore provided examples of enrichment activities that you make at home or purchase, like snuffle mats and towel puzzles.
Date: Saturday, April 29 Register
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.
Dates: Sundays, March 26, Apr 2, (no class 4/9 holiday), 16, 23 – Sold Out!
Time: 6:30- 7:30 p.m.
Instructors: Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA, Missy Marzolf
Dates: Sundays, Please check back for future class!
Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Instructors: Marcy Fenell, CPDT-KA, Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Tuition: $100 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.
Current Sessions:
Dates: Sundays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 – Sold Out!
Time: 1:30- 2:30 p.m.
Instructors: Marcy Fenell, CPDT-KA, Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Dates: Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 – registration closed
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Instructors: Marcy Fenell, CPDT-KA, Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET
Dates: Sundays, Please check back for future class!
Time: 6:30- 7:30 p.m.
Instructors: Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA, Missy Marzolf
Tuition: $100 per dog (humans free!)
The Nose Knows – Single Sessions
Instructors: Marcy Fenell, CPDT-KA | Lisa Bartel, CPDT-KA, DN-CET |
Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA
Ninja Level One Detective and Ranger Prep
Pre-req: for teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows Continues or equivalent
For dogs 6 months or older and both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
Teams will have the opportunity to practice both Scent Detective and Scent Ranger Level One searches in a mock trial setting.
NOTE: this session was developed for those who are competing in C-WAGS or interested in competing. Rules & regulations will also be covered.
Dates: Sunday, March 19 – Sold Out!
Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Tuition: $25 per dog (humans free!)
Ninja Level Two Detective and Ranger Prep
Pre-req: for teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows Continues or equivalent
For dogs 6 months or older and both people and dog friendly. Dogs should be comfortable and non- reactive in a group class setting.
Teams will have the opportunity to practice both Scent Detective and Scent Ranger Level Two searches in a mock trial setting.
NOTE: this session was developed for those who are competing in C-WAGS or interested in competing. Rules & regulations will also be covered.
Dates: Sunday, March 26 – Sold Out!
Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Tuition: $25 per dog (humans free!)
Just 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.
Join us for an hour of searching – interior hides, containers, height, suspended hides and distractions. All the fun you may encounter in a search area!
Dates: Tuesday, April 25 Register
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuition: $25 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, Please check back spring 2023!
Time: 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per dog (humans free!)
C-WAGS Sanctioned Spring Scent League
Dates: Sundays, April 2, 23, 30
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 Weatherall
Trial Secretary: Lisa Bartel
Advocates: Marcy Fenell, Gayle Bair, 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
Dates: Wednesdays, May 17, 24, 31, June 7, 14, 21 – Sold Out!
Note: rain date June 28
Time: 6:15-7:15 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
Dates: Wednesdays, May 17, 24, 31, June 7, 14, 21 Register
Note: rain date June 28
Time: 7:30-8:30 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, May 3 Register
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: Rachel Carson Trail; Natrona Heights – hike along the bluffs above the Allegheny River for great views of the river and the Freeport Bridge.
Date: Sunday, March 26 Register
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: West Park; Northside – a city hike with a stop at the dog-friendly “412 Brewery” on Western Avenue.
Date: Sunday, April 23 Register
Time: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: Panhandle Trail; Carnegie – a flat hike on a rail trail next to a beautiful creek.
Date: Sunday, June 4 Register
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $15 per dog – humans free!
Please note: maximum two dogs per handler.