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! 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 for Fun!
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. All classes include puppy playtime and teach foundation cues – sit, down, stand, touch. In addition, each class has a specific theme. Exercises, behavior talks and homework relate to the theme of the class.
Tuition: $15 per dog/per class
Instructors: Lori Caruso and Barb Grosch, CPDT-KA
Kinderpuppy – Puppies Learn Polite 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. Your puppy will learn to “come,” pay attention to their people when asked and we will share ideas to cope with puppy chewing and mouthing.
Session One: Saturday, May 18 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Sold Out!
Session Two: Wednesday, July 10 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. Register
Session Three: Wednesday, Aug. 14 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. Register
Tuition: $15 per dog/per class
Kinderpuppy – Puppies Around the Household
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. This class includes ideas for puppy management (i.e. crating and tethering) and housetraining tips. Puppies will learn “sit to say please” and we will practice ways to discourage jumping.
Session One: Saturday, June 1 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Register
Session Two: Wednesday, July 17 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. Register
Session Three: Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. Register
Tuition: $15 per dog – humans free!
Kinderpuppy – Puppies Out 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. This class presents socialization ideas and manners when interacting outdoors. This will include introduction to loose leash walking and jumping prevention.
Session One: Saturday, June 8 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Register
Session Two: Wednesday, July 24 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. Register
Session Three: Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. Register
Tuition: $15 per dog – 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. This class focuses on resource guarding prevention. Puppies learn “drop it” and “leave it” and “wait for the food bowl.” We will discuss ideas to prevent possessive behavior of food and toys.
Session One: Saturday, May 4 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Registration Closed
Session Two: Saturday, June 15 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Register
Session Three: Wednesday, July 31 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. Register
Tuition: $15 per dog – 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 gain confidence by working on the beginner agility obstacles and learn some fun tricks. We will share some game ideas to exercise your pup both mentally and physically.
Session One: Saturday, May 11 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Registration Closed
Session Two: Saturday, June 22 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Register
Session Three: Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. Register
Tuition: $15 per dog – 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. This is a 5-week class, please plan to bring your dog to all sessions.
Current Session:
Dates: Saturdays, March 30, April 6, 27, May 4, 11 (no classes April 13 due to event or April 20 due to Easter)
Instructors: Lori Caruso (for toy, small, medium dogs and shy pups) – Sold Out!
Sarah Stephens (for medium, large and giant size pups) – Sold Out!
Next Session:
Dates: Saturdays, May 18, June 1, 8, 15, 22 (no class May 25 due to Memorial Day)
Instructors: Lori Caruso (for toy, small, medium dogs and shy pups) Register Sarah Stephens, CPDT-KA (for medium, large and giant size pups) – Sold Out!
Time: 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Tuition: $75 per pup (humans free!)
Future Session:
Dates: Thursdays, July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8 Register
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Tuition: $75 per dog (humans free!)
Instructors: Sarah Stephens, CPDT-KA, Michael Cunningham
Adult Dog Training
AF 304 – Companion Dog Manners
For dogs that are both people and dog-friendly and 9 months or older. Not recommended for dogs under 25 pounds 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. This is a six-week class. First class is orientation – humans only, no dogs please.
Dates: Thursdays, July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8, 15 Register
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Tuition: $105 per dog (humans free!)
Instructors: Sarah Stephens CPDT-KA, Michael Cunningham
Current Session:
Dates: Thursdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6 – Sold Out!
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Instructor: Sarah Stephens, CPDT-KA
Tuition: $105 per dog (humans free!)
AF 308 – Companion Dog Manners for Small Dogs
For dogs 35 pounds or less and six months or older Positive reinforcement techniques are used to teach your dog basic cues like sit, down, stay, come and to walk comfortably on a loose leash. Behavior issues common to smaller breeds will be discussed. This is a 6-week class. Please plan to bring your dog to all class sessions.
Dates: Saturdays, May 4, 11, 18, June 1, 8, 15 (no class May 25 due to Memorial Day) – Registration Closed
Time: 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Instructor: Lori Caruso
Tuition: $105 per dog (humans free!)
Dog Sports for Fun!
The Nose Knows – Summer Sessions
Instructors: Gayle Bair CPDT-KA, Marcy Fenell CPDT-KA, Missy Marzolf
What’s That Smell?!
For dogs who are new to the sport of canine nose work. Dogs must be dog- and human friendly and at least 6 months old. Learn how to teach your dog to hunt and alert to scent. Both humans and canines will learn a lot about this exciting team activity that will both mentally and physically tire their dog while having fun together.
Session One: Sunday, June 9 – Sold Out!
Session Two: Sunday, July 7 Register
Time: 5-6 p.m.
Tuition: $20
Sniffing Out Confidence
For dogs who are new to the sport of canine nose work and are shy with objects, people and/or dogs. Dogs must be dog- and human friendly and at least 6 months old. This class will introduce you and your canine to the exciting sport of canine scent work, but exercises and the classroom set up will be structured to help a shy dog build confidence while developing new skills.
Session One: Sunday, June 23 Register
Session Two: Sunday, July 21 Register
Time: 5-6 p.m.
Tuition: $20
Let’s Play Games!
For teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows or equivalent. Dogs must be dog- and human-friendly and at least 6 months old. Games, games, games! You and your dog will enjoy fun nose games that will work on building drive, motivation and handler skills all while having fun as a team.
Date: Sunday, June 9 – Sold Out!
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20
What Distraction?
For teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows or equivalent. Dogs must be dog- and human-friendly and at least 6 months old. Can your dog work through distractions? The focus of this session will be learning how to teach your dog to pass toys, food, people and other things that might be distracting in the search area. We’re confident your dog can do it!
Date: Sunday, July 7 – Sold Out!
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20
Where Did the Scent Go?
For teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows or equivalent. Dogs must be dog- and human-friendly and at least 6 months old. You can’t see it, but your dog can still smell it. Join us to work on buried and inaccessible hides!
Date: Sunday, July 21 – Sold Out!
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20
Let’s Go Outside
For teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows or equivalent. Dogs must be dog and human-friendly and at least 6 months old. Enjoy the summer weather and come out for some exterior and vehicle searches. Learn about how temperature and wind may affect scent and have fun searching outside with your teammate.
Session One: Sunday, June 23 – Sold Out!
Session Two: Sunday, Aug. 4 Register
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20
Containers, Containers, Containers
For teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows or equivalent. Dogs must be dog and human-friendly and at least 6 months old. Where could the scent be? It might be in basket, a ball or a shoe! Your dog’s nose will know exactly where it is. Letting us know? Well, that’s up to you.
Date: Sunday, Aug. 4 – Sold Out!
Time: 5-6 p.m.
Tuition: $20
Scent Hike
For teams that have completed at least one 4-week session of The Nose Knows or equivalent. Dogs must be dog and human-friendly and at least 6 months old. End the summer session with a Scent Hike at Riverview Park, North Side, Pittsburgh.
Date: Sunday, Aug. 18
Session One: 5-6 p.m. Register
Session Two: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Register
Tuition: $10
AF 413 – Rodeo Dog NEW!
You and your dog will weave through a variety of barrel-like obstacles as a team. Learn to work together, building a strong bond based on positive reinforcement training and fun! This is a beginner level offering – any dog/handler team is welcome to participate. Your dog will remain on leash for this first level offering. Class will be held outdoors in the Animal Friends lower grass fenced-in play yard. Rodeo Dog is a new titling event for you and your dog. This event is only timed for placements; there are no time disqualifications. We just want you and your dog to have fun!
Date: Thursday, June 27 Register
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per dog (humans free!)
AF 408 – Hiking Hounds
Grab a leash and hit the trail! Join us with your canine companion for a Sunday morning hike through one of our area’s many 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.
Waiver of Responsibility: In consideration of your acceptance of this form, I hereby for myself, my administrators, my heirs and assigns waive and release any and all right and claims for damages I have against the organizers of this event, their associates and representatives. I also agree to obey all traffic laws, exercise all safety precautions, avoid littering and respect the property of others. I also give full permission to use my name and photograph in connection with this event.
Date and Location: Sunday, June 2 | South Hills Hike, Bird Park Register
Time: 10 a.m.- noon
Tuition: $10 per dog – humans free! Two dog maximum per handler, please.
Trip Leader: Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA
AF 411 – The Nose Knows (Level One)
For dogs 6 months and older who are both people- and dog-friendly. 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: Check back Aug. 1 for fall schedule.
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Instructor: Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA
Tuition: $65 per dog (humans free!)
AF 412 – The Nose Knows Continues … (Level Two)
For dogs 6 months and older that have completed The Nose Knows (Level One) and are both people- and dog-friendly. 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. Pre-requisite: The Nose Knows (Level One).
Current Session:
Dates: Sundays, April 28, May 12, 19, June 2 (no class May 5 due to seminar or May 26 due to Memorial Day) – Sold Out!
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Instructor: Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA
Tuition: $65 per dog (humans free!)
AF 406 – Flyball for Fun!
For ball-crazy, high-energy dogs of any size! Try the canine sport of flyball where teams of dogs race over hurdles, retrieving a ball which is released from a box. In this introductory workshop we will learn about the sport, practice the basic skills and each dog will run the course repeatedly. Dogs must be both people and dog-friendly and in good physical condition for running and jumping low hurdles. Class will be held outdoors in the Animal Friends lower grass fenced play yard.
Date: Sunday, check back Aug. 1 for fall schedule.
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tuition: $20 per dog (humans free!)
Instructor: Kristen Priestly
AF 410 – Beginners Agility for Fun!
For dogs 1-year or older that are both people- and dog-friendly This course will help the dog and handler 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. This class will be held at Animal Friends in the grass, fenced-in lower play yard.
Dates: Mondays, July 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug. 5, 12 (rain date: Aug. 19) Register
Current Session: Mondays, May 6, 13, 20, June 3, 10, 17 (no class May 27 due to Memorial Day / rain date June 24) – Sold Out!
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Tuition: $105
Instructor: Elaine Mayowski
AF 414 – Tracking 101
For dogs 6 months or older who are people- and dog-friendly. No previous nosework experience needed! Dogs will put their natural sniffing talents to work tracking human scent. Come out this spring and learn the basics of this fun sport with your canine companion! Humans and dogs should be in condition to hike several hundred yards over field terrain.
Waiver of Responsibility: In consideration of your acceptance of this form, I hereby for myself, my administrators, my heirs and assigns waive and release any and all right and claims for damages I have against the organizers of this event, their associates and representatives. I also agree to obey all traffic laws, exercise all safety precautions, avoid littering and respect the property of others. I also give full permission to use my name and photograph in connection with this event.
Location: Hartwood Acres Park, Hampton Township
Dates: Saturdays, check back Aug. 1 for fall class schedule
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
Tuition: $95
Instructor: Gayle Bair, CPDT-KA
AF 415 DOGA: Yoga for Your Dog and You
Canine attendees should be both people- and dog-friendly to participate. 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.
Date: Sunday, May 19 – Sold Out!
Time: 11 a.m.
Instructor: Leta Koontz, Certified Yoga Instructor
Tuition: $20 per person (includes one dog)