Your pets aren’t the only ones who can benefit from training. As their two-legged family member, there is always more to learn about how you can make your pets’ lives happier, healthier and safer! Below, you’ll find classes that will teach you valuable skills and knowledge that will strengthen the bond you share with your pets. 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

Human Training Classes

Pet CPR and First Aid

This class will teach you the life-saving skills and knowledge that will enable you to be there for your pets when they need you the most! Topics include, but not limited to, rescue breathing, bleeding protocols, choking management, heat/cold injuries, bites, stings, poisoning, seizures, fractures and limb injuries. Class size limited to 15 students to allow for individualized instruction. Certification provided upon completion of the class.

This is a human-only class; please leave your canine companion at home!

Date:  Sunday, June 11   Register

Time: 11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Tuition: $80 per person – includes all training materials, training certificate and light refreshments. A portion of the proceeds benefit Animal Friends.

Instructor: Karen Sable

Cooperative Care: Help Your Dog To Be a Willing Participant in Basic Care

Cooperative care involves training an animal to not only tolerate handling, but also to be an active and willing participant in experiences such as proper nail care, dental care, brushing, grooming, cleaning of eyes, ears and more.  We will review what consent is, how to get our dog’s consent and how important it is to respect their choice if they remove consent.

This is a human-only workshop; please leave your canine companion at home!

Date: Saturday, July 8   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

Resource Guarding: It’s MINE!

In this workshop, we will review what resource guarding is, how to manage the situation should you live with a resource guarder, how to prevent the behavior from developing and review the most common resources a dog may guard.  We will also talk about human-directed resource guarding and dog-to-dog guarding.

This is a human-only workshop; please leave your canine companion at home!

Date: Saturday, August 5   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

Baby-Ready Pets!

The excitement of preparing for the arrival of a 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. This Baby-Ready Pets class will assist you in making the preparations for these introductions.

This is a people-only class. Please leave your pets at home. Seating is limited and advance RSVP is required.

NOTE:  Please email any specific questions to BRP@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org

Date: Saturday, Please check back for future class!

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Tuition: No cost to attend!

Instructors: Ron and Mary Papik