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
DOGA: Yoga for You and Your Dog
Your dog should be 6 months of age or older to participate in DOGA. Your dog should be both people and dog-friendly as there will be a brief off-leash opportunity for the dogs to 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.
Note: Children 12 years of age or older are welcome to attend. Yoga with dogs will be a more active class than with humans only.
Date: Sunday, April 14 Register
Time: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $25 per person/dog pair (all proceeds generously donated by Schoolhouse Yoga)
Instructors: Leta Koontz and Laurie Held
Saturday Morning Behavior Series (human only)
Your Dog is Speaking to You: Are You Listening: Canine Body Language
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 13 Register
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Bashful Buddies: Tips to Help Your Shy Dog
Dogs who are shy, fearful and anxious need extra help to cope with the sometimes scary world. This seminar will provide information to families to create a safe environment for their dog and how to use positive reinforcement training to build confidence.
Please note that we can not provide individual training plans for your dog, but will discuss a variety of ideas for living with a shy dog.
This is a human-only workshop; please leave your canine companion at home!
Date: Saturday, April 27 Register
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Keepin’ the Peace: Managing a Multi-Dog Household
To help keep the peace in a multi-dog household, it is important to understand group dynamics, complex relationships, how to handle conflict, management strategies and key foundational skills all of the dogs should know. This class will review not only these but also some considerations we guardians should weigh, when deciding about adding another dog to the equation.
This is a human-only workshop; please leave your canine companion at home!
Date: Saturday, May 18 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
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 animal companion at home!
Date: Tuesday, check back for future class!
Time: 11:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuition: $90 per person – includes all training materials, training certificate and light refreshments. A portion of the proceeds benefit Animal Friends.
Instructor: Karen Sable