Training Classes

Animal Friends University

Welcome to Animal Friends University

We offer a variety of training classes for both animals and their human companions. Whether you’re looking to improve your pet’s skills or enhance your own knowledge, we have something for everyone. Explore our wide range of classes designed to strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged friend.

Interested in exploring all of our available classes?

Dog Training

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 BGrosch@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or 412.847.7035.

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.

Resources

Types of Dog Training Classes We Offer

Puppy Classes

Can’t find the class you're looking for? Check back often for new offerings!

Adult Classes

Can’t find the class you're looking for? Check back often for new offerings!

Dog Sports Classes

Can’t find the class you're looking for? Check back often for new offerings!

Scent Work Classes

Can’t find the class you're looking for? Check back often for new offerings!

Workshops

Can’t find the class you're looking for? Check back often for new offerings!

Seminars

Can’t find the class you're looking for? Check back often for new offerings!

Hiking Hounds

Can’t find the class you're looking for? Check back often for new offerings!

Cat Training

Animal Education

We know that the bond you share with your cat is unique and we want to provide you with more ways to make the most of your relationship. Our cat training classes provide information about proper care, advice to eliminate negative behaviors and even lessons on how to pamper your favorite feline. Most of our cat training classes are for humans only, so please leave your kitty at home unless otherwise noted.

If you have questions about our course offerings or registration, please contact us at DKlingelhofer@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or by phone at 412.847.7035.

 

Cat Training Classes

Can’t find the class you're looking for? Check back often for new offerings!

Rabbit Training

Whether you’re a new bunny parent or an experienced rabbit wrangler, we have a rabbit training class for you! Our courses provide valuable information from rabbit bonding and behavior to proper nutrition and care and everything in between. With the help of our knowledgeable staff and volunteers, you’ll have the tools you need to make the bond you share with your long-eared family member stronger than ever.

If you have questions about our course offerings or registration, please contact us at DKlingelhofer@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or by phone at 412.847.7035.

 

Volunteer with a bunny

Rabbit Training Classes

Can’t find the class you're looking for? Check back often for new offerings!

Human Training

Careers at Animal Friends

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.

If you have questions about our course offerings or registration, please contact us at DKlingelhofer@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org by phone at 412.847.7035.

Human Training Classes

Can’t find the class you're looking for? Check back often for new offerings!

Play Yard Rentals

Does your dog love to run? Our large play yard, equipped with agility gear, is available for you and your dog to enjoy some one-on-one, off-leash fun!

Reservation Details:

  • Limit: Two dogs per adult handler, with a maximum of 10 dogs per reservation.
  • Private Sessions: Each reservation is exclusive—just you and your dog(s).
  • Booking Deadline: Please complete your online reservation by 5:00 pm the day before your visit.

Play Yard Rental Program Membership:

  • $100 Membership Fee includes 12 half-hour sessions (10 sessions at retail value = $100 + 2 free).
  • Gift Certificates Available!

Hours:

  • Summer (April 2 – September 30) Weather dependent—closed for heavy rain or thunderstorms.
  • Winter (October 1 – December 15) Weather dependent—closed for snow/ice.

Note: The Play Yard Rental Program is closed for the season until Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

For questions, contact Donna at AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.

Important: Please do not use our walking trails, as they are reserved for staff, volunteers, and canine shelter residents only. Thank you for your cooperation!

Play Yard Rentals

Schedule Play Yard Rentals

Please Note: Our Play Yards are currently closed for the season

Small Dog & Teacup Socials

Dog Social
Small Dog Social
 
For dogs 4 months or older that are both people- and dog-friendly.
Join other small dogs and their people for an hour of social time. Dog play increases social skills and provides lots of exercise and fun for the small dog crowd! We define “small” dog as approximately 35 pounds or less.  Also, consider your dog’s personality in choosing to attend dog social.  Group play can be overwhelming or overstimulating for some dogs.
Teacup Hour 
For dogs 4 months or older that are both people- and dog-friendly.
A special time for the tiny dogs to play and for their people to mingle at our Outreach Center. This social is also suitable for other small dogs who prefer a less-active play style.
Visit our events page to find out when our dog socials are happening.
If you have questions about our course offerings or registration, please contact us at AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or by phone at 412.847.7035.

Therapets Training

Therapets impacts thousands of lives each year with the healing power of animals. Each of our Therapet teams undergoes specialized training and certification to ensure they are a good fit for the program. Learn more about Therapets here.

Accompanied by their human handlers, these dogs, cats and rabbits visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes, specialized care facilities, college campuses and many other locations throughout our region.

If you have questions about our course offerings or registration, please contact us at DKlingelhofer@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or by phone at 412.847.7035.

IMG_0594

Therapets Classes

Can’t find the class you're looking for? Check back often for new offerings!