Animals   

This four week course explores how dogs think, communicate, and respond to the world around them. You’ll learn how genetics, environment, socialization, and learning history shape behavior, while building practical skills for reading body language, stress signals, play, conflict, and dog-to-dog communication. The course also covers common behavior challenges including fear, reactivity, resource guarding, and over arousal, with an emphasis on prevention and emotional wellbeing. In the final week, participants learn training foundations, desensitization, counter conditioning, and handler skills that support clearer communication, safer interactions, and stronger relationships with dogs. Please note: In-class learning is without dogs. Home practice encouraged with dogs between classes.

Animals are family—and the bond we share with them can bring profound love, healing, joy, grief, and transformation. This compassionate and interactive course is designed for animal lovers, veterinary professionals, rescue workers, caregivers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with—and meaningful ways to support—the animal beings they love, care for, or work alongside. Together we’ll also explore ways to honor and care for our own hearts through the tender—and sometimes challenging—experiences that come with loving animals deeply. A $10 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class.

This course teaches students Basic Life Support CPR techniques useful in recognizing and responding to cardiac and breathing emergencies.  First aid for pets discusses common techniques, i.e. allergic reaction, heat stroke, restraint, you can provide at home for your pet. This class includes a power point presentation followed by a live dog demonstration and manikin experience.