• What's the best way to housetrain your cat or dog?
• How can you keep your dog from dashing out into the street?
• Why does your cat scratch your couch?
• When's the best time to adopt a pet?

The answers to these and other pet-related questions are all available through the Dumb Friends League!

Pet Behavior TIPS and TOPICS class
This free, two-hour class is divided into two sessions. The first hour is geared toward those interested in adopting a new pet. This session explores what to realistically expect from a pet and how to prepare for the new family member's arrival. The second hour addresses specific pet behavior topics, which change each month. You can attend either hour or both for free!

Upcoming Classes

• Quebec Street shelter, 2080 South Quebec Street, Denver
  
• Sunday, August 24, 1-3 pm
  Fun Things to Do With Your Dog: teaching fetch, "hide & seek"; Intro to obedience, agility and flyball
• Sunday, September 21, 1-3 pm
  Keeping Your Cat Entertained Indoors: how to make your own SAFE cat toys; window perches; scratching post selection and location
  
• Metro Districts, 3280 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch
  • Tuesday, August 12, 7-9 pm
    Fun Things to Do With Your Dog: teaching fetch, "hide & seek"; Intro to obedience, agility and flyball
  • Tuesday, Sept 9, 7-9 pm
    Keeping Your Cat Entertained Indoors: how to make your own SAFE cat toys; window perches; scratching post selection and location
    

For more information or to make a reservation, please call 303-696-4941 ext. 387. We will send you a confirmation letter with driving directions to your class if you sign up at least 5 days in advance.

behavior helpline
If you're having difficulties with housetraining your pet, excessive barking, scratching or other pet concerns, check out the advice on this page.

Our helpline answers calls, 24 hours a day, with an automated greeting and will record your concerns and questions so that we assist you with your pet. Calls are returned during regular business hours by specially trained employees and volunteers who are dedicated to helping people understand why pets do what they do.

You can also contact us by email with your behavior concerns or questions and we will respond promptly.

puppy club

• Locations and Times:
  • Quebec Street Shelter, Denver
    Saturdays: 8:30-9:30 a.m. & (Until May 1, 2003) 10-11 a.m.
  • Buddy Center, Castle Rock
    Saturdays: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• Cost: Per session is $5 for each puppy, payable at start of session.
• Class: Puppies must be two to six months of age and have appropriate vaccinations.

Our Puppy Club is not only a great opportunity for puppies to learn important social skills, but offers support and education for the proud new "parents," as well. .

Reservations are required: Please call 303-696-4941, ext. 386 to reserve space for you and your puppy. (Please indicate preference for Quebec shelter or The Buddy Center when you call.)

Puppy & beginning adult obedience classes-click here for upcoming class schedule

• Locations: Quebec shelter in Denver and Buddy Center in Castle Rock.
• Cost: $65 for seven sessions (includes training clicker).
• Puppy Class: Puppies 12 weeks to five months are welcome.
• Adult Class: Dogs six months or older and spayed/neutered are welcome.

Teaching your puppy or adult dog basic lessons, such as "walk with me," "sit" and "stay" could prevent it from getting into dangerous situations. A well-taught pooch also makes for better company for everyone.

Our obedience classes can help you communicate effectively with your canine companion, while enhancing the loving bond you share together. We can teach you how to successfully train your dog using positive reinforcement. Through consistency, verbal praise, patience, physical affection and treats, your dog can become a well-mannered family member, welcomed park visitor and gladly-received kennel or doggie day care guest. Classes are taught by teams of two instructors and are limited to 12 dogs in adult dog classes and 15 in puppy classes.

For more information or to receive a registration form and schedule for upcoming classes, please call (303) 696-4941, ext. 386 (Please indicate preference for Quebec shelter or The Buddy Center when you call.)

You can also print your own copy now (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required).
Click here for a schedule for upcoming classes.

To register, please complete the registration form and mail it along with your $65 registration fee to:

Dumb Friends League
OBEDIENCE CLASSES
2080 So. Quebec Street
Denver, CO 80231-3298

You can also register by bringing your form and payment to "Companion Corner," our pet supply store located in the Adoption Lobby of our Quebec Shelter.

intermediate dog obedience classes-click here for upcoming class schedule

• Location: Quebec shelter in Denver
• Cost: $75 for seven sessions (includes AKC Canine Good Citizen Test/Certificate).
• Class: Dogs nine months or older and spayed/neutered are welcome.

This class is for dogs and their owners who are ready to go to the next level!

• This class is for you if your dog can:
• Sit on command eight out of ten times (with treats okay)
• Lay down on command eight out of ten times (with treats okay)
• Stay for 30 seconds standing toe to toe with you
• Walk on a loose leash at least occasionally
• Interact well with other dogs without becoming aggressive or fearful
• This class will help your dog learn to:
  • Master basic obedience commands, without treats, and in highly
  • distracting settings
  • Master a loose leash walk under a variety of circumstances
  • Perform a number of fun tricks
  • Perform the steps necessary to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen
  • Test (will be given at the end of the seven-week class)

For more information or to receive a registration form and schedule for upcoming classes, please call (303) 696-4941, ext. 386 (Please indicate preference for the intermediate class when you call.)

You can also print your own copy now (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required).
Click here for a schedule for upcoming classes.

To register, please complete the registration form and mail it along with your $75 registration fee to:

Dumb Friends League
OBEDIENCE CLASSES
2080 So. Quebec Street
Denver, CO 80231-3298

You can also register by bringing your form and payment to "Companion Corner," our pet supply store located in the Adoption Lobby of our Quebec Shelter.

If you are a current or past obedience class participant, please click the links below for training tips and obedience commands:

head start program
In addition to offering classes and a helpline to the general public, the League's Behavior Staff also provides an important service to canines that are available for adoption at our facilities: A head start!

Dogs that are nine months to two years of age that have not been socialized properly around people or have not received any training prior to arriving at the League can often appear unappealing to prospective adopters. So, to help them learn "good manners" - and to give them the physical and mental stimulation they may need - we give these dogs preliminary obedience lessons. Learning "sit" and how to walk well on-leash are just a couple of the things that canine adoptees can enjoy learning through positive reinforcement, like petting and treats. In turn, the chances for these dogs of being adopted by new, loving families are increased!

If you'd like to adopt a Head Start dog, visit us and speak to one of our Adoption Counselors. We'd be pleased to introduce you to one of these special canines.

If you'd like to volunteer in our Behavior department, please contact our Volunteer Services department at 696-4941, ext. 393.