Human Animal Solutions

Calendar

Our calendar features events from Ann Howie and others that we respect and recommend in the field.

14 Jul 12

Conscious Handling Principles Salt Lake City, UT

Ann teaches Conscious Handling Principles to Intermountain Therapy Animals members. Her newest book (currently in process) is expected to be available then. For more information, contact Intermountain Therapy Animals at info@therapyanimals.org.

13 June - 25 July 2012

Therapy Dog 1 Class Lacey, WA

This six-week class focuses on basic skills dogs and handlers need in order to pass various therapy dog tests and work well together as a team while visiting healthcare facilities. This class does not include a therapy dog evaluation. Only positively based training methods are used in this class. Skills we cover include: fostering a therapeutic relationship with your dog; applying basic obedience skills in a therapeutic environment; meeting other dogs appropriately; dealing with distractions commonly found in therapeutic environments.

Prerequisites: Dogs must know how to walk on a loose leash and stay in a quiet stand, sit, or lie down before taking this class. Dogs must be at least 10 months old. Aggressive or reactive dogs are not appropriate for therapy dog work.

Cost: $150 per team; includes handouts.

Click here to download Therapy Dog 1 Flier and Registration Form – Therapy Dog 1.

13 June - 25 July 2012

Therapy Dog 3 Class Lacey, WA

This six-week class is designed for animal-handler teams who have already completed at least one therapy dog class with me. In addition to adding skills to your dog’s repertoire, this class focuses on non-traditional skills to enhance your working relationship with your therapy dog. Self-awareness as well as increased awareness of your therapy dog’s needs are emphasized. We use clicker training as the training method in this class. Prior experience with clicker training is not required, but we do ask that you be willing to try it out during this class.

Skills we cover include: teaching novel behaviors; getting on and off chairs and beds safely; walk along the side of a wheelchair/walker; back up; head down on lap; wait; turn around; left and right; walk on.

Prerequisites: This class is designed for animal-handler teams who have already taken at least one therapy dog class with me.

Cost: $150 per team, includes clicker and handouts.

Click here to download Therapy Dogs 3 Flier and Registration Form – Therapy Dog 3.

Delta Pet Partners Events

Due to changes within the Delta Pet Partners program, Human-Animal Solutions is no longer providing Pet Partners classes or evaluations.

25-27 Aug 11

Japan Association of Pet Dog Trainers Japan

Ann made presentations on Motivational Training Methods, Handling Skills in Animal-Assisted Interactions, and Using Therapy Dog Classes to Prepare Handlers.

29 Aug 11

Japan Society Animal-Assisted Education & Therapy Japan

Ann made a presentation to this group on Handling Skills to Enhance Animal-Assisted Interactions.

30 Aug 11

Miyagi Veterinary Medical Association Japan

Ann made a presentation to this group about grief.

Directions

Directions to Therapy Dog Classes

Therapy dog training classes are held at 908 Webb Street, Lacey, WA. (MapQuest lists it as Webb Lane, but the street sign says Webb Street.)

Here are directions:

From I-5, take Exit 109 (Martin Way, College Street)

If you were going north on I-5, turn left on Martin Way. If you were going south on I-5, turn right on Martin Way.

Turn Left on College Street (next light after going under the overpass).

Turn Left on Lacey Boulevard (one-way street to the left). As you go along Lacey Blvd., you will see a Webb Street to your right, but don’t turn here!

Turn Left on Ruddell.

Turn Left on Pacific Street (one-way street to the left), and move into the far right lane.

Almost immediately after your turn is Webb Street. On the corner is Tofu Hut (a great restaurant, by the way!).

Turn Right on Webb.

The building is the last building on the right – a tall white metal building with 908 on the door. There is no sign on the building to identify it other than the number on the door. Parking is in front of the building (even though the signs say “no parking”), along Webb Street, and along the side of the building. Please do not park in front of the apartments. Please stay off the grass of our neighbors at 906 Webb Street.

Ongoing

Applications of Animal-Assisted Interactions and/or Animal Partners in AAIs

Online Animals and Human Health Certificate through the University of Denver (Colorado, USA).

Animals & Human Health Brochure (PDF)

Contact us to schedule a course or evaluation to meet your needs.