Human Animal Solutions

Calendar

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

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 is making 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 is making a presentation to this group on Handling Skills to Enhance Animal-Assisted Interactions.

30 Aug 11

Miyagi Veterinary Medical Association Japan

Ann is making 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.

7 Sept - 19 Oct

Beginning Therapy Dog Class Lacey, WA

This seven-week class focuses on skills dogs and handlers need in order to work well together as a team while visiting healthcare facilities. I encourage clicker training in this class and allow any positively based training method. Skills we cover include: fostering a therapeutic relationship with your dog; interacting safely and effectively with people who are ill or disabled; remaining safe around medical equipment (wheelchair, walker, cane); signs of dog stress and what to do about it; and dealing with food, “sniffables,” and other common distractions.

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 invited.

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

Click here to download Beginning Therapy Dogs Flier and Registration Form.

7 Sept - 5 Oct

Intermediate Therapy Dog Class Lacey, WA

This five-week 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 are currently visiting and who want to learn additional skills to enhance their visits.

Cost: $100 per team, includes clicker and handouts.

Click here to download Intermediate Therapy Dogs Flier and Registration Form.

Ongoing

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

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

Animals & Human Health Brochure (PDF)

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