Youth Events
Tales for Tails
Tales for Tails is an opportunity for students (1st grade – high school) to practice their reading skills in a judgement-free zone while also helping equines, dogs, and cats at our shelter get the socialization they need.
Youth Volunteer Day
Youth Volunteer Day is an opportunity for students aged 8-11 to experience three of our most popular programs in one day: Pawsitive Service Day, and Tales for Tails (includes a break for lunch). What should my child bring? Students need to bring a book (to read to read to animals), wear closed-toe shoes, as well as provide their own lunch.
LESSONS
Appropriate for ages ranging from pre-kindergarten to adult, our Humane Education lessons range from 30 min – 1 hour, and can be held at our shelter or hospital locations, or at your school!
Through the lens of compassion and respect, we teach lessons about animals and animal welfare, helping people make responsible decisions regarding the animals and people in their lives.
Animal Abuse and the Violence Connection
Description:
Participants learn about the cycle of abuse and the strong link between animal abuse and other violent crimes. Together, the class explores Colorado laws pertaining to animals and how animal cruelty investigators help protect them. By the end of this class, participants will understand several strategies to help prevent animal abuse and violence and to foster respect and compassion in their communities and schools.
Grades: 9-12, Adults
Session Length: 45 minutes
Bully Prevention
Description:
In this lesson the students participate in an interactive lesson that discusses empathy and bully towards our furry friends as well as people
Grades: 1-8
Session Length: 1 Hour
Careers in Animal Welfare
Description:
Many animal-loving students think that their only career choice is to become a veterinarian, but there are many other possibilities. Students learn about the various jobs available at animal shelters and beyond, including educators, investigators, kennel technicians and groomers, to name just a few. This class teaches students about some animal-related jobs and the qualifications necessary for each of them.
Grades: 6-12
Session Length: 45 minutes
Caring for Pets
Description:
Pets are an important part of our families for many reasons. Students play an interactive game while discussing the needs of a family pet and learn the details of pet care so they can enjoy happy, healthy pets throughout their lives.
Grades: K-8
Session Length: 45 minutes
Cat Behavior 101
Description:
Why do cats rub against furniture? Are cats predators or prey? This lesson explores the behavior of our lovable feline friends and discusses some of the challenges they face in our society. Students will also learn why owning a cat is actually good for your health!
Grades: 6-12, Adults
Session Length: 45 minutes
Click & Learn: Behavior Training for Pets
Description:
The Dumb Friends League strongly believes in positive reinforcement clicker training. In this program, you will learn what clicker training is and how to use to teach your pet cool new tricks or address behavior issues.
Grades: 3-12, Adults
Session Length: 45 minutes
DFL 101
Description:
Is your school or community group interested in learning about the Dumb Friends League, which is nationally recognized as one of the top animal shelters in the nation? This class will help students understand how the Dumb Friends League fits into the animal welfare movement, in addition to how students can help the homeless pets and horses in our care. Why does our name include the word “Dumb”? Why do animals end up in shelters, and how do we help them find new homes? We’ll cover it all!
Grades: K-12, Adult
Session Length: 30 minutes
Our Wild Neighbors
Description:
Here in Colorado, we don’t have to go far to find wild animals. Many of our neighborhoods are home to wild creatures. Students will play an interactive game while learning fun facts about local wildlife and what they can do to help wild animals living in nearby habitats.
Grades: 3-8
Session Length: 45 minutes
Pet Care Jeopardy
Description:
Test your proper pet care knowledge about cats, dogs, small mammals, and various other pets with Pet Care Jeopardy. Even if you get the answer wrong, you’ve learned a cool new fact!
Grades: 5-8
Session Length: 45 Minutes
Pet Learning Theory
Description:
How does a pet learn? Ever wonder why your dog gets excited when you pick up your car keys? In this class, participants discover why our pets behave in certain ways. Topics include classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement and training techniques.
Grades: 9-12, Adults
Session Length: 45 minutes
Pets vs. Wild Animals: What’s the Difference?
Description:
Here in Colorado, you can see wildlife just about anywhere you go! Participants in this class learn how to safely enjoy watching wildlife and what they can do to help wild animals living in nearby habitats. By the end of this course, students will have an understanding of the difference between wild and domesticated animals.
Grades: K-2
Session Length: 45 minutes
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Description:
This course is designed specifically for preschool-age children and teaches students how to meet a pet by practicing some basic steps. Students discover how respecting an animal’s feelings will keep everyone safe.
Grades: Preschool
Session Length: 30 minutes
Respecting the Icky, Ugly & Not so Cuddly
Description:
Do only furry, cuddly animals deserve our respect? What about the slimy, scaly and not-so-cuddly creatures? Students learn how our society, their family, past experiences and the media influence our perception of animals. By the end of this course, students will understand that some of these seemingly scary animals are cool after all.
Grades: K-5
Session Length: 45 minutes
Safety Around Cats
Description:
Petting or playing with a cat may be fun, but is it always safe? This course teaches students how to meet a cat by practicing some basic steps. Students will learn what a cat’s body posture may be communicating and how respecting an animal’s feelings will keep everyone safe.
Grades: K-5
Session Length: 45 minutes
Safety Around Dogs
Description:
Petting a dog may be fun, but is it always safe? This course teaches students how to meet a dog by practicing some basic steps. Students will learn what an animal’s body posture may be communicating about how he or she is feeling, and how respecting an animal’s feelings will keep everyone safe.
Grades: K-8
Session Length: 45 minutes
Tales for Tails
Description:
Students will quietly read aloud to one of our friendly ambassador dogs as they roam around the room visiting each student. Our Tales for Tails Reading to Pets program provides a fun and judgment-free reading experience for individuals learning to, or working on their reading skills.
Grades: K-12
Session Length: 45 minutes
The Sad Truth Behind Puppy Mills
Description:
How much is that doggy in the window? In this day and age, there are a number of different outlets you can turn to when you’re looking for a pet, but some options are better than others. In this class, participants discover the truth behind puppy mills and the price these dogs pay to meet the public’s demand for puppies.
Grades: 9-12, Adults
Session Length: 45 minutes
Too Many Pets, Not Enough Homes: Overpopulation
Description:
This class challenges participants to discuss pet overpopulation and why it is a problem. Participants learn about spaying and neutering and why this simple surgery is a healthy, responsible choice for our pets.
Grades: 2-12, Adults
Session Length: 45 minutes
Understanding Pets: Why They Do What They Do
Description:
Have you ever wondered why your pet engages in what seems like strange behavior from time to time? This program dives into our companion animals’ body language and basic behaviors that they have carried over from their ancient ancestors.
Grades: 9-12, Adults
Session Length: 45 minutes