Class Descriptions / Calendar / Services

 

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Check the Calendar page for scheduled classes

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE

 

Click here for one-page flyer for 2013 Classes:
PDF or WORD document format

For more information, or to register, please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

 

VOTED 1st PLACE Denver A*List BEST DOG TRAINING IN DENVER 2012

Class Descriptions

♦ FREE Introduction to Dog Behavior and Training: obedience, puppy, behavior issues, dog trainer / behavior specialist
♦ Are you an Introvert in an Extroverted World?
♦ Animal Rights, Welfare & Advocacy
♦ Animal Communication
♦ Anxiety, Fear
♦ Barking & Digging
♦ Basic Obedience and Good Manners
♦ Beginning Training
♦ Behavior Training
♦ Canine Fears and Phobias
♦ Canine Massage
♦ Canine Nutrition
♦ Canine Sensory Management
♦ CATS: Understanding the Mysterious Creature
♦ Come Command
♦ Dog Bite Prevention / Kids with Dogs
♦ Dog Trainer Program Program
♦ Door Manners
♦ Families and Dogs
♦ Flower Essences for People and Animals
♦ Finding & Following Your Calling
♦ Food, Toy and Place Guarding
♦ Impulse Control
♦ From Wanting a Dog to Making a Match
♦ Leash Reactivity
♦ Leash Walking
♦ Obedience and Good Manners
♦ OFF-LEASH Protocol
♦ Organizing for your pets – from Paw to Tail with Joan Ogner
♦ Puppy Socialization
♦ Puppy Training
♦ Reiki Certification as an Animal Practitioner
♦ Reiki Session for your Pet
♦ Separation Anxiety
♦ Spirit Animals
♦ Understanding Cats
♦ Understanding Dogs
♦ Veg Life

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

See Testimonials Here for the Understanding Dogs class

Here is what people are saying about our classes:
"My dog is good in class and I feel like I am learning a new way... I am connecting with my dog and there is an understanding of each other... this class is more like one on one... clear instruction, individual attention, comfortable 'feel'... very low key, calm atmoshpere, helps dogs and people... training is fun... training tips are very useful and at the pace of an individual dog's needs..."

Pay online! Use the 'Make a Donation' button on your right. Include your e-mail and indicate which class in the comments section of your payment. We will confirm your spot with an e-mail.

 

 

FREE Introduction to Dog Behavior and Training: obedience, puppy, behavior issues, dog trainer / behavior specialist

We highly recommend attending one of our FREE Introductory Sessions. They are beneficial for those enrolled in our classes already, for those trying to decide which classes to take, for those scheduled for in-home behavior sessions and for those who just want to learn more about dog training and canine behavior. These not only give you an overview of our philosophy and methods, but teach basic fundamentals and techniques which will serve you well. Attending one of these classes will enhance your overall training experience. No dogs please.

Animal Rights, Animal Welfare, and Animal Advocacy through the Ages

In this class we will discuss: Animal Rights. What does it mean? Who advocates it? What are the goals of the animal rights movement? Animal Welfare. How is it different from Animal Rights? Who advocates it? What are its goals, strengths, and shortcomings? How do Rights people and Welfare people agree and disagree? Based on your beliefs, where do you stand? Animal advocacy. What is its history? Who were the "good guys" and the "bad guys"? Why does society treat animals the way it does? And finally, where do vegans get their protein anyway?

Puppy Socialization

Puppy socialization, playtime, relationship building, developmentally appropriate activities, and training foundations. Socialization is when a puppy experiences his world as a safe, positive and fun place, thus enabling him to grow into a confident, happy adult. Puppies with appropriate vaccines may attend between the ages of 8 weeks and 6 months - proof of vaccine required. RSVP preferred. Email mishamayfoundation@gmail.com to receive registration form ahead of time. Handouts included.

Basic Obedience and Good Manners

Each class will include basic training such as sit, stay and come. Through individualized attention, we will help you build a strong bond and a mutually beneficial relationship to training and being together. We will reveal the behavior science behind what works so that you have tools for the life of your dog. We will demonstrate how to modify common behavior issues.

Separation Anxiety: Comprehensive Management and Solutions

If you have a dog with separation anxiety, this class will further explain and clearly demonstrate the techniques and protocols described in this article. Additional resources, information on holistic modalities, and a strategy for a co-operative owner/peer group will be provided as well. Please see Lorraine May's article in the April 2010 issue of Mile High Dog Magazine.

Dogs Are What They Eat: Canine Nutrition with Stacey Klene

Why is there so much cancer, allergies and other diseases? Learn to make optimum choices for your money, and for your dog’s health. Who can you trust in the industry? How is canine physiology affected? Stacey has focused on canine nutrition for many years and understands its connection to health. She is a wealth of information and she will provide additional resources as well. Sorry, no dogs in class.

Sensory Management of Canine Anxiety with Mary Ladik Hall

Learn how to use a variety of sensory modalities to help ease your dog's anxieties. In this class you will learn to work with gentle tools that will assist in easing canine angst. Methods that stimulate the dog's visual, auditory, tactile and olfactory systems will be discussed. Holistic energy work will also be addressed.

CATS: Understanding the Mysterious Creature

Please join us for this fun, educational 2 hour class to learn all about cats inside and out! We’ll cover many topics such as kitten development, cat body language, how to introduce a new cat to resident animals, common diseases and behavioral issues. You will be ready to take action when you foster a kitten or a cat, and/or adopt a new cat! This class is great for new cat owners and foster parents, and also will bring new information to veteran cat owners. We’ll have a Q & A session in each class, and you’ll have useful handouts to take home!

Come Command

Would you like your dog to come running when you want him to? Would you like to be able to call him out of interesting situations or even if he is distracted? We'll show you how to make that happen - yes it takes practice and motivation but it can happen!

Dog Bite Prevention / Kids with Dogs

Did you know that most dog bites happen to kids under 12 years of age? Would you like to know ways to help your child assess and respond safely in situations with dogs? Can you recognize the signs that indicate a dog is stressed? Do you know how to help? Demonstrations and some very cool adult and kid handouts included!

Food, Toy and Place Guarding

Is your dog unwilling to give up his favorite things? Is he uncomfortable or even growling when someone approaches his food bowl? Does he dislike others being near you or getting attention from you? Is he likely to compete with other dogs for what is offered? It's important to teach him our human rules. There is enough for every dog and when dogs give up things to humans it makes their life even better - no need to compete, feel uncomfortable or guard.

Impulse Control

Is your dog young or at least acts young? Has your dog never quite mastered stay or wait? Is he difficult to leash? Does he grab treats -can't wait for his food dish to hit the floor? Does he seem high spirited and unable to contain himself? We'll help you, help him, learn to calm himself and wait his turn!

Anxiety, Fear

This class will help you prepare your dog for thunderstorms and fireworks, and address general anxieties and fears. If you start now, you will have a better chance of being successful this spring and summer. Please sign up as early as possible so that you can submit information about your dog ahead of time and it can be specifically addressed. Sorry, no dogs in class.

Obedience and Good Manners

Each class will include basic training such as sit, stay and come. Through individualized attention, we will help you build a strong bond and a mutually beneficial relationship to training and being together. We will reveal the behavior science behind what works so that you have tools for the life of your dog. We will demonstrate how to modify common behavior issues.

OFF-LEASH Protocol

Off leash training is challenging and not for every dog. You will learn the sequential steps as well as how to guage how you and your dog are doing. We'll talk about the most common pitfalls and how to correct those.

Door Manners

Would you like to know how to manage your dog(s) while you change their behavior at the front door? This class will address barking, jumping, rushing, escaping and over excitement. We will also touch on growling and fear.

Barking & Digging

Most dogs have strong survival drives which may result in behaviors like barking and digging. Suppressing or punishing these can result in neurosis, aggression and other undesirable behaviors. Learn how to manage and change these behaviors while helping them to satisfy their drives through exercise, games, and guidance.

Leash Reactivity

Does your dog act like he wants to attack the world? Does he bark or lunge or whine? Are you embarassed to walk him? Does whatever you seem to do only make it worse? Learn how to practice and prepare for these walks so that your dog and you can relax and enjoy. Limited space for demo dogs.

Leash Walking

Does your dog pull? Does your dog ignore you? Does your dog get really excited? Are your walks stressful and less fun than you would like? Join us for some tools and techniques to help you and your dog enjoy your walk together.

Organizing for Your Pets – from Paw to Tail with Joan Ogner

Having a pet entails significant responsibility. From maintaining records, to lining up the family for walking, feeding or medicating your pet – all require an organized approach. Joan Ogner, a Professional Organizer and owner of Very Organized, will provide you with great ideas for making life with your pet a pleasure and not a burden.
She will cover everything from pet records, food and supplies, to creating an organized approach to getting Fluffy or Spot fed and walked via a family accountability system. She will touch upon special situations such as puppies and elderly or chronically ill pets.
Joan has an interactive style, making this topic relevant to all that attend. Although this is a serious subject matter, Joan will keep you interested with useful examples, great tips and humor throughout.

Canine Fears & Phobias

This class will help you prepare your dog for thunderstorms and fireworks, and address general anxieties and fears. If you start now, you will have a better chance of being successful this spring and summer. Please sign up as early as possible so that you can submit information about your dog ahead of time and it can be specifically addressed. Sorry, no dogs in class.

Canine Massage

(Instructor: Hands On Hounds LLC)Do you want to create a deeper connection with your dog? In this class you will learn the many benefits of regular massage, the basic strokes and routines to support the physical and emotional well being of your furry friend. Please bring your dog, a dog bed or small rug, as well as proof of immunizations.
Mino Fuller is the owner of Hands on Hounds LLC in Littleton. She is a certified canine massage therapist, animal acupressure therapist and Reiki practitioner. She has worked with therapy animal organizations and many rescue groups to support their efforts.

Beginning Training

(Instructors: Lorraine May or Melinda Gillette) Each class will include Basic Training, Individualized Attention, and Solutions to Common Behavioral Problems.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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Puppy Training

Puppy socialization, relationship building, training foundations, and basic beginning obedience. The first class is without dogs. Everyone is welcome to attend this presentation and demonstration even if you do not plan to attend the other 7 weeks.
Our 8 week 1 hour classes cost $165 for the public. Dogs adopted through Misha May pay half price; Misha May foster dogs attend for free. We welcome dogs from any rescue group into our classes and we will work with you to help make it possible.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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Understanding Cats

Instructor - Yukari Bianchi
Please join us for this fun, educational 2 hour class to learn all about cats inside and out! We’ll cover many topics such as kitten development, cat body language, how to introduce a new cat to resident animals, common diseases and behavioral issues. You will be ready to take action when you foster a kitten or a cat, and/or adopt a new cat! This class is great for new cat owners and foster parents, and also will bring new information to veteran cat owners. We’ll have a Q & A session in each class, and you’ll have useful handouts to take home! Yukari is the owner/trainer of You n’ I Animal Wellness. She is a foster parent and has worked as an assistant in the foster department of a local shelter in Denver.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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Behavior Training

By appointment only.Boarding and Training combination, as well as Pet and House sitting may be arranged.
Email mishamayfoundation@gmail.com if any of these locations work for you:
- Paw Prints, 6654 Timberline Rd, Suite C, Highlands Ranch;
-Doggie Pause, 3220 S. Acoma, Englewood
- Goldenview Vet Hospital, 885 Lupine, Golden.

Additional Locations: If you would like to suggest additional locations closer to you, please let us know. Classes are available evenings and weekends. Call or email for appointment. 303-239-0382. mishamayfoundation@gmail.com

Additional Classes: If you are interested in other classes or formats such as one day classes, please let us know. Would you attend any of the following? Clicker Training, Leash Walking, Thunderstorm (hurricane) Phobia, Relaxing with the Unfamiliar - objects, people, places, etc., Separation Anxiety Cure, The Many Uses of Rescue Remedy, House Training, Crate Training, Barking, Food or Toy Guarding.

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Dog Trainer Program Program

  

Application and info here.

Perhaps you or a friend are dreaming about becoming a dog trainer, but haven't been able to find an affordable, effective Program program. Be sure to consider this one, and let your friends know as well. This Program program has been developed from the completely successful protocols utilized with the rescued dogs of Misha May. This format is based on years of experience with a wide variety of both shelter animals and pets.

  Become a dog trainer utilizing behavior science, holistic approaches and positive reinforcement techniques tailored to each individual dog, pet parent or foster, and specific situation. Learn to evaluate behavior, design exercises, coach humans, handle dogs, deliver presentations, and resolve a variey of behavior problems using Behavior Analysis Worksheets.

  This certification is appropriate for pet parents, pet professionals, and rescue volunteers. Upon certification, you can start your own business, volunteer with a rescue or shelter, or apply for a compensated position with Misha May.

  Pre-registration is required. 6 spots are available for Dog Trainer Programs. Fee is $250 for first 6 week session. To receive details and an application for the Program Program, email mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

  Please share this with all of your friends with dogs. It is Misha May's mission to offer quality instruction to the community to benefit dogs and their people. Our goal is to end the need for shelters through understanding and education.

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Are You An Introvert in An Extroverted World?

This class is for Introverts, those who are drained by social interactions, and need solitude and quiet to regain balance. An Extrovert, always enjoying stimulation, says "Now where are we going and what are we going to do?" An Introvert, already stimulated by a rich inner world, says "I'm going home now." Learn strategies for coping with expectations and for setting boundaries; learn energy management to avoid burnout; become familiar with the advantages of being an introvert through recent research and studies.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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From Wanting a Dog to Making a Match

Play “How ready am I?” and “The Magnificent Match Game”. Dispel myths. Examine your life, your family and community. Navigate professionals and pup providers.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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Beginning Animal Communication

This class will teach you the fundamentals of communication, will include intuitive techniques and handouts, and will outline follow-up practice.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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Dogs Are What They Eat

(Instructor: Stacey Klene) Why is there so much cancer, allergies and other diseases? Learn to make optimum choices for your money, and for your dog’s health. Who can you trust in the industry? How is canine physiology affected? Stacey has focused on canine nutrition for many years and understands its connection to health. She is a wealth of information and she will provide additional resources as well.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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Families and Dogs

This class will focus on engaging with known friendly dogs, assessing the risk and safe action options with unknown dogs, and learning crucial training exercises which enhance safe relationships. This class is appropriate for children 5 years and above, as well as adults. Children must be accompanied by a parent since family participation is the theme.

Lorraine May, M.A., taught in both public and private schools for over 20-years in the U.S. and Greece. In this class she blends her teaching experience with her expertise as a behaviorist to offer an enjoyable learning opportunity.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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Finding & Following Your Calling

This class will aid you in determining your calling, as well as next steps to take. Lorraine will point out myths, cautions, and celebrations to watch for. Each step we take provides us with valuable feedback. Every skill acquired, every experience integrated, and every mistake perceived, add up to exactly what we need! We'll explore engaging fully with, and wisely nurturing, your dream. A bibliography and guided insightful exercise included.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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Flower Essences for People and Animals

Following this class, you can immediately begin to choose remedies for yourself, family, friends, plants and animals. You will be able to choose a remedy when you feel out of balance, to create a custom remedy to address deeper problems, and to respond confidently in certain emergency situations.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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Reiki Certification as An Animal Practitioner

This class will teach the students how to experience the world from the animal's perspective. Attendees will learn Reiki practices, as well as communication, handling strategies, physiology, psychology and more. Lorraine May is the creator of the class and the instructor.

Animal lovers, including rescue personnel, holistic practitioners and owners will find this class particularly useful. The course demonstrates a variety of specific techniques, with hands-on application. Each day includes hands-on practice.

Special attention is paid to trauma reduction and calming protocols. The result is often the alleviation of symptoms such as pain, fear and anxiety, as well as positive changes in behavior.

Reiki does not replace other kinds of medicine but collaborates with them, to create a multi-level approach impacting not only the physical body, but the emotions and the mind.

There will not be formal meal breaks so please eat prior to each class. You are welcome to bring finger food to munch on during our breaks.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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Reiki for Your Pet

Schedule a Reiki Session for your Pet to Benefit The Misha May Foundation Dog Training and Rescue.

Send a REIKI Healing Charm to Your Favorite Animal: All charms are lovingly energized by REIKI Masters and certified REIKI Animal Practitioners with the intention of the highest good for this animal. All proceeds benefit The Misha May Foundation Dog Training and Rescue, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit organization.
These beautiful angel charms can be worn on the collar, lead or bandanna. The can be placed near the animal's sleeping, eating or playing areas. For optimum healing, they can be adjacent to medicines and supplements. In ceremony, they can strengthen your focus and deepen your connection to animal wisdom. $10. Send email with your name and contact info, the recipient's info and situation (if you wish) and pay $10 via Donate with note: Reiki Healing Charm.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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Spirit Animals

Read Spirit Animal Guidance by Lorraine May.

Learn techniques to effectively connect with your guiding spirit animals on a daily basis. Discover who has always helped you, who is helping you now and how to bring their power, gifts and wisdom into your daily life.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

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Veg Life

Learn how to include more plant-based foods for a healthier diet. We'll taste alternative options for meat and dairy with gluten-free options, try recipes and you'll take home lots of great information.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

Understanding Dogs

See Testimonials Here

An integrative, holistic approach to training, behavior, health and healing, including obedience, reiki, flower essences, calming techniques and communication. Includes a behavior consultation / coaching session / treatment plan for each participating dog. Learn how to solve canine behavior problems! Better yet, be confident that you can avoid creating or encouraging them! No problem is too big or too small for this class.

For more information, to register or volunteer please e-mail mishamayfoundation@gmail.com or call 303-239-0382.

A Supportive Class Structure
Each week, one owner will bring one dog. All humans will attend every week. Everyone in class will focus on that dog, and under the direction of Lorraine, will make sure he or she receives what is needed. This process will enable each participant to fully engage weekly in learning and applying fundamental concepts and techniques. In addition, they will gain insight into the motivations, temperament, history, healing and planning for the success of, their own dog.

About the Instructor: Lorraine May, M.A.
May is the Executive Director and Founder of The Misha May Foundation Dog Training and Rescue. She holds Masters Degrees in both Education and Psychology. She teaches classes, and consults on behavior, for the general public, as well as various shelters and rescue groups. May has wide experience with rescue dogs, including the design, and implementation for three years, of the CHAMPS Training Program at MaxFund. May's concern regarding typical training classes, is that dog handlers are trying to listen to the teacher and manage their dog at the same time. Often one or the other suffers.

Demonstrating the Process, not the 'Finished Product'
May is committed to teaching others how to understand their dog, so that they may spend their time having fun and enjoying life together! Many demonstrations clearly show how terrific the trainer is (and how great the dog is!), but don't show the process whereby the owner and her dog can reach the same competency.
May believes that allowing participants to witness her initial observations, subsequent evaluations, ongoing thinking process, including her choices and even mistakes, will help make understanding dogs more accessible.

Goals and Opportunities
This class offers the opportunity to listen and learn, to engage in handling, and to be guided in follow-up practice. Each week, one owner will bring one dog. Everyone in class will focus on that dog, and under the direction of Lorraine, will make sure he or she gets what is needed. During this process, which begins with an evaluation, includes coaching and hands-on practice, and then culminates in a treatment plan, each class participant will learn many techniques, concepts and approaches for being the best owner, practitioner, or rescuer he or she can be.

What type of dog may attend?
Almost any dog may attend this class. A pre-class consultation may be required at additional cost.

Multiple Dogs
The instructor may create educational opportunities for dogs from the same household to attend at the same time, or for unacquainted dogs to meet.

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