Youth Programs and Events


DFL Badge Scout Day at the Shelter

Does your troop or pack want to earn our very own Dumb Friends League Badge? In this 2-hour event, scouts will take a tour of the Leslie Malone Center, complete a service project, and participate in an interactive lesson about animal welfare. $15 per scout.

Grades: Scout Packs or Troops

Session Length: 2 Hours

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Homeschool Day at the Shelter

Participants in our 2-hour homeschool program will take a tour of the Leslie Malone Center, complete a service project for the shelter pets, and learn how to stay safe around new dogs. $10 per scout.

Grades: Scout Packs or Troops

Session Length: 2 Hours

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Pet Care Badge Scout Day at the Shelter

Are your scouts howling for their Pet Care badge? Earn it at the Dumb Friends League! Troops and packs can join us for a 2-hour event and discover what it takes to care for our furry friends. Take a tour of the Leslie Malone Center and complete a fun service project to benefit the homeless pets waiting for adoption. $10 per scout

Grades: Scout Packs or Troops

Session Length: 2 Hours

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Lessons

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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