Clicker Training | Puppy Kindergarten | Good Manners Classes | Canine Good Citizen | Other

The ARL offers several dog/puppy behavior and training classes. Classes are open to the public and are held throughout the year at the following locations: ARL Main, 5452 N.E. 22nd Street, Des Moines, in the Education and Training Center located behind the main building; ARL South, 1111 E. Army Post Road, Des Moines, on the west end of Southridge Mall; and at Urban Pet Hospital just south of 104th and Douglas in Urbandale.

Class start dates, times, fees and locations are listed under events on this website or can be found by clicking on a class. Class sizes are limited, and classes will be filled on a first-come basis, paid registrations have priority.

After registering and paying for the class you will be emailed a more complete information sheet. Please mark your preference for date, time and location on the registration form.  Fees for classes are subject to change.  Please check your schedule for the duration of the class. Class registration fees cannot be refunded.

If the class you prefer is full, you will be contacted about availabilitly for another class. If the class you have registered for is no longer on the website, the class has been filled and there are no other openings in the class. It does not mean the class is cancelled. 

Puppies and dogs must be current on vaccinations (including rabies for dogs over 4 months) and must be on heartworm preventative as recommended by your veterinarian. Proof of vaccinations will be required to attend classes, and you must provide a copy for the ARL to keep on file before the start date of class.  Veterinary records can be faxed to Gloria at 515-333-4801.

Class will start promptly. If you will be late, please let us know. If the weather is threatening, please use your best judgment about attending. Classes canceled due to weather will be rescheduled.

All family members should train the dog at home and may attend classes, but please use only one trainer during the actual class. Please bring a 4’ or 6’ nylon or leather leash for class and use the same for training at home. Do not bring a “Flexi-lead” or extendable leash to use in class.

Bring your dog to the first class with a buckle collar and make sure your dog is a little hungry. Bring treats your dog enjoys. Treats should be tiny and quick for the dog to eat. Instructors will have samples. Please let instructors know if your dog has a diet restriction.

Topics to be covered will include, but are not limited to:

• Understanding canine behavior and communication.
• Basic obedience and manners: sit, down, come, stay.
• Nail trimming, ear cleaning and other pet care tips.
• Nutrition for dogs.
• How positive reinforcement works and why we use it.
• Problem solving.
• Problem prevention.
• Training tricks for fun and to impress your friends!
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Clicker Training: All classes at the ARL use a technique called “Clicker Training.” A clicker is a small, hand-held noisemaker that can help you “mark” a behavior you want to reward. Pairing the noise with praise or a treat encourages your dog to repeat the behavior. Instructors can also teach you to use a verbal marker such as “yes!” to mark good behavior. This is a fun way to train new behaviors. It is so easy and effective that children can easily learn to participate in the training of the family dog. You can learn more about clicker training at www.clickertraining.com.

You may pay for classes at any ARL location that offers classes or mail your information and payment to ARL, 5452 NE 22nd St. Des Moines, Ia 50313. Please be sure to note the location of the class you wish to attend when paying.

Having a dog should be fun! Training should be fun for you and your dog! Let us show you how to enjoy your canine family member.

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Puppy Kindergarten is for puppies between 8 weeks and 15 weeks of age. This class gets puppies off on the right paw using positive reinforcement techniques.  Puppies do not attend first week of class.

Class sizes are limited, and classes will be filled on a first-come basis. Paid registrations have priority. Classes consist of 5 weekly sessions, each lasting about 60 minutes. The number of sessions for each class is posted in the class description from the Events page. Please check your schedule before signing up, the class fees are not refundable.

Puppies must have had at least one vaccination and must be current on vaccinations and be on heartworm preventative according to your veterinarian's recommendations. Proof of vaccinations will be required to attend classes, and you must bring or fax a copy for the ARL to keep on file.

Class will start promptly. If you will be late, please let us know. Classes are held indoors and will only be canceled for tornado warnings or snowstorms. Classes canceled due to weather will be rescheduled.

All family members should train the dog at home and may attend classes, but please use only one trainer at class. Please bring a 4’ or 6’ nylon or leather leash for class and use the same for training at home. Do not bring a “Flexi-lead” or extendable leash to use in class. Bring your puppy to the first class with a buckle collar, and make sure it is a little hungry. Bring treats or your puppy's supper.

Topics to be covered will include but are not limited to:

• Understanding canine behavior and communication.
• Basic obedience and manners: sit, down, come, stay.
• Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and other pet care tips.
• Nutrition for dogs.
• How positive reinforcement works and why we use it.
• Problem solving.
• Problem prevention.
• Training tricks for fun and to impress your friends!

Having a puppy should be fun! Training should be fun for you and your dog! Let us show you how to enjoy your new canine family member

 Return to the Events page to view available dates and register for a Puppy Kindergarten Class. Click on the class title from the Events page to register for the class. To secure a spot in class, the registration fee must be paid prior to the beginning of class. You will receive a history and information form to fill out after you have registered for the class.  back to top

Good Manners Classes are for dogs 5 months of age or older. The classes show guardians ways to enrich their relationship with their dogs and teach guardians how to work with, and teach, their dogs in a humane manner using positive reinforcement. (Dogs do not have to go through Puppy Kindergarten classes to attend this class.) Classes consist of 6 weekly sessions, each lasting about 50 minutes.  Dogs do not attend 1st week's class.

Dogs must be current on vaccinations (including rabies) and must be on heartworm preventative. Proof of vaccinations will be required to attend classes, and you must bring a copy for the ARL to keep on file. You can ask your veterinarian to fax a copy to Gloria at 515-333-4801.

Class will start promptly. If you will be late, please let us know. Classes are held indoors and will only be canceled for tornado warnings or snowstorms. Classes canceled due to weather will be rescheduled.

All family members should train the dog at home and may attend classes, but please use only one trainer at class. Please bring a 4’ or 6’ nylon or leather leash for class and use the same for training at home. Do not bring a “Flexi-lead” or extendable leash to use in class. Bring your dog to the first class with a buckle collar, and make sure it is a little hungry. Bring treats your dog enjoys.

Topics to be covered will include, but are not limited to:

• Understanding canine behavior and communication.
• Basic obedience and manners: sit, down, come, stay.
• Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and other pet care tips.
• Nutrition for dogs.
• How positive reinforcement works and why we use it.
• Problem solving.
• Problem prevention.
• Training tricks for fun and to impress your friends!

Having a dog should be fun! Training should be fun for you and your dog! Let us show you how to enjoy your canine family member.

Return to the Events page on this website to view available dates and register for a Good Manners Class. Click on the class title from the Events page to register for the class. To secure a spot in class, the registration fee must be paid prior to the beginning of class.  To secure a spot in class, the registration fee must be paid prior to the beginning of class. You can mail the registration with your payment, or pay in person before the class starts.

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Other Classes at the ARL Occasionally specialty classes such as “Tricks” or “Agility Basics” are offered to the public. Watch the events list for these class listings.

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