Dog Training & Classes

Our dog training classes and online resource library are designed to help adoptive pet parents, as well as the general public, better understand their canine companions.

Start with the Right Class

Classes are held at the Blumenthal Training Center at ARL Main

Puppy (puppies 8 weeks to 5 months old)

Puppy Kindergarten

Adolescent Puppy Kindergarten

Drop-in Training

Adult (dogs 5+ months old)

Good Manners

Drop-in Training

Specialty & Advanced* (dogs 5+ months old)

Rowdy Rovers

Private Training (dogs 8+ weeks old)

Private training is temporarily unavailable at this time. Please see the list of referral trainers on our Behavior Helpline page.

*We currently have limited sessions for our Specialty and Advanced classes. If these classes are full and you're interested in similar classes, please see our list of referral trainers here.

At-Home Learning

Basic training and behavior understanding can be done at home with the help of our resource library for Dogs

Dog Behavior Body Language Canine Communication Clicker Training Crate Training Fears and Phobias Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog Introducing Your Dog to Cats Introducing Your Dog to Other Dogs in Public Spaces Natural Stress Relief Preventing Dog Bites Protocol for Relaxation Resource Guarding Rewards

Dogs at Home Benefits of walking or jogging with your dog Crate Training Creating and Maintaining a Bond Enrichment Errorless Housetraining Housetraining How to Survive Puppy Teething Introducing Cats and Dogs Separation Anxiety Dog Health Canine Kennel Cough Veterinarians in Des Moines Metro

Dog Safety & Preparedness Christmas Safety Tips Cold Weather Safety Tips Dangerous Household Items that are Poisonous Dog Park APDT Ease Pet Stress During Fourth of July Halloween Safety Tips Muzzle Training Prepare for Emergencies/Disasters Protect Your Dog's Paws on Hot Cement Summer Heat Safety Tips Thanksgiving Safety Tips Traveling with Your Pet

Training Classes

• 

  Puppy Kindergarten

  This class helps puppies start off on the right paw using positive reinforcement techniques. This class is for puppies between 8 weeks and 18 weeks of age at the start of class.

  Learn More

• 

  Adolescent Puppy Kindergarten

  This class encourages socialization and gives you support and knowledge to teach your puppy desired behaviors to live peacefully in your home. Dogs should be 15 weeks to 5 months old at the start of class.

  Learn More

• 

  Good Manners

  Guardians will learn how to teach their dogs in a humane manner using positive reinforcement methods which in turn will enrich their relationship with their dog. Dogs should be 5 months and older at the start of class.

  Learn More

• 

  Rowdy Rovers

  In the Rowdy Rovers class, we'll encourage dogs to make polite choices when life can be way too exciting - which can sometimes make them forget their manners.

  Learn More

• 

  Drop In Training Classes

  Drop In Training Class is perfect for those with busy schedules who aren't able to commit to a 4-week class, but want to learn the basic manners. Dogs should be 8 weeks or older at the start of class.

  Learn More

• 

  Training Class FAQ

  Visit the FAQ page to learn about our return policy, cancellations, required vaccinations, and more.

  Learn More