The Adoption Process
Ready to Adopt? Start Here.
All you need to know about how to prepare for adoption and what to expect when you arrive.
More Information
Kruidenier Second Chance Ranch
Our Safe Haven for Horses and Barn Animals
Learn more about adoptions, events, clinics and care provided at the Second Chance Ranch at ARL Main.
Learn More
For All Your Pet Questions
ARL Pet Helpline - We're Here for You and Your Pet
Our Pet Helpline is in place to assist pet owners who may be struggling with pet issues. We can provide resources and assistance to help keep you and your pet together.
call now
Help Control the Pet Population
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Programs
The ARL has spay/neuter programs which offer surgeries, vaccines and/or microchips at low or no cost for individuals who could not otherwise afford those services.
see if you qualify
Be a hero. Foster an animal.
Give Pets a Chance to Relax in your Home!
Some pets need a break from the shelter while waiting for a forever home. Caring for a pet in your home is both fun and rewarding.
learn more
Shop for Supplies
Shop for your Pet at Animal House
We offer a unique assortment of food, bedding, leashes, collars and gifts — and 100% of proceeds benefit the homeless pets at ARL.
Shop Online
Sit. Shake. Stay. Good!
Short on Time? Join Our 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 still want their dog to learn the basic manners.
LEARN MORE
For Pet Parents
Questions about your Pet's Behavior?
The ARL offers dog and cat behavior counseling to help adoptive pet parents, as well as the general public, better understand our pets.
Take Action!
Join the ARL's Humane Action Network
Join us to advocate for improved animal welfare laws for the animals and people of Iowa.
TAKE ACTION
Cruelty Intervention
Report Animal Abuse
The ARL can help you assess the situation and report it to the proper law enforcement agency.
Our wide variety of dog training classes and supplemental online resource library will help adoptive pet parents, as well as the general public, better understand these companion animals.
Classes are held at the Blumenthal Training Center at ARL Main, and are listed below in order of succession.
Puppy Kindergarten
Adolescent Puppy Kindergarten
Drop-in Training
Good Manners
Please our list of referral trainers here if interested in similar classes.
TheraPets Prep Class
Puppy Life Skills
Better Manners
Rowdy Rovers
10 Steps to Canine Good Citizen™
Real Life Class
Private training is temporarily unavailable at this time. Please see the list of referral trainers on our Behavior Helpline page.
Basic training and behavior understanding can be done at home with the help of our resource library for Dogs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You have put in the hard work of teaching your dog basic good manners. Now, it's time to attach “real life” aspects to those behaviors.
If your dog is on the path to becoming a Canine Good Citizen, this class will provide additional practice before taking the test. Dogs can be tested as early as puppies, but a prerequisite is required.
Looking for a fun and rewarding way to volunteer with your dog in the community? If you/your dog need some help with training for the TheraPets evaluation, this class is for you!
Visit the FAQ page to learn about our return policy, cancellations, required vaccinations, and more.
Already taken a Good Manners but ready for more? Better Manners is a great option to build your dog's skills, and learn some new behaviors!
Already taken a Puppy Kindergarten but ready for more? Puppy Life Skills is a great option to build your puppy's skills, and learn some new skills as well!
KATHRYN VRY Animal Behavior and Enrichment Specialist (515) 473-9131 dogtraining@arl-iowa.org
29
Sep
ARL Main-Blumenthal Training Center
15
Oct
Drop-In Training Class
For Love of Dogs Written by ARL Behavior staff, For the Love of Dogs walks you through all aspects of dog behavior including communication, socialization, puppy training, and problems and solutions.
Buy Now