Dog Training
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
If you are completing this class to fulfill a requirement designated by your city or jurisdiction, please contact us at dogtraining@arl-iowa.org before registering.
Puppy (puppies 8 weeks to 5 months old)
Adult (dogs 5+ months old)
Specialty & Advanced* (dogs 5+ months old)
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
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
For puppies between 8 weeks and 5 months on the first day of class. This class is designed to focus on teaching basic cues only.
Puppy Life Skills
For puppies between 8 weeks and 5 months of age on the first day of class. This class helps puppies get off to a good start using positive reinforcement techniques. This class meets for 4 weeks.
Adolescent Life Skills
For dogs 15 weeks to 5 months at the start of class. This class will allow your juvenile to continue valuable socialization while providing you with the support and knowledge to teach your puppy the behaviors they need to communicate effectively in your home.
Good Manners
For dogs 6 months and older at the start of class. This class is designed to focus on teaching basic cues only. This class meets once a week for four weeks.
Loose Leash Bootcamp
For dogs 4 months and older at the start of class. This will focus solely on loose leash walking during each training class, as well as the real-world skills for application. This will not teach heel, or skills/cues unrelated to leash walking. This class runs once a week for three weeks.
Zen Dog
For dogs 4 months and older at the start of class. Dogs spend most of their day naturally engaging with the environments around them. This session will focus solely on providing tools and an environment to help your dog relax.
Rowdy Rovers
For dogs 6 months and older at the start of class. This will focus on addressing high emotional arousal and overstimulation-type behaviors such as jumping, mouthing, body slamming, and an overall lack of regulation. This class meets for 4 weeks.
Drop In Training Classes
For dogs and puppies 8 weeks or older on the first day of class. This is a great way to work on one or two skills with your dog, or focus on other skills not covered in group classes. This class is limited to 4 dogs.
Training Class FAQ
Visit the FAQ page to learn about our return policy, cancellations, required vaccinations, and more.
