Des Moines, Iowa is a great city to live in if you have a dog. There are many things to do and see with your furry friend, such as parks, museums, and festivals. But sometimes, you may need some professional assistance to train your dog and make sure they behave well. That’s why we’ve created this page to help you find the best dog trainers in Des Moines, Iowa. These trainers are knowledgeable, experienced, and reliable. They can help you with any kind of dog training, from obedience to agility, from socialization to therapy. They have various options and prices to suit your needs and goals. Check out our list below and find the perfect trainer for you and your dog.
Best Dog Trainers in Des Moines, IA
1. Knox Canine Training
Knox Canine Training is a dog training provider in Des Moines, IA that specializes in modern, science-based training methods specifically designed to treat behavior and aggression problems in dogs of all ages and sizes. They have been named the 2020 Best of Treasure Valley Dog Trainer and the Best in State dog trainer. They offer group classes and private training that are uniquely tailored to each client and their dog.
- Address: 1631 NE 58th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
- Phone: (515) 771-4660
- Website: http://www.knoxcanine.com/
Some of the training programs they offer are:
- Group Classes: These are small group classes that teach puppies and adult dogs the basics of obedience, socialization, and manners. They offer Puppy Exploration for puppies 2-5 months old, Puppy Basics for puppies 5-9 months old, and Obedience Class for dogs 9 months and older. They use positive reinforcement and marker training to help dogs learn new skills and behaviors.
- Private Training: These are customized one-on-one sessions that address the specific needs and goals of the client and their dog. They can cover puppy needs and basic obedience, behavior modification, or reactivity training. They can be done at the client’s home, at their facility, or anywhere in public within greater Des Moines.
- Online Courses: These are self-guided classes that teach the Knox Canine Training methods from the comfort of the client’s own home. They are perfect for those who live outside of their training area or have busy schedules. They cover obedience skills, nose targets, problem behaviors, nipping and biting, and more.
Knox Canine Training also offers phone sessions for those who need some guidance or advice on their dog’s training or behavior. They also have a newsletter that provides early access to sales and promotions. They are open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Best For:
- Owners who have dogs with behavior or aggression problems
- Owners who want to work with a highly rated and experienced dog trainer
- Owners who want to learn from online courses or phone sessions
2. All Dogs Unleashed Dog Training
All Dogs Unleashed Dog Training is a dog training provider in Des Moines, IA that specializes in results-oriented obedience training. They have highly qualified trainers who can train any dog, solve any problem, and offer the structure that the owner and the dog will enjoy. They offer in-home training and board and train programs that are customized to the individual needs of the pet.
- Address: 699 Walnut St Suite 400, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Phone: (515) 480-7977
- Website: https://www.alldogsunleashed.com/desmoines/
Some of the training programs they offer are:
- Board and Train: This is a 2-week intensive training program that is ideal for puppies or dogs that need extra attention. The dog stays at the All Dogs Unleashed facility for two weeks and receives daily training from a professional trainer. The owner then learns how to maintain the dog’s new behaviors through follow-up sessions. This program covers house training, puppy biting/mouthing, jumping, chewing/digging, boundaries, barking/whining, and more.
- In-Home Training: This is a one-on-one training program that is perfect for owners who want to be directly involved in the training. The trainer comes to the owner’s home and designs a training session around the owner’s specific goals and needs. The trainer teaches the owner how to use positive reinforcement techniques to train their dog. This program covers coming when called, walking nicely in a heeling position, understanding boundaries, coping with separation anxiety, desensitizing to real world distractions, and more.
All Dogs Unleashed Dog Training also offers unlimited follow-up services for the life of the dog. They also have a wall of fame where they showcase some of their successful clients. They are open from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Best For:
- Owners who want results-oriented obedience training for their dog
- Owners who want to choose between board and train or in-home training programs
- Owners who want to benefit from unlimited follow-up services
3. Des Moines Obedience Training Club
Des Moines Obedience Training Club is a dog training provider in Des Moines, IA that was chartered in 1950 for the purpose of encouraging obedience training for all dogs. They have a large facility with three fully matted training rings, air conditioning, heating, free parking, and wheelchair accessibility. They have a team of qualified instructors who use positive reinforcement methods and compete in various dog sports. They offer public training classes, testing for certification, competitions, seminars, demonstrations, and matches.
- Address: 1423 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
- Phone: (515) 285-7130
- Website: http://www.dmotc.com/
Some of the training classes they offer are:
- Puppy Classes: These are classes for puppies 8 weeks to 6 months old that teach them how to be good companions and well-mannered family pets. They cover topics such as socialization, house training, crate training, biting/mouthing, chewing/digging, basic commands, and more.
- Beginner Obedience: These are classes for dogs 6 months and older that teach them the essentials of obedience and manners. They cover topics such as sit, down, stay, come, heel, leave it, drop it, and more.
- Intermediate and Advanced Classes: These are classes for those who want to continue training beyond the basics and prepare for competitions or certifications. They cover topics such as off-leash control, distance commands, hand signals, jumping, retrieving, scent work, and more.
- Agility Classes: These are classes that teach dogs how to navigate various obstacles such as tunnels, jumps, weave poles, teeter-totters, and more. They also teach dogs how to work with their handlers as a team and have fun.
- Rally Classes: These are classes that teach dogs how to perform various obedience exercises in a sequence marked by signs. They also teach dogs how to work with their handlers in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
Des Moines Obedience Training Club also offers testing for AKC Canine Good Citizen certification and Therapy Dogs International certification. They also sponsor various competitions such as AKC obedience trials, rally trials, agility trials, tracking tests, and scent work trials. They also host training seminars by experts in the field of dog training and behavior. They also provide demonstrations for schools, nursing homes, and other organizations. They also organize matches sponsored by Friends of DMOTC where dogs can practice their skills in a mock trial setting.
Best For:
- Owners who want to join a long-established and reputable dog training club
- Owners who want to participate in various dog sports and activities
- Owners who want to access a variety of training classes and services
4. Dog Training Elite
Dog Training Elite is a dog training provider in Des Moines, IA that specializes in in-home dog training that strengthens the bond between the dog and the owner. They have over 40 years of experience and use modern, science-based training methods that teach the dog the highest level of obedience, despite even the toughest level of distractions. They offer online and in-person training programs that are suitable for all breeds, sizes, and ages of dogs.
- Address: 319 SW 5th St Suite 300, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Phone: (515) 771-0673
- Website: https://dogtrainingelite.com/des-moines
Some of the training programs they offer are:
- In-Home Training: This is a one-on-one training program that is designed to teach the owner how to train their dog alongside a professional trainer in their home environment. The trainer customizes the program based on the owner’s goals and needs, and teaches them how to use positive reinforcement techniques to train their dog. This program covers leash and potty training, staying and coming, destructive chewing and digging, stealing food or objects, barking and whining, food guarding and begging, mouthing and nipping, anxiety and submissive urination, jumping and hyperactivity, aggression and anxiety, and more.
- Online Training: This is a self-guided training program that allows the owner to learn the Dog Training Elite methods from the comfort of their own home. The owner gets access to videos, articles, and other resources that teach them how to train their dog using positive reinforcement techniques. This program covers obedience skills, nose targets, problem behaviors, nipping and biting, and more.
- Service Dog Training: This is a specialized training program that prepares dogs and owners for a life of service. The trainer helps select puppies that are ready for service from well-respected breeders, and trains them to perform various tasks such as retrieving items, opening doors, turning on lights, alerting to sounds or smells, providing emotional support, and more. The trainer also teaches the owner how to handle their service dog in public settings and how to maintain their skills.
Dog Training Elite also offers group classes for socialization and fun activities such as agility and rally. They also offer free in-home assessments for new clients who want to learn more about their services and programs. They also have a Hometown Hero giveaway where they award one hero in the Iowa region with a 7-day stay at a 5-star resort.
Best For:
- Owners who want in-home dog training that empowers them to be an integral part of the training experience
- Owners who want online dog training sessions that allow them to learn at their own pace
- Owners who want service dog training that prepares them for a life of service
5. Platinum Dog Training
Platinum Dog Training is a dog training provider in Des Moines, IA that specializes in balanced training methods that educate owners and train dogs. They have a professional trainer who has experience in working with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. They offer in-home training and e-collar training that are customized to the owner’s goals and needs.
- Address: 1367 Porter Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315
- Phone: (515) 416-2028
- Website: https://www.platinumdogtraining.net/
Some of the training programs they offer are:
- In-Home Training: This is a one-on-one training program that takes place in the owner’s home or anywhere in public within greater Des Moines. The trainer teaches the owner how to use positive reinforcement and e-collar techniques to train their dog. This program covers leash and potty training, basic and advanced obedience, behavior modification, off-leash control, and more.
- E-Collar Training: This is a one-time training program that teaches the owner how to properly introduce and train using an e-collar. The trainer provides an e-collar from E-Collar Technologies and a 90-minute training session. This program is perfect for owners who want to learn how to communicate clearly with their dog in high distraction environments.
Platinum Dog Training also offers free consultations for new clients who want to learn more about their services and programs. They also have a FAQ page where they answer some common questions about their training methods and philosophy. They are open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Best For:
- Owners who want balanced training methods that educate them and train their dogs
- Owners who want in-home training or e-collar training programs
- Owners who want to achieve off-leash obedience for their dogs
6. United Canine Training
United Canine Training is a dog training provider in Des Moines, IA that specializes in building strong and lasting connections between dogs and their owners by using effective training methods and positive reinforcement. They have a qualified trainer who can train any dog, solve any problem, and offer the structure that the owner and the dog will enjoy. They offer board and train programs, private lessons, puppy training, and aggressive dog training that are customized to the individual needs of each pet.
- Address: 1340 Spring St, Des Moines, IA 50315
- Phone: (515) 601-0285
- Website: http://unitedcanineiowa.com/
Some of the training programs they offer are:
- Board and Train: This is a 2 or 3 week intensive training program that is ideal for dogs that need extra attention or owners with busy schedules. The dog stays at the United Canine Training facility and receives daily training from a professional trainer. The owner then learns how to maintain the dog’s new behaviors through follow-up sessions. This program covers basic and/or advanced commands, such as sit, down, come, off, place, heel/walk, and more. This program also offers guaranteed results and a lifetime warranty/support for the dog.
- Private Lessons: This is a one-on-one training program that is perfect for owners who want to learn how to train their dog to listen to them. The trainer comes to a designated location and teaches the owner a set of commands to work on and to eliminate problem behaviors if needed. The owner learns how to use positive reinforcement techniques to train their dog. This program covers obedience skills, manners, socialization, and more.
- Puppy Training: This is a training program that is designed to jump start the puppy on the right foot. The puppy program is for dogs 4 months old and under. The puppy learns potty training, manners, socialization, and introduction to obedience.
- Aggressive Dog Training: This is a specialized training program that addresses aggressive behavior toward other dogs, strangers, or animals. The trainer teaches the owner how to display the leadership that the dog is looking for. The trainer uses the Basic Obedience Package, which comprises of either private lessons or a 3 week board & train.
United Canine Training also offers free consultations for new clients who want to learn more about their services and programs. They also have a wall of fame where they showcase some of their successful clients. They are open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Best For:
- Owners who want to build strong and lasting connections with their dogs
- Owners who want to choose between board and train or private lessons
- Owners who have dogs with aggressive behavior problems
7. PetSmart Dog Training
PetSmart Dog Training is a dog training provider in Des Moines, IA that offers online and in-store dog training classes for puppies and adult dogs of any breed. They have accredited pet trainers who use positive reinforcement techniques to help dogs and owners learn new skills and behaviors. They also offer a variety of other pet services such as grooming, vaccination, and adoption.
- Address: 5050 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
- Phone: (515) 256-0691
- Website: https://stores.petsmart.com/ia/des-moines/south-des-moines/dog-training
Some of the training classes they offer are:
- Puppy Training: This is a 6-week group class that teaches puppies the basics of good behavior and socialization. Puppies will learn how to sit, stay, come, leave it, and more. For puppies 10 weeks to 5 months old.
- Beginner Training: This is a 6-week group class that teaches adult dogs the essentials of good manners and obedience. Dogs will learn how to sit, stay, come, leave it, loose leash walking, and more. For dogs 5 months and older with no previous training.
- Intermediate Training: This is a 6-week group class that builds on the skills learned in the Beginner class, introducing additional cues such as heel, place, and rollover. Dogs will also learn how to perform these cues in different situations with distractions. For dogs who have completed the Beginner class or equivalent.
- Advanced Training: This is a 6-week group class that teaches dogs how to respond reliably to cues in any environment, even when off leash. Dogs will also learn advanced skills such as go to bed, stand, and emergency recall. For dogs who have completed the Intermediate class or equivalent.
- Trick Training: This is a 6-week group class that teaches dogs how to perform fun and impressive tricks such as spin, bow, shake, high five, and more. For dogs who have completed the Beginner class or equivalent.
- Therapy Dog Training: This is a 6-week group class that prepares dogs and owners for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, which is a prerequisite for many therapy dog programs. Dogs will learn how to behave politely around other people and animals, as well as how to cope with common therapy dog scenarios such as medical equipment, wheelchairs, and loud noises. For dogs who have completed the Intermediate class or equivalent.
PetSmart Dog Training also offers private classes for dogs and owners who prefer one-on-one attention or have specific training goals or challenges. They also offer online dog training sessions that allow owners to train their dogs in the comfort of their own home with the guidance of a professional trainer. They are open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Best For:
- Owners who want to choose from a range of dog training classes for different levels and goals
- Owners who want to access online dog training sessions
- Owners who want to benefit from other pet services such as grooming, vaccination, and adoption
8. Imperial Canine Obedience
Imperial Canine Obedience is a dog training provider in Des Moines, IA that specializes in teaching owners and dogs how to communicate effectively and build a strong bond. They have a team of professional trainers who have experience in competing in various dog sports such as AKC obedience, rally, dock diving, lure coursing, and more. They offer group classes and private lessons that cover puppy training, basic and advanced obedience, tricks, and more.
- Address: 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
- Phone: (515) 452-0630
- Website: https://www.imperialcanineobedience.com/
Some of the training classes they offer are:
- Puppy Footprints: The Foundations: This is a 6-week group class that is tailored for puppies aged 8-16 weeks. It covers essential training techniques, socialization, and basic commands such as sit, name recognition, leash skills, recall training, and more. It also addresses common puppy behaviors such as house training, chewing/biting, settling in a kennel, and more.
- Paws of Progress: Advanced Puppy: This is a 6-week group class that builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in the Puppy Foundations course. It covers impulse control and settling exercises, loose leash walking and heeling, advanced recall and distance control, advanced sit, stay, and down commands, advanced tricks and fun commands, public manners and distraction training, advanced socialization and handling exercises, and more.
- Obedience 1: This is a 5-week basic obedience group class for dogs over the ages of 5-6 months. It covers attention around distractions, loose leash walking, heeling, climb, sit, stay, and more.
- Obedience 2: This is a 5-week advanced obedience group class for dogs who have completed Obedience 1 or equivalent. It covers off-leash heeling with distractions, off-leash recall with distractions, off-leash sit/stay/down with distractions, off-leash place with distractions, off-leash climb with distractions, and more.
Imperial Canine Obedience also offers free consultations for new clients who want to learn more about their services and programs. They also have a wall of fame where they showcase some of their successful clients. They are open from Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 7:30 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Best For:
- Owners who want to learn from trainers who compete in various dog sports
- Owners who want to join group classes or private lessons
- Owners who want to teach their dogs fun tricks and commands
9. Pawsitive Stays
Pawsitive Stays is a dog training and pet sitting provider in Des Moines, IA that aims to strengthen the human-animal bond by turning struggles into strengths through games. They have a certified trainer who uses positive reinforcement and game-based training methods to help dogs and owners have fun and learn new skills. They offer online and in-person training programs, as well as pet sitting services that are customized to the owner’s needs.
- Address: 3930 NE 47th St, Des Moines, IA 50317
- Phone: (309) 373-3898
- Website: http://www.pawsitivestays.com/
Some of the training programs they offer are:
- Online Training: This is a self-guided training program that allows the owner to access a library of games and exercises that teach their dog various skills and behaviors. The owner can choose from different categories such as recall, focus, impulse control, confidence, calmness, and more. The owner also gets access to a private Facebook group where they can ask questions and share their progress with other members.
- In-Person Training: This is a one-on-one training program that takes place at the owner’s home or at a designated location. The trainer teaches the owner how to play games with their dog that address their specific goals and needs. The trainer also provides feedback and support throughout the training process. This program covers topics such as obedience, manners, socialization, behavior modification, and more.
Pawsitive Stays also offers pet sitting services for dogs and cats that include feeding, walking, playing, cuddling, administering medication, and more. They also offer overnight stays for dogs that include all the above services plus sleeping in the same room as the pet sitter. They also offer drop-in visits for dogs and cats that include checking on the pet, feeding, playing, and more. They are open from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Best For:
- Owners who want to use game-based training methods to teach their dogs
- Owners who want to access online or in-person training programs
- Owners who want to use pet sitting services for their dogs or cats
10. Petco Dog Training
Petco Dog Training is a dog training provider in Des Moines, IA that offers affordable and positive dog training classes for puppies and adult dogs of any breed. They have expert dog trainers who use positive reinforcement techniques to help dogs and owners communicate better and learn new skills. They also offer online dog training sessions for convenience and safety.
- Address: 1311 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
- Phone: (515) 287-9995
- Website: https://stores.petco.com/ia/desmoines/dog-training-desmoines-ia-631.html
Some of the training classes they offer are:
- Puppy Training Level 1: This is a 6-week introductory group class that focuses on proper socialization and teaches desired behaviors and cues to address common puppy challenges, such as potty training, chewing, teething, digging, and more. For puppies 2-4 months old.
- Puppy Training Level 2: This is a 6-week intermediate group class that expands on the behaviors and basic cues learned in Puppy Level 1, introducing the concept of establishing behaviors as routines, fun games to keep the puppy’s mind active and engaged, and more advanced training cues. For puppies 4-6 months old.
- Puppy Training Essentials Package: This is a 2-class package that covers the basics of the puppy’s educational needs. Includes Puppy Level 1, Puppy Level 2, and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test.
- Puppy Training Complete Package: This is a comprehensive package that gives the puppy the very best in training. Includes Puppy Level 1, Puppy Level 2, one of the adult dog classes, one private lesson, and the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test.
- Adult Dog Training Level 1: This is a 6-week introductory group class that is designed to help the owner better communicate with and train their dog. Dogs will learn behaviors and cues, such as sit, stay, come, leave it, loose leash walking, and more. For dogs over 6 months old with no previous training.
- Adult Dog Training Level 2: This is a 6-week intermediate group class that expands on the behaviors and cues learned in Adult Level 1, introducing more advanced and complex training techniques, fun games to help keep the dog physically and mentally stimulated, and more. For dogs who have completed the Beginner class or equivalent.
Petco Dog Training also offers Vaccination Clinics that offer quality preventive care for the pet’s health and wellness, such as vaccinations, microchipping, diagnostic testing, and deworming. They also offer Pet Grooming services that provide essential care for a healthy life, such as baths, nail trims, haircuts, and more. They are open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Best For:
- Owners who want to enroll in affordable and positive dog training classes
- Owners who want to access online dog training sessions
- Owners who want to take advantage of other pet services such as vaccination and grooming
