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Dog Behavior Classes

Dog Obedience Training

The doctors and staff at the Knoxville Veterinary Clinic are proud to offer a beginner dog obedience course on location at our clinic! The development of this course was a long time goal of our clinic after listening to many discouraged clients complaining about the lack of availability for obedience courses. It is frustrating for us as well to see disgruntled owners that don’t have the means to fix their dog obedience concerns in their own home, and unable to travel out of town for classes as well. We have completed several dog obedience sessions to date, and we are pleased to report amazing results.

A disturbing statistic in the U.S. is that approximately only 30% of puppies adopted will remain in their original homes by the age of 2 years. One of the biggest reasons for this is unresolved behavior or obedience issues. At Knoxville Veterinary Clinic, we have made it our mission to help pet owners maintain a lifelong bond with their dogs.

What will my pet learn in this class?

This course is designed to help teach your dog basic commands and socialization skills.

How old does my pet have to be?

Pets of all ages are welcome to enroll. We also offer puppy socialization classes for younger pets. See below for more information.

Who is instructing this course?

The course will be instructed by registered veterinary technician Donna Flattery, who has completed her certification as a dog obedience instructor through Penn Foster. In addition to her obedience training, Donna has had over 30 years of experience working with animals as a technician and has taken her own dogs through the courses necessary to become certified therapy pets. She has also had the privilege of assisting all three of her children while they trained dogs through 4-H dog obedience classes in Knoxville.

How long is the course and when is it?

The course runs for 6 weeks and classes are held on Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm.

How many pets are in each class?

Class is limited to 6-8 dogs per session. Registration is on a first-come first-serve basis.

Where can I sign up?

You can download the Beginner Dog Obedience Class Registration Form and send it to us by postage or fax (641-842-2524). Forms should be addressed to Knoxville Veterinary Clinic, Attn: Donna Flattery; 1600 S. Lincoln St; Knoxville, IA 50138

How much does it cost?

Cost is $150 for the 6 week course.

What else should I know?

We do require that your dog be up to date on it’s Distemper-Parvo vaccination, Rabies vaccination, and Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccination. If your dog is less than 16 weeks old, the rabies vaccination is not required to start. We also require that all dogs enrolled in the class are free of both external and internal parasites. Dogs are required to have a fecal analysis performed within 6 months before the first class. This test can be Knoxville Veterinary Clinic, or you can bring record of your vaccination history and a current fecal test with you to the first meeting.

You do not need to bring your dog with you to the first meeting, as this is an introductory meeting that will focus on goal-setting and leadership training. At the first meeting, you will be given a training packet along with several important handouts. It is important to understand that you will be expected to work with your dog for a minimum of 10 minutes per day at least 5 days a week at home while enrolled in this obedience class. Dogs have homework too! Our objective for this course is to help you develop and maintain a good working relationship with your dog. We are here to help you!

Please feel free to call us with questions (641-842-3316) or stop in during our regular business hours with any questions you may have about our classes!

Puppy Socialization Classes

In addition to regular dog obedience courses, we are happy to offer special classes for new puppies! There are many important aspects of puppyhood, and one of them is proper socialization. This includes many things, from meeting new humans, meeting noisy items like vacuum cleaners, and meeting other animals. While it is easy to find the first two, owners often find it difficult to introduce their puppies to other dogs without being concerned for safety and health of the puppy.

At Knoxville Veterinary Clinic, we offer puppy socialization classes for all of our established clients. At these classes, our clients bring their puppies of various shapes and sizes for time to romp, play, and get to know one another in a safe, controlled environment. This is important for puppies and their owners to develop a strong bond and a healthy relationship where they feel comfortable not only with each other, but other pets and people as well.

How young or old does my puppy have to be?

Puppies between 10 weeks and 24 weeks (6 months).

Do I have to be a client?

Yes, these classes are designed as a benefit for clients. Never been here before? All you have to do is bring in your puppy for its routine wellness visit and vaccinations.

When are these classes?

Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:45 pm.

How much does it cost?

The course costs $60 and consists of 4 sessions.

Who is instructing this course?

The course will be instructed by registered veterinary technician Donna Flattery, who has completed her certification as a dog obedience instructor through Penn Foster. In addition to her obedience training, Donna has had over 30 years of experience working with animals as a technician and has taken her own dogs through the courses necessary to become certified therapy pets. She has also had the privilege of assisting all three of her children while they trained dogs through 4-H dog obedience classes in Knoxville.

Where do I sign up?

You can either give us a call at 641-842-3316 or stop in at the front desk to sign up! You are welcome to attend one class or several.

What else should I know?

Puppies are required to receive updated vaccinations and de-worming treatments prior to starting class. These routine things are done when your puppy visits Knoxville Veterinary Clinic. When you come in for your first appointment, we will help you establish a schedule to make sure your puppy gets everything he or she needs! Due to puppies receiving routine de-worming treatments, you are not required to have a fecal analysis performed prior to these classes.

We also offer Private Lessons – Available for $50 per session.

Please feel free to call us with questions (641-842-3316) or stop in during our regular business hours with any questions you may have about our classes!

Events Calendar

2024 Puppy Socialization Class: ( Sessions – Classes meet from 5:45-6:30 pm)

 

February 5th, 7th, 12th and 14th

April 8th, 10th, 15th and 17th

June 10th, 12th, 17th and 19th

August 5th, 7th, 12th and 14th

October 14th, 16th, 21st and 23rd

2024 Beginner Dog Obedience: (6 Courses – Meets Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30 pm)

 

March 4th, 7th, 14th, 21st, 25th and 28th

April 1st, 4th, 11th, 18th 22nd, and 25th

June 3rd, 6th, 13th, 20th, 24th and 27th

July 8th, 11th, 18th, 25th, 29th and August 1st

September 5th, 9th, 12th 19th 23rd and 26th

October 3rd, 7th, 10th, 17th, 24th and 28th