FAQ

Knox Canine Training specializes in modern science-based training methods specifically designed to treat behavior and aggression problems in dogs of all ages and sizes. We use positive reinforcement and utilize clickers in our training.

Email is the best way to reach us, knoxcanine@gmail.com

Call Fran for scheduling and general questions, 515-669-1364

Call Clint for specialized needs and we will return your call within 2-3 business days.

Our facility address is 1631 NE 58th Ave, Des Moines IA 50313. Directions

Just yourself and a signed copy of our Training Service Agreement. Please visit our Forms page page to download our TSA. Please also note that the first Puppy Class and Obedience Class serves as an orientation - you will not bring your dog. 

If you have a puppy between 2-5 months old at the time class begins, your first class will be Puppy Exploration. If you have a puppy 5-9 months old at the time class begins, your first class will be Puppy Basics.

Class path starting with a 2-5 month puppy:

Class path starting with a 5-9 month puppy:

If you have completed a Knox Canine Training puppy class or your dog is 9 months or older, Obedience 1 is right for you!

You can only register for Obedience 2 class if you have taken and passed Knox Canine Training Obedience 1 class.

Class orientation is a great asset when you are starting a class. Orientation always takes place the first day of your registered class.  You do not bring your dog to orientation. During orientation the instructor discusses our training techniques, common puppy/dog problems, what you will need for class, and time for questions.

If you have previously attended a Knox Canine Training orientation, attendance of orientation is not required, but please let us know in advance if you don’t plan to attend.

If you have never attended orientation and cannot make it to yours, please reach out in advance and we can send the material covered and give further instruction before class starts.

Let us know if you miss a class and we can forward you the class criteria and homework so you can work the skills at home. We do not have make up classes. You can always come a little early or stay late to speak with instructor to get caught up.

If you have a puppy, we always recommend starting in a puppy class vs private training. The social aspect of class is invaluable during the short socialization window.

If your dog is reactive to new dogs and people, class might not be right for you at this time. Reach out about our Reactive dog training or private, in-home training.

This depends on how sensitive your dog is to being around other dogs on leash. We can distance your dog from the other dogs as well as set up visual barriers.

If you’re unsure, please contact us so we can discuss and help decide if class or privates would be more beneficial.

Does your dog bark, lunge and growl at other dogs on leash?  During reactive dog training sessions, Clint coaches you and your dog, while an assistant trainer and her non-reactive are available to assist. We are able to gauge your dog’s threshold for new people and dogs, and work to lessen the behavior. These sessions take time, management and dedication.

Think you might be a good fit for our reactive dog training? Email us at knoxcanine@gmail.com and we can get you manually booked for a session. Sessions are held Wednesday’s at our facility.

We can meet at our facility or in home and in public within Greater Des Moines. Contact us if you have questions about where we should meet.

Classes are non-refundable. If you are registered and need to switch classes before the class starts, email knoxcanine@gmail.com for assistance.

Private Training is non-refundable. Training packages must be used within 6 months of the purchase date. Unused sessions are not refundable.

Classes and private training are nonrefundable but can be transferred towards other services.No shows or canceled appointments with less than 24-hour notices may be charged 50% cost of one session.

We understand emergencies occur and are willing to make exceptions. Please contact us.

We post cancellations due to inclement weather on our Instagram and Facebook and will send you an email with rescheduling information if your class needs to be cancelled.

Due to COVID-19, we are only allowing one person per dog in class and masks are required. Our staff takes extra precautions to ensure all surfaces are sanitized regularly and before and after each class.