Minnesota Valley Humane Society

We also offer

Class Locations

Did you adopt your dog from MVHS? Don't forget that you receive a $30 discount for your first Canine U class within 6 months of adoption!

Sit, Stay-Spay! All proceeds from Canine U benefit the Minnesota Valley Humane Society's Pre-Adoption Spay/Neuter Program. Every dog trained is another pet fixed.

The Complete Puppy
The first few months of a puppy's life are the most important for learning good manners and developing good social skills. We'll help you establish a foundation for your puppy and get your relationship with your dog off on the right foot. Topics include: housetraining, common puppy problems like mouthing and chewing, and how to start teaching the basic behaviors like sit, down and come when called. The emphasis is on socialization and learning to communicate and motivate your new dog.

• Age group: small/medium breeds age 8 weeks to 4 months / Large-breed dogs (dogs that will be 40+ lbs as adults), must be 14 weeks or younger at time of class start.
• Class length: 4 weeks (4 one-hour sessions on the same day and time as the class starting dates listed below)
• Cost: $65
• Required Vaccinations: Distemper Combination & Bordetella, Rabies as age-appropriate
• Required Equipment: a 5-6 foot leash, a variety of small treats, and a basic collar (please NO choke chains, pinch/prong or skip collars)
• Classes occur on the same day and time as the start date listed for 4 consecutive weeks unless otherwise noted.

  Class Starting Dates:

• CLOSED - please call Sunday, May 11th - 5:15pm. Location: MVHS NOTE: No Class on 5/25 - last class on 6/8
• Tuesday, June 10th - 6:30pm. Location: Location: Apple Lake Animal Hospital

Better Dog One
For continuing puppies and beginning dogs of all ages. This class focuses on teaching you how to tell your dog what you want and motivate them to want to do it. We'll cover basic manners such as no jumping and classic behaviors including sit, down, stay and walk nicely on a leash. Breaking bas habits and shaping your dog into the well-mannered companion you've dreamed of is what this class is all about. Communication and motivation are the focus in this positive and fun class. The first day of class is a lecture for humans only.

• Age group: 4 months and up. Complete Puppy graduates welcome at any age.
• Class length: 6 weeks (6 one-hour sessions on the same day and time as the class starting dates listed below)
• Cost: $85
• Class prerequisites: None
• Required vaccinations: Distemper Combination, Rabies & Bordetella.
• Required Equipment: a 5-6 foot leash, a variety of small treats, and a basic collar (please NO choke chains, pinch/prong or skip collars)
• If you have a dog over 5 months of age and have not taken a class with us before - this is the class for you!
• NOTE - THIS CLASS OFTEN FILLS A MONTH IN ADVANCE - PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!

  Class Starting Dates:

• FULL Wednesday, May 7th - 6:30pm. Location: MVHS
• FULL Thursday, May 15th - 7:45pm. Location: MVHS
• FULL Thursday, May 22nd - 6:30pm. Location: MVHS
• Monday, June 2nd - 7:45pm. Location: MVHS
• Tuesday, June 10th - 6:30pm. Location: MVHS
• Tuesday, June 10th - 7:45pm. Location: Location: Apple Lake Animal Hospital
• Monday, June 23rd - 6:30pm. Location: MVHS

Better Dog Two
Do you and your dog need a little more work on basic manners? Is your dog still acting like a sled dog on leash or jumping all over visitors? Or maybe he just can't seem to settle or stay for more than a few seconds at a time? Build on what you learned in Better Dog 1 and add a few new behaviors including settle, targeting, listen and respond in distracting situations, and improved leash manners. Anyone completing Better Dog 1 can move on to this class.

• Age group: 5 months and up
• Class length: 6 weeks
• Cost: $85
• Prerequisites: Better Dog One or instructor's approval.
• Required vaccinations: Distemper Combination, Rabies & Bordetella.
• Required Equipment: a 5-6 foot leash, a variety of small treats, and a basic collar (please NO choke chains, pinch/prong or skip collars)

  Class Starting Dates:

• FULL Tuesday, April 15th - 6:30pm. Location: MVHS
• Tuesday, June 3rd - 7:45pm. Location: MVHS

Better Dog Three
You and your dog have finally made it to college and all that hard work is paying off. This is the class that covers the stuff you've always wanted to learn. You will refine and perfect the skills covered in Better Dog 1 and 2, and focus on handling your dog in real-life situations. Hands-free/off-leash work is emphasized and we will show you how to function even in the face of the worst distractions (like a delivery person at your door). You'll have the best dog on the block!

• Class length: 6 weeks
• Cost: $85
• Prerequisites: Better Dog Two or instructor's approval.
• Required vaccinations: Distemper Combination, Rabies & Bordetella.
• Required Equipment: a 5-6 foot leash, a variety of small treats, and a basic collar (please NO choke chains, pinch/prong or skip collars)

  Class Starting Dates:

• TO BE ANNOUNCED - (Probably mid or late summer)

Canine Good Citizen Test Prep/Refresher Class
The Canine Good Citizen Test is a certification program from the American Kennel Club that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test can receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

This 2 session preparation class will explain the 10 testing element, recommend training methods and provide an opportunity for some in-class practice. There is no prerequisite for this class but we strongly recommend your dog has graduated from our Better Dog 1 class or an equivalent class elsewhere. Please expect that most of your practice will occur outside of class – this class is primarily meant to help you understand the test elements and how you would go about prepping yourself and your dog.

• Class length: 2 weeks (2 1-hour sessions)
• Cost: $30
• Required vaccinations: Distemper Combination, Rabies & Bordetella.

  Class Dates:

• Mondays June 2nd and 9th, 6:30-7:30pm
• Location: MVHS
• NOTE - the prep class is seperate from the CGC test. If you would like to register for the CGC test please see below for details.

Canine Good Citizen testing
Is your dog a Canine Good Citizen (CGC)? CGC is a certification program from the American Kennel Club that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test can receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

• Class length: The test is given by appointment only. Typically, the test takes about 15 minutes but please be prepaired for testing to take longer.
• Cost: $10
• Learn about the test on the AKC website.

  Test Dates:

• Friday, June 27th
• 15 minute time slots available beginning at 6:00pm.
• Location: MVHS

CARE Seminars

An in-depth look at common behavior problems and/or items of interest to pet lovers. CARE Seminars occur every other month and are free of charge. Our next topic is:

Coming up In April:

Tricky Tricks: The art of teaching your dog ANYTHING!

Friday, April 25th - 7:00-9:00pm

Location: Here at MVHS

Have an idea for the coolest trick ever? Make it a reality. Tricks aren't just fun, cool and impressive - they really are great ways to keep our pooches out of trouble. Learn how to teach your dog anything - from the basics to the jaw dropping - shake to skateboarding. Join our very own Canine U Coordinator, Kate Anders, for a fun evening on demystifying trick training.

NOTE CARE Seminars last approximately 1-2 hours. Seminars are for people only - bring your questions, not your pet. Suggested donation is $5 per person. Reservations are necessary. Please email KateA@MVHSpets.org or call (952) 894-5000 ex.30 to register.

NEW Dog Walking Class

Does your arm hurt after a walk? Worried about your puppy tripping you up as you try to get around the block? This may be the right class for you. Although our main focus of this class is to train new MVHS volunteers, this free class is open to anyone. A lecture portion provides insights into understanding how dogs learn and a very basic guide to changing behavior. Then a demonstration will help you understand how to make the techniques really work. Although there will be time for questions and answers, please be aware this class is not designed to deal with all your training needs – rather to give you some pointers on making walks safe and fun.

NOTE: This class is a lecture/demo for people only - please leave your dogs at home.

Upcoming classes:

• Monday, May 12th - 6:30pm. Location: MVHS
• Tuesday, June 3rd - 6:30pm. Location: MVHS

This class lasts about an hour and donations are encouraged but not required. If you would like to attend, please email or call Kate Anders at KateA@MVHSpets.org or call (952) 894-5000 ex.30.

NEW PeeWee Play

Dogs are very social animal and PeeWee Play makes it possible for your small breed dog to romp and wrestle with someone his/her own size. PeeWee Play is an off leash, supervised play session for small and mini breed dogs 20 lbs and under. This is not a training class, but a play group with our Canine U trainers on site to supervise and insure appropriate interactions. No reservations or enrollment required - just bring your vet records the first time you come.

RULES:

• Dogs and puppies must be 20lbs and under.
• Shy and semi fearful dogs are welcome – please do not bring dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs.
• Dogs must be current on all vaccinations. On your first visit we’ll need to see proof of Rabies, Distemper and Bordetella and sterilization (see below).
• Unspayed/unneutered puppies are welcome up to 10 months of age, older puppies and dogs must show written proof of spay or neuter from your Veterinarian. Females in heat CANNOT participate.
• One dog per adult, no children under 6 years old. For both the children’s safety as well as the safety of the dogs children must remain seated with the parent or legal guardian at all times. There is no screaming, playing, or running during the PeeWee Play session. It is advisable and in some instances required to have one adult to watch the dog during play and one adult to watch the child during the play session. If children are unable to comply, for the quality of the experience of the group as a whole, they will not be able to attend future sessions.
• Sign a Canine U liability waiver when you attend for the first time.
• Owners are responsible for their dogs actions at all times, please keep an eye on your dog during the play session. The Trainer may ask you to interrupt your dog's play temporarily at any time for play that is deemed too rough by the Trainer, mounting, or not behaving nicely.

Location: Four Paws Pet Resort in Eagan (Just North of Diffley Road between Highways 13 and 77).

Cost: $5 per session. Ask about our PeeWee Player's Card if you prefer to pay ahead!

NOTE: BEGINNING MAY 4th PeeWee PLAY MOVES TO SUNDAY NIGHTS at 6:30pm AND WILL BE HELD AT MVHS

Questions? Email or call Kate Anders at KateA@MVHSpets.org or call (952) 894-5000 ex.30.

Behavior Helpline

Please call our Behavior Helpline at 952-894-5000 ext. 37 if you would like to talk to someone about the problems or questions you have about your pet's behavior. The hotline is monitored by experienced volunteers. Volunteers check the hotline every day or two and will return your call as soon as possible.