Cat & Dog Training in Peoria, IL
We understand your bond with your pet is special, and at Prairie Animal Hospital we strive to enhance the bond you share with your pet through everything we do. If you’ve recently brought home a new companion, or you’re looking to improve your pet’s behavior, we offer cat and dog training classes to help you manage your pet’s behavior and strengthen the bond you and your pet share. Our training programs at Prairie Animal Hospital use praise, positive reinforcement, and guidance to keep your pet motivated and engaged, while also ensuring they have fun during each session. Our smaller class sizes led by Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Valeri Farmer-Dougan, Ph.D, allows her to work closely with each dog or cat to ensure the best possible results.
Ready to help your pet become a well-behaved, happy companion? Contact us today at (309) 981-5112 to enroll in our training classes.
Valeri Farmer-Dougan, Ph.D Dog Trainer
Valeri Farmer-Dougan, Ph.D., is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is also a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) and a member of the Association for Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). As a Fear Free Certified® Professional and Professor Emeritus from Illinois State University’s Departments of Psychology and Biological Sciences, Valeri brings extensive expertise in animal behavior and training to each training session.
Puppy & Kitten Kindergarten
These programs are designed to expose your puppy or kitten to various situations to properly socialize and train your pet to get them used to various situations they may encounter in their daily life. Each class will begin and end with play time to provide your puppy or kitten with a chance to learn socialization skills from each other. We will also teach basic obedience for both puppies and kittens and how to properly raise a well-adjusted pet such as potty or litter box training, crate or carrier training, as well as how to encourage positive behavior and redirect unwanted behaviors.
Dog Reactivity Class
A reactive dog is one that reacts negatively to common situations such as other dogs or people. Please keep in mind that reactive dogs are not aggressive dogs. Reactive dogs are those who are fearful or extremely anxious in certain situations. Our Dog Reactivity classes are designed to help reactive dogs learn to tolerate other dogs and people, and to focus on engaging with you instead of reacting to those they fear. We will also teach safety skills for you and your dog, brush up on basic commands such as sit, down, stay, and walking on a loose leash, and help alleviate your dog’s fear of the triggers in their environment.
Adult Dog Manners Class
Our Adult Dog Manners class is for dogs 1 year and older who may need to brush up on their good manners and social skills. This dog training class will address common behavior challenges and help encourage positive behaviors. Our dog training expert Valeri will guide you and your dog through positive reinforcement methods, clear communication strategies, and practical exercises to strengthen the bond and maintain a respectful relationship with your adult dog.
Tricks and Games Class
Our Tricks and Games class is focused on the more fun side of dog training, where you and your pet will learn tricks or games to play together or entertain family and friends. Rather than focusing on behavior issues, this class is geared toward teaching your pet a variety of commands, while providing mental stimulation for your pet and strengthening the bond between you both.