We're getting a dog for Christmas and need to line-up a good vet in/near South Minneapolis. Also, we'll be beginning obedience classes in the New Year and are looking for any good recommendations on where to sign-up for those. Both my husband and I had unruly family dogs growing-up, so we're looking to give ourselves and our kids a better experience.
Thanks,
A.
Hi A.,
I would recommend Molly Feeney with Just Paws Training. Here is the website: http://www.justpawstraining.com/
They offer in home training and consultations and obedience classes.
A.-
Congrats on the decision to get a puppy! how fun! We used to live in South Minneapolis, near Lake Nokomis and we brought our pooch to Minnehaha Animal Hospital on Chicago Ave. They were great! Also, I took our Lab to Obedience Training through the Minneapolis Park and Rec. The teacher was excellent and the cost was way lower than with other programs. I would highly recommend it! The most important thing is that you are commited to being consistent with the dog. (just like with kids.) Good luck! :)
J.
I highly recommend the Nokomis Pet Clinic located in South Minneapolis on 42nd Street and 30th Avenue. It is a small independently owned clinic. Dr. Amos is very good.
TCOTC - Twin Cities Obedience Training Club in Minneapolis
It's been around for at least 30 years (I went there in the 70s with my parents when I was a kid), so I figure it's persisted so long for a reason. I trained 3 dogs there as a teen and it was a good experience. Your "little ladies" may appreciate the experience.
Now that I'm a mom, I'm astounded by all the parallels between raising a child and training a puppy. Really! You need to guide them toward what you want them to do, distract from bad behavior, praise good behavior, never yell (unless you want to raise a yeller/barker), have set feeding times, etc. Dogs need and crave boundaries and loving attention just as much as kids do.
Bloomington Obedience Training Club
It will be a little bit of a drive, but not too bad, really - and I am convinced that they are the very best place to go for dog training -
TCOTC - Twin Cities Obedience Training Club
www.tcotc.com
2101 Broadway St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413-1716
###-###-####
I was *SO* impressed with the way they worked with us with both the dogs I've taken there to go through their training classes. My two dogs couldn't be more different, and one of them has some relatively severe behavior issues that they've helped me work with. They also do flyball, agility, etc.
They might also be able to recommend an organization that's similar to them but closer to your house.
Unfortunately, I don't know any vets in the So. Mpls area, but just found something that I thought I'd pass on to you.
Care Credit is a financing plan for various health care needs - so that you can spread the amount (which can be extensive for puppies) over a longer period of time - and is also great for emergencies.
www.carecredit.com
For routine care, we go to Banfield (located in PetSmart locations) - where we are signed up for their Optimum Wellness Plan. Basically, I pay $30/month but all of his clinic visits, shots, worming, etc. is covered and I pay nothing when it's time to go in. I've saved nearly $500 (on one dog) in the last year. For emergencies or big issues, I take my animals to the University of MN, where they are more expensive, but I trust them completely and know that my animals are getting the best, most complete care that is available for them. I also had one of my dogs euthanized there when it was time, and will go to them for that service again - they were wonderful. They have a special grieving room where you get to say goodbye and hang out and cry as long as you want, and they made a pawprint clay thingy for me to keep as a memento of my dog.
Good luck with your new puppy! Enjoy the process - and all that comes with dog ownership!
Try the Humane Society in Golden Valley. they have a wide range of classes and experienced trainers. You can go online to their website for more info.
Petsmart has a good obedience program. There is one at about 494 and Lyndale. I took my dog there 7 years ago and then trained my second with everything I had learned in my first class. It is well worth the time and money to train your dog well - it makes a world of difference for years. People always comment on how well behaved my dogs are. It is safer for everyone as well. You need a dog that will come in a dangerous situation.
