Shadowland Kennels
Obedience Classes and Boarding
Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577
One hour Southeast of Des Moines
641-673-5491
Updated- 12-24-2008
Dashing through the snow...
Beginners classes will start again January 13th.
K-9 Basics Seminars
November 10th &
December 15th at 7:00 PM.
See below in Obedience class section.
For Intermediate, Rally or Agility Information, Click Here
Click here for Hunt Training info
The Boarding Kennel
Welcome to Shadowland Kennels. Constructed in 2001, we have a modern, clean and secure environment to house your pet while you are away. Our 28 unit Indoor/Outdoor dog boarding kennel is climate controlled with Central Air and Radiant Floor Heat. We pride ourselves in keeping a clean, safe and friendly environment for your dog. Steel siding and durable chain link inside and out provide a secure surrounding for your pet. Your dog will quickly learn to use the doggy door to go either inside or outside within his enclosure. The interior kennel is not dark and dismal, but well aired with ceiling fans and naturally lit with several windows. Your dog can interact with other dogs in one of our fenced outside play areas twice daily or, if you prefer, have the area all to himself for a little outside stretching. This area is rocked so that your dog stays clean even on a rainy day. For an extra fee, your dog can be taken for a private hillside walk around our pond. Dogs are made to feel welcome, loved and comfortable by our responsible and friendly staff. Most dogs genuinely get excited about their visit to Shadowland Kennels. They look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones and love the biscuits, cuddling, butt-scratching and head pats given generously by the staff.
Des Moines Guests-Drive a Little-Save a Lot!
Just One Hour South East of Des Moines near 3 main Highways (163, 92 & 63), Shadowland is a great option for longer boarding stays. With our indoor/outdoor runs and exercise regime, your dog will have room to stretch, playtime with other compatible dogs and plenty of attention during your time away. We are a home based business in a country setting and because we are in a small town, we offer great rates. Give us a try and we think you will see that Shadowland is worth the drive.
Cat Boarding
We have modern cat enclosures that provide a safe and sanitary environment for your cat during their stay. Cats are in a cozy room separate from the dogs and have a window to look outside. Each enclosure is equipped with a cat perch so your cat has more variety and room than a standard cage. Your cat will receive plenty of attention, ear scratches and time outside his suite at Shadowland Kennels.
Staff
Shadowland Kennels owners, Julie McVay-Reeves and Jim Reeves, have over 14 years experience with dogs in obedience classes and boarding. Staff at Shadowland are carefully trained to provide excellent care of your pet. Shannon DePenning has been a fundamental part of Shadowland for several years now, providing care for our dogs, the guest boarders and assisting with all levels of obedience and agility classes. Jane Funni is an active Mahaska County Humane Society member and Stephens Memorial Animal Shelter Board Member. Jane often serves as our Kennel Manager when we are away and has been with us for many years. Jeremy Carmer steps in now to manage the kennel and is a welcome addition to our dedicated, hard working personel. Sarah Hodges, Allison Adams and Kayla Marshal also help out regularly with cleaning and care of the dogs. Rest assured that your dog or cat will be in knowledgable and responsible care when they stay with us at Shadowland Kennels.
Rates:
$13.00/Night per dog. Includes Iams dog food. $18.00 Minimum fee.
$9.00/Night per Cat. Includes Iams Cat Food. $12.00 Minimum fee.
Remember that we charge by the night, not the day like some facilities, so it doesn't matter which drop off or pick up time you use-the cost is the same.
Hours:
Our regular drop-off and pick-up times are:
9:30-10:30 AM
and
5:00-6:00 PM
Monday through Saturday.
While we still care for our boarding guests each and every day of the year, we are closed for drop-offs and pick-ups on Sundays and Holidays.
Please pick up one of our business cards-the hours are listed on the back.
Fill out a boarding contract ahead of time.
Making Reservations:
Due to our busy schedules with the many facets of our business that require us to be with the dogs, in the kennels, training, shoveling snow or mowing, we are difficult to catch on the phone. It is likely that you will need to leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible. Leave a message with the dates/drop off times you want to board, name of pet, your name, phone or email and let us know if you are a new customer. Email is a great option and is checked often. Due to losses in cyberspace, down servers or computers and answering machine errors, please send another reminder email or call again if you do not get a reply within 1 business day.
You must email or call for a reservation ahead of time. Summer vacation and holidays fill up fast, so please call early!
Cancellations: Last minute cancellations, especially during Holidays and Summer, are a loss of revenue for us since we usually cannot rent the unit you had reserved quickly, and have already turned boarders away because we are full. Like a Motel, should you cancel your reservation less than 48 hours in advance, you may be billed for a two night stay.
Dogs must be up to date on D/P Booster, Bordetella and Rabies vaccinations and parasite free. Bring your vet record on your first visit and after that, bring your yearly updates. Take a look at our Kennel Policies for dogs.
ATTENTION HOLIDAY BOARDING GUESTS
Please make your reservations EARLY for the Holidays of Christmas, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, Spring Break, Labor Day & Memorial Day. We can and do fill up more quickly each year. Please note that due to limited space we will have a minimum boarding fee of $39.00 enforced during these major holidays.
EXTRAS:
Dog Nail Trimming during stay- $12.00 ($4.00 discount for good behavior- ;-))
Basic Bathing is also available during stays and includes FREE ear cleaning.
Small dogs- $10.00
Medium dogs- $15.00
Large dogs- $20.00
Giant breeds- $25.00
Basic Brushing-Using our Furminator Deshedding tool.
Once Over- $8.00
Twice is Nice- $12.00
Git R Done- $18.00
Hairy Monster!- $24.00
We offer Individual Walks across the back acreage and pond for your dog for a nominal fee.
$5.00 for short walks(10-15 minutes) & $10.00 for Long walks (20-25 minutes).
Flea and Tick prevention seasonally is recommended.
We also have a nice selection of Quality Dog Bones, Treats and Rawhides.
Jones Natural Chews
We now offer Jones Natural Chews, one of the finest manufacturers of natural bones in the nation. Safety and Quality are top priorities for Jones Natural Chews. We searched for a product that we could offer with pride. We wanted a product line that we could trust to be safe and of the highest quality for our boarding clients.
Here are just a few of the reasons we chose Jones over all other manufacturers.
* 14 decades of Family Meat Processing Business Experience-Jones is a family owned and operated Business.
* Raw Products from USDA inspected meat plants.
* NO Additives or Preservatives are used!
* All products carry Batch Codes and Sell By Dates
* Only "Food Grade" Natural Smoke and Flavors are used.
* Products are slow baked at low temperatures to preserve flavor and natural moisture.
* Jones bones are prepared by professionally trained butchers.
* All Products are made here in the United States of America!
Check out their website;
What you can bring:
You may bring a clean rug, bed or blanket for your dog. However, we are not responsible for damages to items that are brought with the dog. If you have a smaller dog, you may bring his/her clean crate to put in the run as well. Acceptable, safe toys are also allowed.
What you can't bring:
Please do not bring bowls or buckets, no cow hooves, no small balls and no training collars are allowed on dogs while being boarded.
FOOD
We provide Iams foods for your pet while it is here. Iams has worked extremely well for nearly every dog we have boarded, even when switching from a different brand. Because Iams is a good quality food it does not cause most dogs to get loose stools when switching from another brand and in fact, we have actually seen it firm the stools of dogs that are stressed and on another brand of food. We use it for this very reason. It works! Believe us, if it caused most guests to have loose stools, we would not feed it. ;-)
We prefer to provide Iams for your dog while he/she is boarded, however, if your dog is on a prescription diet and you must bring your dog's own food, according to state law it must be in a plastic or metal sealed container.
Do Not bring a scoop or bowls. Please bring an appropriately sized sealed container that will only hold the amount of food needed while your dog is here. The container should be labeled with your dog's name and the amount (stated as if using a measuring cup) that you usually feed. NO opened bags of food are allowed by State Regulations.
Due to the extra cleanup and our experience with certain foods and reactions to stress, we reserve the right to refuse certain brands of food or charge an additional fee of $2.00/day.
VACCINATIONS:
Your dog MUST be up to date on vaccinations. Rabies is required by State Law for all dogs over 6 months. We Require Rabies vaccinations on all boarded dogs. Most vets will give Rabies vaccinations as young as 3-4 months. We do not take puppies less than 12 weeks old. Your 12 week or older puppy must have had at least 2 of it's puppy series Distemper/Parvo boosters and a Rabies vaccination. Distemper/Parvo Boosters are also required for boarding. Your veterinarian may provide to us instead, a written signed waiver for an Extended Vaccination Schedule(EVS) in accordance with AVMA guidelines. Bordetella vaccinations are required yearly as well and should be given at least 1 week prior to boarding.
All customers are required to bring in a yearly update from the vet showing either it's yearly Boooster or EVS Waiver. In Mahaska County, a one year Rabies is required for the first yearand then the dog may be on a 3 year Rabies Schedule.
We are currently updating ALL records for 2008. You must bring in a copy of your current vaccinations from your veterinarian. Current clients may also be asked to complete a new Boarding Contract.
Fill out your contract ahead of time;
You may complete a contract prior to your stay by printing the contract here. Please bring your copy of your vet record with the contract.
MEDICATIONS:
We will happily administer medication for your dog or cat free if it is only oral medication or ear or eye (or other topical) application. If there are more than one of these 3 things ( ex. Eye plus oral) required for your dog, or if the number of times administered is more than 2 times per day, you will be charged $1.00 extra per day for medical treatment administration.
Canine Caviar
- A Holistic, All Natural, Chemical and Hormone Free Pet Food
If you are concerned about the quality of your dog's food, Canine Caviar could be the answer. This product has worked wonders for dogs with allergies, poor eaters, dogs that can't seem to gain weight and dogs that lack energy and zest. Great for all dogs in providing a quality ingredient, highly digestible and all natural diet.
We now carry Canine Caviar, an all natural pet food that contains absolutely NO soy, corn or wheat, ingredients that are commonly associated with food allergies. It is made with Human Grade, Pesticide, Hormone and Antibiotic Free Meats (USDA Chicken and New Zealand Lamb) and contains No Chemical Preservatives and No By-Products. Flaxseed and Fish Meal help provide a proper Omega 3:6 fatty acid balance and other natural ingredients like garlic, yucca and alfalfa provide immune system, joint and internal organ support.
During the recent toxin affected pet food scares, Canine Caviar was not affected because it contains no wheat or wheat gluten as well as no soy or corn.
Once you try this product for your dog, you will be hooked! Your dog will love it! It has many natural benefits that you will be able to see in your dog. It is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the market and contains over 100-200 kcals more per cup than other premium foods. Plus, Canine Caviar is 91%-93% digestible, the highest on the market. This means more food is utilized by your dog, so you will have less waste. You will feed markedly less than commercial foods. I have personally met, Jeff Baker, the founder of Canine Caviar foods. He is genuinely interested in the welfare of your pet over and above the interest of corporate earnings. This small company is growing through word of mouth recommendations, as it should. It is a remarkable, quality pet food. Contact us for more information and find out how YOU can start giving your dog the BEST FOOD ON THE MARKET TODAY!
You can purchase Canine Caviar during our regular Drop Off and Pick Up times at the Boarding Kennel or email or call Julie to make other easy arrangements.
Petsakes Dog and Cat Beds and Pads
Petsakes beds are High Quality Beds made to last and stand up to repeated washings time after time. The entire bed can be machine washed and comes out looking like it did before it went in. They hold their shape because of the quality High Loft Polyester Batting-Not Foam.
We carry a variety of beds and pads and can order whatever size or color you want and have it here within a week. All Beds and Pads are made right here in Iowa by a family owned and operated business. Check out their website at
Shadowland offers a range of obedience and agility classes. We have been instructing obedience classes in Oskaloosa for over 15 years. To date, over 2500 students in the area have participated in our classes.
Our Beginner Obedience classes have evolved from the Motivational Training Methods of Jack Volhard. Over the years we have adapted these methods to develop a comprehensive and challenging class that sets the owner and dog up for success each step of the way. Our methods help the owner develop a means of communication with their dog so that both dog and owner better understand the relationship. We believe in giving people ways to deal with problem behavior so that the owner earns respect through leadership and the dog understands his place in the home without sacrificing their bond. We try to help the owner understand 'how' their dog thinks so that they can find better ways to communicate. Thus, establishing a solid foundation for a life long relationship. Helping to keep dogs in their homes forever is one of our primary goals.
Julie McVay-Reeves heads the Instruction of classes and has two other Lead Instructors: Shannon De Penning and Rich Marks. We also have an experienced core of Assistants who help with classes including Jim Reeves, Jeremy Carmer and Tracy Teachout. All instructors and most assitants have obedience, agility, hunt test or other titles on their own dogs. Shadowland Kennels is also home to Shadowmyst Labradors. Shadowmyst Labradors compete in many performance events including Obedience, Agility, Hunt Tests and Conformation.
For those of you who were lucky enough to meet our Shiloh, we'd like to let you all know that Shiloh has passed away and is waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge. Shiloh was my right hand teaching classes for the past decade.
She will be greatly missed.
Shiloh in costume for Class - Halloween '06
Click on Shiloh's picture to visit her web page
Beginners Classes
Our Beginners class is an 8 week course designed to meet 3 primary goals by the end of the 8 weeks. Walking on a loose lead (not pulling), coming when called and staying when told to stay. These are the three basic tools an owner needs to have a well behaved dog. Our class uses many exercises to help attain these goals. We include hand signals as an additional fun way to train the down, sit, stand, recall and heel commands. Leadership and energy are emphasized as the foundation for building a balanced relationship with your dog.
The class is a step by step approach and each week lays the foundation for the next week's lesson. Progressions are easily accepted by dog and owner since they are gradual and the owner can always go back a step if necessary. Food or toys are used to motivate and reward the dog and are gradually tapered down in use as class progresses to proofing the exercises. An appropriate balance of positive and negative reinforcement is used as we progress through the class. Because exercises are broken into sequences and small steps, the dog and handler are put in a position to succeed. Confidence, respect and trust grow mutually between dog and handler each week. The end result is a dog that respects and trusts his owner, understands the exercises and an owner who knows how to reinforce if the dog ignores a command.
Beginner sessions are held 4 times per year. Normally we have classes beginning in January, March or April, June or July, and September. We have as many as 3 classes per session on one or two nights per week. Our usual schedule is Tuesday night classes. In the summer we usually have a day class as well.
Class size is limited to about 15. Puppies as young as 8 weeks can attend classes (as long as they have current vaccinations and deworming) and are usually in their own class (8 weeks to 6 months) separate from dogs over 6 months. A training lead is included with class. The fee for Beginners Class is $90.00.
We encourage owners to begin classes as soon as possible. Your dog is learning as soon as you bring them home and it's always best to start the right way!
To have your name put on our mailing list for the next session, click here and send us an email with both your email and mailing address and phone number. Be sure to indicate if you are interested in beginners classes or if you are asking about advanced or agility classes. We can either email or snail mail the information to you about 4 weeks prior to the start of the class. You will receive everything you need to know about class and a reservation form that needs to be completed and returned to get signed up for class. You can return the form via email as well.
Our next Beginners class will start Tuesdays, January 13th, 2009.
For more information about classes, read our Cover Letter.
Click here for information about Housetraining
Click here to read General Instructions for the class.
Click here for a Registration Form. (HTML)
Or as a word document-Registration form
Until then, please plan to attend a K-9 Basics/PUPPY PRIMER SEMINAR.
Click here for information about the new Puppy Social Hours
K-9 Basic Training Seminars-(Formerly Puppy Primers)
K-9 Basic is for people who are waiting for classes to start or people who just want enough information to start their puppy out right. Equally valuable for adult dogs! Remember, we are teaching YOU, so the age of the dog really isn't that important. We want YOU to learn how to apply proper training techniques.
This one night session is great for people who are planning to add a puppy soon or just thinking about getting a new dog.
We will be trying to offer these sessions a few weeks prior to the start of Beginners. Seminars will be 2 hours long and will include demonstrations with puppies and adults. This is mostly lecture and demonstration format and you will not bring your puppy/dog. The same comprehensive packet that is included in our beginners class will be provided as well as some other helpful handouts. Information about the K-9 Basics Seminar is included with your mailing about beginners class. This is our most comprehensive and cost effective investment.
This is an excellent one night committment that can make a world of difference for you and your dog!
This 2 Hour Seminar is FREE if you Pre-Pay for the 8 Week Beginners Class.
Scheduled K-9Basics Seminars
Monday, November 10th at 7:00 PM
Monday, December 15th at 7:00 PM
Check back here for any changes in this date. Cost for K-9 Basic Seminars is ONLY $25.00 or FREE for those who Pre-Pay for the next Beginners Class. Click here to send an email if you are interested.
New!
These are fun, Manners and Playtime sessions designed to prepare your 8-24 week old puppy for the big world. Here are a few of the activities included:
*Playtime with other puppies each week
*Handling of puppies by others
*Introduction to unique surfaces and objects
*Practicing for vet exams & grooming
*Coming when called
*Sit and wait for food
*Jumping, chewing and mouthing
*Housetraining
Check back here for information about future Puppy Socials.
Link to
Rally * Intermediate Obedience * Agility * In House Training
Click here for HUNT TRAINING info
SR Shadowmyst Supertramp JH, CD, WC, CGC
Shadowland Kennels-641-673-5491
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