Has anybody been satisfied with the puppy training classes at PetSmart?
I am probably going to enroll my 4 month old puppy into the first class (I think it teaches how to sit and stay). I may go onto higher levels after that also. What are they like? Are they ran smoothly? Were you satisfied? Was the cost worth it?
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July 14th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
There are good and bad trainers everywhere. PetSmart is no different. If you are curious, I am sure they would be happy to let you observe a class-after all, they have class right in the store where everyone can see what is going on. Most of the people who are unhappy with the training are the ones who don’t go home and work with their dogs. This is not a class where you show up once a week and presto! your dog is trained. You are required to participate. As far as socializing at the dog park, if a dog attacks your dog, or if your dog attacks another dog, it is too late to teach socialization, isn’t it? The dog park is for socialized dogs. You never bring an untried dog into an non-controllable situation. For the person who says they hire people off the street and have them watch videos, you really should check your facts before you post things like that. You have no idea what you are talking about. All trainers are required to go through 96 hours of book and practice training, (which does not include videos!), and many stores require the new trainers to practice for three more weeks before they teach their first class alone. Trainers are like vets, there are good ones and bad ones everywhere, and you should do your homework before you hire one. Some good indicators:Are the classes full? This is an indication that word of mouth is getting them enrollment. Are there Intermediate classes every month? This is an indication that the dog owners are happy with the training they received and are enrolling in the next levels. Talk with the trainer. See how she/he interacts with your dog. You should be able to tell if there is an affinity there, as well as a level of expertise. Ask the trainer how long they have been training. Good luck with whoever you choose!
July 14th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Honestly, our puppy didn’t learn a whole lot as far as tricks and obedience, but it was worth the $100 for the socialization aspect. It’s really important to have your young puppy exposed to other dogs and people, and the classes gave us another opportunity to play with other dogs–big and small!! There was a lot of time for play, and it was great for our Foxy to get used to being in a contained space with 10-12 other dogs. The first day they were all excited and spastic, but by the end, all the dogs were calm and just used to being in a large group of other animals without going crazy
July 14th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
I can’t speak specifically to the puppy classes, but I have tried the private classes and I was extremely disappointed. I have a very smart terrier and I wanted to get help with leash walking/manners and stay. The instructor I worked with came across as very knowledgeable when I talked to her before signing up but, in the first class, she undid all of the tricks and hand signals I had already taught my dog – even though she knew them going in. Add in her “rule” that Mali had to be in the crate or tethered to my hip 24/7 and we were completely miserable. I chose not to continue and to exercise the money back guarantee. They refunded my $209 no questions asked. I think it largely depends on the instructor you get, your dog’s personality and the amount of time/energy you are willing to put into it. Some of the trainers have books with comments and customer feedback. You may want to ask to look at that kind of thing and choose the instructor that shares your ideals. Maybe one of them can provide you with a reference you could call about the puppy class. Have you tried going and just watching? They usually have a calendar that says when the classes take place. Having a puppy is a wonderful experience. Remember this should be a fun, don’t be afraid to admit it if you don’t feel it’s working out. Ask for a satisfaction guarantee. I hope this helps. Good luck!
July 14th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
I have not yet taken the class but I signed up for a puppy class that is starting the end of this month. What I did, since I had read mixed reviews on the training, was I went on a day that the trainer I would be with had a class and sort of observed. Also I had asked her a few questions when she was not in the class and just walking around the store regarding deterring my puppy chewing on things we didnt want her to (ME! lol) and she gave me some very helpful advice as well as showed me some great chew toys and training treats that my puppy loves. I would say call up and see when that trainer will be in the store then see if you can talk with them, maybe ask their advice on something and let them know you are interested in the class (but don’t sign up right then ). If they seem knowledgable and friendly like the trainer I met, then I would say go for it!
July 14th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
some of the trainers are good and some are horrible. Each store is different as they have different trainers in them. go into one of the store and get their training calendar. there is no harm done at all by watching one of the classes be taught. you can see if you the trainer is effective, or not. ive trained both of my puppies myself. it does take a lot of patience. do a simple google search for the thing you want to teach them. you can find all these tools online. if you prefer a book, those are available as well. look up the following for sure if you have a puppy:crate training (helps potty training, separation anxiety getting minimized)puppy teething (source of biting, chewing, etc) lots of toys!socialization
July 14th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
To one of the last answers: What if you don’t have a local dog park?Okay Now:I went to some. My dog didn’t learn much. I say he learned more from me researching on the internet and giving him a little doggy treat after he does it right.
July 14th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
I’m just going to give you a heads up on this one: The trainers they use are literally people from off the street who apply, and go through a brief training session (instructional videos and booklets, etc. ). NO experience is required whatsoever upon application. Personally, I’d much rather take my dog to a reputable trainer than to some 20 year old who does it as a part time job. BUT, then again, I’m sure some of the trainers are decent so I guess it would be a hit or miss kinda deal.
July 14th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Some trainers are not very good and some trainers are. It is hit or miss. I was not satisfied with them. They teach basic stuff like sit and stay but as far as everything else you pay for (socialization with other dogs, housetraining, barking etc. ) I was not pleased. They are suppose to give you another 8 sessions for free if you are not happy and they wouldn’t give it to me they said I had to pay again. I recommend putting your money towards private training which is worth the money because your dog gets more personalized attention. For socialization, I suggest taking them to your local dog park, which is free!
July 14th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
It really depends on who your are. . . . some people like it. . . some don’t I though it was really exciting. . . and I learned a lot of interesting facts. . It really helped me and I’d say its worth it. . . Every ones entitled to their own opinion you won’t know it unless you try.
July 14th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
In order to have successful training you have to keep with it and practice everyday at least 15 minutes a day. It just depends on you.
July 14th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
ummmm. idk. i really didnt like them, its like they didnt even care about my puppy, and she (my puppy) didn’t learn anything. but that doesn’t go for all petsmart locations tho, the one in albuquerque is the one im speaking of.