PetSmart Dog Training?

DTomlinson · 08-28-2006, 10:53 PM

Hello Everyone.

I am the proud new owner of a 12 week old Newfoundland. Today, I went into PetSmart to get some dog food and was approached by the trainer there. I was just curious if any of you have had experience with PetSmart Training. I've heard both good and bad things, and I'm looking for more information.

Thanks!

opokki · 08-28-2006, 11:34 PM

I have heard of both good and bad experiences with them. One of my coworkers took her dog there and was very happy with the training. I think it highly depends on the individual trainer. Maybe you could observe one of the training classes before making a decision.

Otherwise you can check out APDT to locate a trainer in your area.

alundy · 08-29-2006, 07:23 AM

My dog and I are in a Petsmart class right now, and I've been a bit disappointed. There is NO one-on-one time, and her approach with every dog is exactly the same. There is one older lady in the class who has made zero progress with her dog, and the trainer just ignores her.

I would recommend a trainer with more experience than the petsmart people have.

eley · 08-29-2006, 10:37 AM

It really depends more on the instructor rather than the place you're taking the class. My dog and I go to classes at petco every now and then, the trainer w go with is pretty good, she works with SAR dogs, Therapy dogs and so on. At one point we went to a "training school" and I was incredibly dissappointed, the girl that taught the class didn't really know much about dogs, I would've thought that being a "specialty" establishment i would've gotten more bang for the buck, but eventually we went back to petco.

sheplovr · 08-29-2006, 01:42 PM

You have to remember it is to make money for PetSmart. A commission for the trainer. You would be better off to join a dog club and learn together alot of good things. Or, get a good book on Obedience and train yourself like I do. Save your money.

Ragmop53 · 09-01-2006, 10:07 PM

I took Jackson our corgi puppy and it was ok. They use the clicker, and he responded well to it. As with any training being consistant is the key. Practice, practice, practice.
The one thing I didn't like was PetsMart used their store isles for training to, and people were everywhere. Talk about free advertizement for Pets Mart! Having the public interact with our puppies. I wasn't wild about that. I don't want a stranger giving my pet a treat. To me that maybe socialization, but I just think that is a bad behavior to get started in the first place. Any thoughts on this? Over reacting or not?

Take Care Ragmop53

opokki · 09-02-2006, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragmop53

Having the public interact with our puppies. I wasn't wild about that. I don't want a stranger giving my pet a treat. To me that maybe socialization, but I just think that is a bad behavior to get started in the first place. Any thoughts on this? Over reacting or not?

Take Care Ragmop53

I think socialization might be the single most important part of training. I have seen my fair share of undersocialized dogs and I would definately prefer my dogs were overly friendly than afraid of strangers.

Last week I attended two puppy classes (local trainer,not at Petsmart) and the focus was on socialization. This was done with a game called "Pass the puppy". Each owner would pass their puppy over to the person next to them for a few minutes and all present were instructed to gently and pleasantly interact with the puppies. Treats were given for willingness to intereact. I thought it was great, the people seemed to enjoy it and so did the puppies.

Ragmop53 · 09-04-2006, 07:19 PM

I don't mind people petting my dogs, I just don't like them giving them treats. You never know what might be given to them, when your back is turned. We played pass the puppy to in PetsMart that was fun. They can ask "can I pet your puppy? and I'd be glad to let them" just not the treats.
I guess I'm overreacting.
Thanks Vanessa for your thought on this.

Ragmop53

kelkat · 09-05-2006, 08:53 AM

We don't have a petsmart around here and apparently we don't have any trainers around here either. I want to be able to teach the strays that wander up basic etiquette - sit, stay, come. I think I could adopt out more if that were the case. Any suggestions on easy teaching techniques?

Melos · 09-05-2006, 09:45 AM

My family has always trained the dogs ourselves, and I am doing it with my new puppy as well - well, dog, since she's a bit older already.
I just think you need to be gentle and patient and give treats and lots of love when the comply.

alundy · 09-05-2006, 01:41 PM

I have heard great things about clicker training, but we are just starting it for the first time on our pup so I can't comment on the success yet!

Here is a resource I found helpful:

Clicker Training Lessons - The Clicker

Sister · 09-05-2006, 01:50 PM

Well, PetSmart training is probably better than no training at all! I personally haven't tried it myself, but I honestly believe my pug is untrainable. LOL.