Pet Smart Training for Boxers vs. Other Training Options

[beaslju]

So, I've been contemplating the merits of obedience training with my 8 week old female fawn, Roxy. The question isn't really whether or not we'll take her to a class but which one to go to. My dad is taking his boxer to a professional trainer who specializes in working with boxers specifically. I've considered the Pet Smart classes though as the group setting and socialization with other breeds could be a big plus. Also, many private trainers are very costly whereas the Pet Smart classes have different levels and are relatively inexpensive.

Has anyone had any experience with the Pet Smart courses with their boxers? Are there any other factors that I should take into consideration when making my choice?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Cami]

IMO, you get what you pay for.
Puppy classes are pretty important because you not only learn how to train your pup but they will get to socialize while learning at the same time.
I personally think there are more than enough distractions with puppy classes held in a controlled environment let alone throwing a store with so many things to see, smell and do, shoppers and their pets into the mix may be quite overwhelming!
A good portion of Boxers learn a little differently than other breeds. They are pretty quick studies but get bored very quickly. Their stubborn streak tends to come out which can be frustrating at times.
If I had to make a decision between a class like you mentioned and one with a trainer that was well versed in Boxer behavior I would go with them. Of course I would also want an environment where other dogs were able to attend classes as well.

 

[TwoDogs]

It entirely depends on how good a trainer they employ. Some are very good and others are not so. Petsmart and Petco both have their own trainer education programs. Basically, you go for 2 weeks and they "certify" you in their program. Now some of their trainers have loads of experience before they enroll in the Petsmart program, but some have only the two weeks training. I would go in and talk to the trainer. Find out what their experience level is, how large the classes usually are, what is the general make up of dogs in the class, and what the format is (off-leash socialization time, always on leash work, etc.). To get a feel for how they train, observe a class.

Since Roxy is 8 weeks, I assume you'll be signing up for Puppy Kindergarten, right? Make sure the trainer has experience with all sorts of breeds, large and small. I would look for a trainer that is excellent in reading dog body language and can make sure that the pups in the class are not allowed to bully or be bullied. I would ask if they have any experience with Boxers specifically, and if not then at least with other bully breeds. Boxers are very vocal and engage in full-contact play. Alot of people see that as aggressive behavior when it is actually very breed appropriate play. Does the trainer separate pups based on tenperment, size and play style?

At this age, your focus should be on socialization first and obedience second. After talking with/observing both trainers, you will be better able to determine which is the best environment for your pup at this time. Private, one-on-one training with a good trainer is an excellent investment, but socialization is crucial and a good Puppy K or puppy obedience class is an excellent start provided the trainer knows their stuff.

 

[LILYLARUE]

I had taken 3 classes at Petsmart with two different issues. It satisfied my needs for the class. I used them with my boxer ~ one was puppy class and was great for socialization and very basic techniques. The second time was to re-introduce her to dogs again after an attack at a dog park. Had a very good trainer for the aggression issue but for puppy class they spent more time telling us about all the products in the store and foods they sold, that I didn't finish it. I felt I didn't pay for a sales pitch.

When I got my staffie, I took her to a class my vet's office held. I learned more in that class than all the classes at petsmart and found the trainer to be more behavior trained than basic training. Check with your vet's office and see if they have classes. Most do. The trainers in mine also work in the office and seemed to have more knowledge about breeds and behavior differences in the breeds and could teach each dog accordingly. Plus, could always call for questions or support outside of class. I just felt they were more experienced.

I would rather take a class from someone who had more experience with different breeds, than from someone who took a short course on basics and only have experience in instruction.

It's really in your wants and needs from a class and how much you can to spend.

Here petsmart charges about $90-100 for 45 mins, 8 weeks. My vet charges $69 for 1 hour, 8 weeks but with fewer dogs and more individual attention.

There is also a great trainer in town. She will do home visits for 1 hour for only $50. I will use her on occasion to deal with issues I don't know how to resolve. Maybe you have something like that.

 

[MypupShooter]

I didn’t do the puppy kindergarten. The only one in my area was $200 for 8 weeks, and I can’t see me paying that much – to have my puppy play for an hour a week. We don’t have PetSmart in Quebec. I tried to socialize her at home and friends homes as much as I could, and did the basic training at home. When Stella turned 6 months old, we started the rookie obedience classes at a local training place. Tonight is our 5th class, and it’s going very well. I think what is ideal about having training with groups, is having your dog get used to listening to you while other dogs and people around. That you might not get with the one on one trainer.

 

[KatCH]

We're in the middle of our puppy class at PetSmart. It's ok I guess. My problem is that Millie get's bored. For instance...day one she fell asleep. Everyone was commenting to me after the at how well behaved she was and how quiet she was...which is great and all, but she was asleep.

She does everything we do in class really well and catches on really fast, but after 3 tries the game is over. Like the "drop it" game and the "leave-it" game where you are supposed to say "leave it" and she's supposed to ignore the treat on the floor. After 2 or 3 goes she doesn't care anymore about the treat.

Since we have 2 pups I think I'm going to look at getting a private trainer to come out and work with them both. It's really hard with my husband being gone for school (we're military) because I can't train one without the other getting involved and if one is locked up while the other is out they freakout.

The PetSmart class is good in the sense that it teaches us some things and how to interact and socialize well, but for really good obedience training I really think I'm going to need another trainer. It's definitely not what I'd call a waste of money but it's not the best out there.

 

[fortheloveof]

if you're going to go to petsmart. your best bet is to actually ask who their senior trained is.because when they just came out of training they dont know really anything. but its like $109 for it.

 

[LILYLARUE]

if you're going to go to petsmart. your best bet is to actually ask who their senior trained is.because when they just came out of training they dont know really anything. but its like $109 for it.

Great point!!!

Also, where is greensburg? Your baby looks just like Lily! Same markings and the "french manicure" on the feet! Does the pup have some brindle as well? Wondering if from the same litter? Too coincidental I think, but man they could be twins!

 

[fortheloveof]

greensburg is around an hour south of lancaster. hes not actually my boxer. hes my cousins and he lives in ohio. im still working on getting my own. but he doesnt have any brindle or anything.

 

[kmac]

Diamond and I have started a petsmart class here in Texas, and it's going well so far. The class will teach you the basics and you have to go home and practice what the trainier has taught you. The good thing about petsmart training is that it is cheap and there are plenty of other dogs and people there to help with socializaiton. For the amount of money being spent on the class, I think it is perfect. I don't expect petsmart to teach my dog how to become a show dog, but they are teaching basic commands which is all I need at this time. As we all know, boxers are a handful so any training that you can give is great.