PetsMart puppy training?

[kiavila]

Has anyone taken their puppy to the training sessions at PetsMart? There are few training options where we live and the closest, most convenient place for us is PetsMart. I'm just not sure how well they actually do their job.

 

[Bigstabile]

I think it really differs from place to place, depending on the instructor. I've heard good things about the one by me and from seeing class in action while at the store it looks decent but I doubt they are all the same.

I think your best bet would be to just observe a class and maybe talk to some of the people who are in one of them see what they think.

 

[jmurphy]

I went to three classes at Petsmart in delaware and was not impressed. I found it hard to train with some many other distractions in the room. Maybe after they learn the basic commands but for the inital classes I would'nt recommend it.

 

[Just-A-Clown]

I agree observe a class & see for yourself what you think,we took Beau to all the training classes at PetSmart,we had a wonderful trainer who gave us great tips & really took time with us on any questions we had,I feel Beau has done a good job,still working on a few things but all & all happy with our experience at PetSmart

 

[taryndanae]

We too went to petsmart and had a wonderful trainer that still works with us on a one-to-one basis when needed. We also met many wonderful dogs that we still socialize with on a weekly basis! However, I also understand that all will be different, so I agree with the previous posters and observe a class first (some have more then one trainer if that helps!)

 

[catdogbird]

We're doing Petsmart training right now - class 4 will be this week. As others have said, so much depends on the individual trainer. Finding out who teaches the class you're interested in and then observing that trainer in action is a great idea. I love the woman we have now. And the dogs - and their people - in this class are great. Bailey is having a wonderful time and doing very well. I took Morgan to the same PS several years ago and had a male trainer who was a bit of a show-off. Didn't care for him at all. (Noticed shortly thereafter that he was no longer around either.)

 

[rdeterding]

We also have taken puppy classes and intermediate classes at Petsmart. The puppy class was a little too full so he didn't get very much done in class but we worked outside of class and he had fun playing with the other pups. The intermediate class was with just one other dog so it was like having a personal dog trainer but much less expensive. I think the more advanced training classes the less people so they are a little more effective. I think it helps to ask the trainers for clarification too when they are teaching a new trick because sometimes it seemed like they thought I knew what I was supposed to do but I really didn't have a clue.

 

[Boxer Jord]

When I was looking for a training place for Coco I asked our vet about PetsMart and all he said was "You don't take your kids to school at Wal-Mart? do you?" We laughed and said no, but from what I hear they are pretty good.

 

[brianloki]

It really depends on the trainer. I took Loki to a training class at our local PetSmart and we had a good trainer. She still remembers his name today when I run into her at the store occasionally, and he apparently still remembers her, because Loki goes nuts whenever he sees her.

My class was relatively free of distractions, though, as it was on Tuesday nights around 7:30, and Loki was the only dog in the class who made it to every session. Two of the nights I was the only one there, so I basically got a private lesson.

The class didn't teach Loki anything I couldn't have done myself, but it was still a good excuse to take him to a strange place and work with him there, often around other dogs. I'd definitely recommend at least checking out a class, or meeting with the instructor at least.

Also, I believe PetSmart has a policy that lets you get your money back after the first class if you're not impressed. I could be wrong about this (it's been six months since Loki's puppy training), but it's worth checking into.

 

[CodysPop]

I took Cody to four classes at PetSmart, but I found that the instructor seemed to be learning as she was teaching, so I pulled him. I did a little searching online and found a training club that actually was 1/2 the price and the instructors actually show their own dogs (which I found relieving...) I agree with the others though....it really does depend on the trainer. Shelling out the money to find out isn't good though, so I would recommend maybe popping in one day and watching how the trainer is with other classes. You never know, they could be a winner.