Pet's Mart training school

[Bradster]

has anyone taken the courses before? im interested, because, if anyone else has a lhasa apso, you no how incredibly stubborn they are.
at the classes, you stand in a group with other people, and a leader tells you what to do, and you all take turns doing it, such as a trick or etc, i havent started the course, but i was wondering, is it worth the money?

 

[Brattina88]

I have taken Maddie, my Cocker Spaniel, through Puppy and Basic training at Pets Mart. I am, however, looking for a different trainer for my Shih Tzu puppy because she is going to be a different case due to her personality. I'd suggest sitting in on a class or two with the trainer you will be using to decide for yourself. We can't pass judgement on all pets mart trainers with one experience. My trainer was awesome! She took a dog in the class, showed us how to do it, instructed us and assisted as needed. She took the whole class, individual and together, into consideration on what or how to teach us every week. The socialization was a good experience, but keep your eye out because other trainers at Pets Mart I've seen group dogs together by size as apposed to temperament. As far as money goes, Pets Mart training isn't cheap. Its likely you can go else where and get the same training for less, but for many the store is convenient. Let us know what you decide...

 

[Bradster]

thanks for the info, ill check into it.
btw maddie is adorable!

 

[BaileysMom]

I have Bailey enrolled in obedience classes with the local Dog Training Club. It was actually half as much as PetSmart, and he is doing great! They are very knowledgable about dogs and their behavior.

We sit in a circle while they demonstrate what to do to train your dog to do a certain behavior. Then we try it with our dogs, and there are helpers who go around and help owners and dogs who are having difficulties with the new command. Some examples of the things we learn is to train the dog not to pull on the leash, let us do basic grooming and care without a fuss, leaving things we don't want them to take, sit, stand, target, stay, lay, ect. They always give us homework sheets after class with instructions on how to practice each new thing we learned.

He is in the click 1 course, which teaches basic obedience. There are 2 more classes for those who want to teach their dogs additional things. So far it has been fun and there is a GREAT improvement in Bailey's self control and obedience. We both have fun with it and it has helped us bond even more.

I would say it is definantly worth the money! I would look for a local dog training club, though. In my case it is cheaper, there are more people available during the class for one on one help, and dog training is their specialty.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[Bradster]

yes, thats great, how much does the training you and your pal take?
and how much is it at petsmart?

 

[CreatureTeacher]

Hey, we were just talking about this!

http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3612

Like I told BagelDog, your pup probably won't come out a circus dog, but the socialization alone in the safe environment provided by PetSmart is worth the beginner's class, which is about $90. Check out that link to BagelDog's thread.

 

[BaileysMom]

The Dog Training Club charges $50 for 8 one hour classes. Petsmart costs $90 for the same exact thing. Pretty good deal if you ask me.

 

[maui]

I've heard good and bad about petsmart.

Outstanding for socialization -worth the money.
Great with basics. Sit/Down/Stand/Wait/Stay
Hit and miss with the advanced behavior questions.

From what I have heard it all depends on the training of the trainer. I would ask the dog trainer how long they have been training, qualifications, etc. If it's a short amount of experience, think of the classes as great socialization & basic. But, if you have some real problems to solve, ask a lot of qualified people for advice.

Have fun!

 

[Freddie]

The experience for me has been very fun, and it does train your dog but you have to take time to practice some of it when your at home too. The basic commands like sit, down, stay, stuff like that, you can actually teach him that on your own with some common sense, but as some of said, the socialization and the fun is worth the money, I look forward to my training sessions with little freddy.