Public Forum Proceed to Auspet's New Discussion Forum | Pet Directory | Classifieds | Home | LinkXchange


Click here to make Auspet.com your default home page

  Auspet - Message Boards
  Dogs - all types
  Has anyone ever used Petsmart for obedience classes?

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
profile | register | preferences | faq | search

UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   Has anyone ever used Petsmart for obedience classes?
TraGreg
New Member

Posts: 5
From:Buffalo, NY US
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-22-2003 03:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for TraGreg     Edit/Delete Message
We're taking our dog to Petsmart for obedience classes (I think Petsmart is country wide?). Has anyone ever used them and what was your opinion of them?

IP: Logged

Maisey
Member

Posts: 1387
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 06-22-2003 04:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Maisey     Edit/Delete Message
I have not personally taken an obedience class at Petsmart, but a very good friend of mine did. She was very happy with what she learned. I know the trainer that she worked with at PetsMart and I respect her very much. She is very well educated, and keeps updated in her education as well. She has a way with people and dogs that makes learning easy. I would take a class from her, but they don't offer a class that covers the skills I want. They are very basic skills. I don't know what the qualifications are for PetsMart trainers, but you should certainly ask. Are you wanting puppy classes? or is this an adult dog?

IP: Logged

Maisey
Member

Posts: 1387
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 06-22-2003 04:47 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Maisey     Edit/Delete Message
nm, I read your other post, a three year old JRT. If you don't have any experience in obedience training...I would take the class, just to gain those skills. Good luck with your new guy.

IP: Logged

RottyMommy

Moderator

Posts: 480
From:Harrisburg,PA USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 06-22-2003 07:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for RottyMommy     Edit/Delete Message
I took one of my dogs through petsmart and all I can say is it depends on the trainer. Some I like some I dont. My trainer helped with basic obedience but when it came to questions that was more behavioral her answer to everything was crate train her which was something I couldnt do with my dog as she went absolutely bonkers if she was confined in any way. I think it depends on the individual trainer. I put my first dog in for socialization with people and my second is in now at superpetz with a fabulous trainer who is amazing and is giving me drills to do outside of class for behavior issues and actually takes the time to listen to your problems rather than give a quick answer. My second dog is in training more for dog socialization but the trainer at superpetz I love and I wish I would have found him when I put my first dog through training. As I said it depends on the trainer no matter where you go. I found one at superpetz and I will never go back to any other other trainer. Let alone the fact that I am learning twice as much at superpetz for 30 bucks cheaper plus I have a trainer I can call day or night. Just be aware of your trainer make sure both you and your dog are comfortable with the person.

IP: Logged

caligirl
New Member

Posts: 4
From:Durham, NC, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-25-2003 01:27 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for caligirl     Edit/Delete Message
I agree that it totally depends on the trainer. The one I had at Petsmart was not great--she didn't seem to be wanting to work for Petsmart, and she didn't seem interested in dogs other than her own. Nonetheless, the class did turn out to give me some valuable things to do with my dog. Most of the work happens outside of class anyway...I'd say if Petsmart is the only way you can get a class, go check it out and talk to the trainer--take your dog and see how she does with her.

Also, if your dog is highly distractable, Petsmart will be a challenge. The classes happen in the middle of the store, in a ring, and it was constant work for me to keep my Golden/Lab focused. She was too excited to eat treats, usually, which meant I had to keep upping the ante on what treats to use. Next she'll be demanding filet mignon for a "sit."

Good luck.

IP: Logged

Pet Trainer
unregistered
posted 10-28-2003 02:29 PM           Edit/Delete Message
I also agree that it depends on the trainer. My advice would be to find out what your trainer's work schedule is and "catch" them at work (show up unannounced) and "interview" them. Ask questions such as "what's the goal of these classes?" "How long have you be teaching?" and "Have you ever taken a class outside of your company?" Not all trainers are created equally. You should also be comfortable with the method they are using and find out ahead of time if it aversive or reward based training.

I am a newer trainer and am learning quickly that not all trainers are created equal. So take the time to really find out if they're focus is dog training or making $$$.

Good luck and congratulations on making the step toward becoming an owner-trainer.

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Administrative Options: Close Topic | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Auspet.com


Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.45c
















© 1999-2017 AusPet.com