Pet training at Petsmart?

[MandyMc65]

Originally Posted by Rose

Thanks so much girls. I hadn't realized the risks of disease involved. But I feel good about our Petsmart with its small classes. Also there is only one trainer working right now who I like. I really feel Rosie needs to go ahead and get into socialization because she and my 8 yr old daughter play I bit too wild, I think. I'm going to take her with me to learn about training the puppy as well.

Mandy, thanks so much for that link. I do feel it would be better for me to go ahead and take her to class now while she is younger. I've observed the teacher and like her, and the classes are very small - about 4-5 pets.

LJ, I checked the link and there is a trainer in my area! She isn't having classes for about 6 weeks though. So I think I will take the petsmart classes first, then take her to the certified pet trainer too.

Thank you all so much!

I would probably carry my puppy through the store and into the training portion. The dogs that go to Petsmart are supposed to be vaccinated and healthy, but that doesn't mean they always are. Also if there is a "vet" in the store I'd stay away from that section as well. The training section is probably a lot safer than the rest of the store. It is cleaned and not every dog has access to it.

Good luck and I hope you have a good time! Just remember to make all the experiences your pup has positive! If there is anything that makes you uncomfortable be an advocate for your dog and don't do it and speak up.

[Rose]

I sighned up today. I've been watching the trainer when I'm in Petsmart (which is too often!) and I've never seen a harness in use. I wouldn't like that either. She always uses positive reinforcement and we are asked to bring treats. There is no vet there either and the training area is fenced off from the rest of the store.

I do take her around everywhere I can with us if it has pets allowed. I also always carry her in Petsmart and try not to let her walk in other areas I think there have been a lot of dogs. I never thought about the stuff on itunes but I'm definitely going to try that! Also, I'm not always great about speaking up to people, so thanks for that reminder!

[Cheri]

I think as long as she has all her shots it would be fine, that, to me, is the #1 most important thing. Petsmart people have to go through training classes with their own dogs and learn how to train other people. I think it would be just as good as other private places

[jmm]

I would make sure they sanitize the floor in the training area before class. And carry her in. I agree with Mandy...the benefits of socialization win out with me over the risks of disease. I start mine the day they come home (and for my bigger dogs that's 8 weeks of age) - they tag along to the older dogs' classes and start puppy class ASAP.

I am usually hesitant to use a chain like petsmart. However, there are certainly gems within corporate training. If you really like this trainer and have interviewed/watched classes, there's nothing wrong with going to the class. I usually find somebody smaller who has their own place and go with them.

[jmm]

Originally Posted by Cheri

I think as long as she has all her shots it would be fine, that, to me, is the #1 most important thing. Petsmart people have to go through training classes with their own dogs and learn how to train other people. I think it would be just as good as other private places

The quality of trainer from this type of corporate production is highly variable. The training is very basic. I would much rather a trainer who is a CPDT which means they have experience and knowledge.

[Rose]

Jmm, there is a cpdt in town but she's not doing classes right now. I will definitely go to her too when she starts classes again. I just want to get her started while she is young. She will be 10 weeks when the class starts.

Cheri, thanks and I love your siggie of Violet! Her before and after pics are so hilarious and adorable!

[puppymom]

We took the Petsmart beginner class this spring. Originally I wanted to attend classes at our local dog training club and was skeptical of Petsmart. But their classes were full and I felt it very important for Sophie to get into a class right a way.

The classes were wonderful and the trainer knowledgeable. The Petsmart training is absolutely based on positive reinforcement and they do not believe in any kind of "punitive" training.

For further classes I will most likely go to the local dog club with certified trainers but for us it was what we needed, when we needed it.

[mary-anderson]

Rose is only 10 weeks old, she does not have all her
shots. IMO you are taking a risk with her health and
other dogs health. I'm actually surprised Petsmart
will allow it.

[MandyMc65]

Originally Posted by mary-anderson

Rose is only 10 weeks old, she does not have all her shots. IMO you are taking a risk with her health and other dogs health. I'm actually surprised Petsmart will allow it.

Did you read the link I posted about Early Socialization - it explains the reasons why they would "allow" it.

Jackie also posted in agreement with that and the precautions to take to limit the risks. (See below) Honestly - if you wait until the dog is 18 weeks old, when they have finished their puppy shots, you have missed out on the most crucial socialization period. I would rather take the very small risk of disease versus that of a dog that was not socialized properly.

Originally Posted by jmm

I would make sure they sanitize the floor in the training area before class. And carry her in. I agree with Mandy...the benefits of socialization win out with me over the risks of disease. I start mine the day they come home (and for my bigger dogs that's 8 weeks of age) - they tag along to the older dogs' classes and start puppy class ASAP.

[mary-anderson]

Originally Posted by MandyMc65

Did you read the link I posted about Early Socialization - it explains the reasons why they would "allow" it.

Jackie also posted in agreement with that and the precautions to take to limit the risks. (See below) Honestly - if you wait until the dog is 18 weeks old, when they have finished their puppy shots, you have missed out on the most crucial socialization period. I would rather take the very small risk of disease versus that of a dog that was not socialized properly.

Yes I did, once again IMO I wouldn't do it. I know where
my dogs have been but not the others. Wouldn't take
a chance of parvo. IMO