Pet training at Petsmart?

[Rose]

I was watching the trainer at petsmart and everything she said was so sensible and smart. I think it would really work for Rosie. They say you can start as early as 10 weeks and Rosie will be old enough next week. It's $105 for 8 sessions. Anyone ever use them or know if 10 weeks is too young to start?

Thanks!

[bonsmom]

We attended our first class Saturday. Our trainer has a bachelor 's degree, plus certification for training. So far, she has told me that Rocco barks so much because he is spoiled and demanding attention. I knew that much!
There are set goals for each week. If nothing else, Rocco loves the last part of the class where he gets to play with the other pups. Give it a try!

[MandyMc65]

You're going to get very different responses to this question. First - your dog is NEVER too young (or old) to start training. I'd recommend starting and building foundation as soon as possible.

Some may tell you not to take your dog to Petsmart for training that young. It is true that you should definitely take precautions to limit your dogs chances of contracting a dangerous virus until they are around 18 weeks (2 weeks after their final puppy shots). BUT socialization as a puppy is incredibly important for a stable dog.

Early Puppy Socialization Risk vs. Benefit

I probably wouldn't go to Petsmart, but find a trainer nearby in a smaller facility. They are usually more expensive but worth the money to find a very qualified positive reinforcement trainer. You have to make the decision yourself and decide what is best for you and your dog.

[Nikki's Mom]

I recommend a smaller facility, even if it is a few dollars more.

[mary-anderson]

I wouldn't take her until she has all her shots.

[maggieh]

With PetSmart, it all depends on the trainer. There are 3 close to me and I've see trainers in action at all 3 locations. I picked the location based on what I saw from the trainer as well as the conversation she and I had.

So far we've been very happy and Tessa is now in her CGC prep class; our trainer is a CGC evaluator. Our classes have been small and the trainer is very knowledgeable and attentive.

Good luck!

[LJSquishy]

In the past I have taken a training course at Petsmart (with a previous dog, a Beagle) and although I thought the training was great at the time, there is no comparison to the trainer London & Preston are going to. Our trainer is CPDT & APDT certified, and most (if not all) Petsmart trainers are not certified other than their little "Petsmart certified" program which is likely nothing more than a few hours of on-the-job training.

The thing is, is that with Petsmart it will really depend on who you get as a trainer as far as which methods they use, etc. They have a general guideline, but each trainer tends to do things their own way. Some use clickers, some don't. In fact, when I took classes at Petsmart, we started with one trainer but then a different one subbed in and used different methods -- it was a mess.

Price-wise, I am paying $60 for London & $50 for Preston's classes, which are 6 weeks long (6 1-hour sessions). So for both dogs I am getting a certified trainer for $110. I would search for a certified trainer on the APDT website, Dog Trainer Search which is how I found my trainer.

Let us know what you decide!

[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!

[kaylabayla]

I went to take mine to the training class well to sign her up for after 16 weeks in advance and maybe it was just my petsmart but they used this harness thing on their heads that if the dog pulled away it forced their faces into their chest. I googled it because they lady was sitting there telling it me it was a good method but I couldn't help but think those poor dogs and the websites I found said those kind of methods can cause severe stress on the dog. So, I am kind of flipped on the petsmart training I think I will look for a trainer who does positive reinforcement and shows you hwo start with treats but not rely on them.

[cyndrae]

I would make sure they are positive trainers and another idea. I have been listening to puppy training podcasts from itunes. Along with taking her with me around as much as possible so she can see different things.