PetSmart Training- Yes or No?

[austin]

My formerly shy, one year old rottie has come out of her shell- in a big way. Digging in the yard, terrorizing the little terrier next door by running her up and down the fence line, jumping on me and just being generally demanding. She doesn't really understand commands, or just ignores them. I think I need training just as much as she does- maybe more. I've only had her a week, and have read all of the advice that says you must bond with your new dog for 3-4 weeks, but I really think now is the time. I read some feedback on PetSmart training and it seems very mixed, but I can't find a lot of other classes that would start in the next month in my area. What I'm thibking of doing is taking her to PetSmart for some basic training and then possibly taking her to a better training facility once she has the basic commands down. Any ideas/feedback/suggestions?

[niche]

Considering she's out of control you might want to take her to Petsmart at least to get an idea of how to train her. Of course, you should get educated on the subject by reading books, watching videos etc. Usually a group class is a waste of time. I enrolled my dog (also a rescue) with a petco class, but I only got a couple of pointers that have helped. We still attend so I can work her with distractions. Learning to train has certainly made all the difference. While other owners are still strying to teach "down" Wand already maintains a down-stay while all the ruckus is happening.

[LORHEL]

I have a rescue girl who is in a basic obedience class at our local Petsmart. We had a couple months to bond, and I think more than anything you have to realize, that these are tight quarters (at least the one where I go is) and you want to make sure your dog can behave and be around other dogs, maybe both large and small, in that type of setting. I know they hold the classes all the time, so you may want to hold off until you have a better grasp of her, and understanding of how she might behave. We had someone have to take their rescue out, they only had him 3 weeks prior to class, he would not stop barking, the whole class time, no matter how hard they tried. He got so worked up as soon as they pulled in the parking lot, he just couldn't handle it.

Your dog may be fine. If she can handle being around other dogs, while being instructed, and demonstrating sitting, downs etc in front of them and the class, then go for it. It will do her alot of good. She will learn basic commands, and you will have better control over her, but you have to do this stuff at home on a daily basis anyway. Good behavior starts in the home and is constant, there are no breaks with these dogs. The rewards are well worth it.

If you think you might hold off on waiting for a little more bonding with her, practice socializing her, taking her to public places, try the petsmart store, or anywhere she can go that she experiences the sights and noises, and different kinds of people. That way it won't be so much of a deal when she starts into class.

Best of luck.



:)

[rottnvegas]

Petsmart training would not even rank as mediocre in my book. The trainers are usually store clerk that went through a crash course to learn how to be a "trainer". The biggest problem I have is with the petsmart training is that they do it right in the middle of the store. The one here in Vegas is soooo tiny, I always hear snarling and growling going on. Lorhel, the other problem is there is no proofing phase. Once you train your dog the petsmart way, she will be very unreliable under distraction. You should not be so hasty to train with the first thing that is out there. In the very near future you should start laying the foundation with your dog on your own. Going to the park with a long line and working on recalls. Doing basic sits with your dog. Go to the library and check out some books on obedience training and you can learn a lot that way. I would suggest waiting the month to get into a more credible training program that starts with positive training but involves a correction phase after the foundation has been laid in the training. It is important to have a professional show you how to administer the proper correction to your dog. Not too hard and not too light. Good luck and keep us updated.

[Soapie&Buddy'sMom]

Petsmart for me was an introduction to training. I don't think it's the best, but it's better than nothing. (How's THAT for qualified praise!) I did what you are contemplating: Petsmart first, and then more qualified training. But please do not do as I did, and be lulled into a false sense of security after your Petsmart training.....you need to schedule the "more-qualified-training: right away. I look back on it now and I know I should have done that with Buddy, he would be so much further along. (He is almost three years old now, I took him to Petsmart at around 1 year old). HAd I done what I should have done, I would have taken Buddy to the Petsmart introductory training, and then immediately followup with more intensive (for want of a better word) training.

[LORHEL]

Petsmart is ONLY the beginning for us, and it is done in a sectioned off area at the back of the store. There are no spectators. I realize this is mediocre and I am only getting her started there. I work with Makita daily on walks, and every where else we go. I don't take her to class just to do obedience there. We do it everywhere. I just wanted to get her in a very simple and basic class first. She is going to go back to the animal hospital where our trainer is for advanced training, but this girl had never been to anything. I know the trainer at Petsmart and she does not work there in the checkout lines herself. She also referred me to our "real" animal behavioralist/trainer at the vet hospital when we had major problems with our first boy.

We are going to get into much more, but it is just a start, since I've only had her since October. :)

[Judi W]

Excuse me. PetsMart is not the only place to go for classes. Please look for a training club in your area. Most people who compete train with a club and for sure, they do not judge it a "waste of time". A club has the advantage of many very experienced people with a variety of skills and knowledge and the ability to take you as far as you want to go in the training arena.

I would not recommend close quarters for adult dogs with no training background, however, I am sure they would be fine for KPT. Or, if there are very few dogs and the space gives room to train, better than nothing, but I am not convinced that the store (however well-meaning) is your only option. Finding a club might involve a longer drive than going to your nearest store, but just like training the dog, it would be well worth the effort.

[Homerhomer]

Originally posted by rottnvegas
The trainers are usually store clerk that went through a crash course to learn how to be a "trainer".

Glad this ISN'T THE CASE in my area. All the petsmart trainers I met weren't cashiers and the one I picked had 20 years of dog training experience, owned 7 dogs, rottie and gsd among others, and was also teaching private lessons if required.
It's not the name of the place that matters, it's the ability of the trainer and your determination that is important.
I agree with others who are saying that petsmart is a good beginning. It's the place where they teach you how to train dogs with basic commands and obedience. If you have a dog with behavioural problems or you want to take next step you probably should look somewhere else.

[LORHEL]

I am not advocating using Petsmart, I am only stating, that since I wanted to start out very basically for our first class, I chose this place. It is not a matter of convenience but rather an INTRODUCTION into the world of training. I again realize it is not the best place, so I am sorry that it doesn't agree with everyone. It is a starting ground for basic fundamentals in a class type setting.

This was only a personal choice. We have many more classes to attend and they won't be there, I plan to become a member of our local organization, and go through them for all other classes.

Sorry if I made anyone think they needed to go to Petsmart for classes.. thats an individual choice. Certainly don't want to steer anyone in the wrong direction.

:)

[Judi W]

I don't think you implied that anyone needed to go to classes there. I simply wanted people to realize that that is not the only choice for group training. Most clubs also have beginning and KPT levels - because even with experience trainers, that is where each dog starts.

[LORHEL]

I agree, there are much better places for group training. I myself will be much happier to have more room at the local club, as they have an outdoor facility, rather than being cramped in tight quarters. Luckily our girl and the other dogs do well in their "area". They have a 5 month old rottie boy there who is already showing (according to the owners) and he is such a doll. He is very well behaved, and of course I miss having a boy, so he is a joy to watch too.. The last class he must have either had too much exercise prior to, or been in a show recently, because he was exhausted, laying in the typical rottie spread (head to the ground, back feet behind his body) front feet out...

[austin]

So, that is a typical Rottie spread, huh? I thought my little girl was picking up her resting habits from my cat!! I think we're going to talk to the trainier at our local PetSmart tonight about her classes and her credentials, and if we like her, we'll go for a few classes until a smaller/outside class that I found opens up. If anyone knows of any good beginner training classes in the Metro Atlanta area, I'd appreciate any information you could give me. Most of the classes I found are held on weeknights and so far out in the 'burbs that I'd never be able to get there in time.

[LORHEL]

Maybe you could do a search through ARC (American Rottweiler Club) and find a listing of the club in your area, then contact them for info on clubs, or training areas? Or do a "obedience training" search through the Atlanta area? I'm sure Atlanta has a rottweiler club through one of the organizations...good luck. :)

[Judi W]

AKC has a list of clubs by geographic area. Look for an Obedience club in your area rather than a specialty club. There will be one and they will have classes.

[Judi W]

Here
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Atlanta Obedience Club, Inc.

Corresponding Secretary : Joan Dickerson
Address: 1523 Esquire Pl, Norcross, GA , 30093-1357
Email: joand@mindspring.com
Club Type: All Breed