puppy class

[Tara]

I've been searching for a while for puppy classes in our area and none are starting soon. There's a puppy class at PetSmart that starts soon. I don't want to continue my obediance classes there by any means, but has anyone had experience with puppy classes at a petsmart?

I was thinking that maybe it would be okay because it would get him used to a lot of different things and people. I know I was in there once and there was a fork lift that freaked Roxy out!!!

I also know someone that has used the trainer before and I've only heard praise.

[Judi W]

As long as you understand and accept that they know little about training and even less about behavior, go, take your pup and enjoy. If they insist on a head halter, I would politely request a refund.

[lblax]

like any training ive heard good and bad about petsmart it all depends on the trainer... as far as puppy classes go i alway thought they should teach manners instead of obediance such as a puppy should walk loose leash without pulling that is manners but a puppy doesnt need to formally heal that is obediance and this will conme in your ongoing classes

[TrinityRun]

I think the problem with Petsmart is you just aren't going to attract good instructors. I'm not sure what the crendentials are for them but it can't be much - a few crash courses. I only say go to them for puppy socialization - expect no more.

I'd sooner advise you to look up your local AKC kennel club and start asking people there.

(There I go again with passing on information to check other clubs. Damn me.):p

[Birdie'sMom]

I took Birdie to Petsmart for puppy kindergarten and Beginner Obedience. She did fine in both. No one ever told me to use a head halter and my trainer was very good. I'd go and observe and see if you like the trainer.

[Tara]

I will go and watch a class at PetSmart. The next class starts Monday at 7, which is when Diesel goes to the vet for his second round of shots.

The training facility where I really want to go is trying to schedule a puppy class, but they cannot give me any more information than that.

I'm also trying to get Roxy enrolled in more classes and want to do a basic class over again, just as a refresher (hopefully whe can fully master the heel this time!), but the next class is scheduled for a weekday at 1! So, I guess I'll keep calling around.

Some of the training facilities that I call do not offer group puppy classes, and that is what I want. I think that is much better for the puppy, to see other puppies and for socialization in a relatively controlled environment, where everyone is there for the same purpose. Am I asking too much?????

[spidey]

I'm just finishing up puppy kindergarten at Petsmart, and it's been fine. I'm in the same boat as you - I don't mean to continue there, but it's fine for puppy kindergarten. It's all lure-based positive reinforcement, and it's actually been far better than I expected it to be in terms of the advice given and the way the trainer has helped people through problems. Be aware that there is playtime in class (our trainer does insist that we get our puppies focused on us first, and that we give them permission to play). I know many disagree with this, and I'm back and forth about it myself. However, since my main reason for taking the class was socialization rather than training (it's very hard to socialize where I live), I don't have a problem with it, but you should be aware of it in case you do have a problem with it.

It's very true that it depends on the trainer - I ended up there because I met the trainer when I was shopping for toys and we had a chat, and I liked her. She does use a halter on her own dogs when needed, and she did suggest it to one other person in the class whose dog was wild - since it happens to be one of those dogs who does well in the halter, I had no problem with that. Every other puppy is on a regular flat collar.

Go and meet the trainer (they're almost always there, and should be happy to talk to you if they're not teaching), and get a sense of whether you get along or not. That's what I did, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the puppy kindergarten class at our local Petsmart to anyone.

[TrinityRun]

An excellent quote that sums up what I feel you won't find at Petsmart: (lemme phrase that better....what I feel you won't find beyond basic, puppy K)

A good trainer has.....

"An excellent reputation.

Shop around and get recommendations from your vet, the ASPCA, the city's other humane societies, or other reputable trainers.

Widespread experience

Inquire about his or her training background, years of experience, and areas of expertise. You deserve to have your questions answered, so don't be timid about asking them.

Humane training methodology and gentle, effective handling skills

Reputable trainers are concerned about their dogs' welfare. They also know that harsh or abusive handling methods are not only unnecessary, but are often counter-productive as well.

A genuine love of and devotion to dogs

When you find a trainer with this important quality you'll know it. The joy of living and working with dogs makes this person shine.

Extensive behavioral knowledge
Dedicated trainers keep themselves up-to-date by attending dog training and animal behavior courses, conferences, seminars and workshops whenever possible.

Good teaching and communication skills
Trainers who have this gift make the learning process quicker, easier and more enjoyable for their students.

A sense of humor
Training can and should be fun for both dogs and owners. A positive attitude and a little laughter goes a long way.

Ethics before profit
Is monetary profit his or her primary motive for training dogs? Is everything this trainer does geared towards making money? While financial success is great, ethics must come first.
Unless a dog trainer comes highly recommended to you by at least one reputable source, the bottom line for the consumer is BUYER BEWARE!"

I maintain classes that can be found at Petsmart are fine for puppy socialization but I wouldn't expect to come away from there with much more than that.

This is not to say folks don't have wonderful experiences there, just as Birdie stated. However, folks who do go there are usually first timers. They aren't in a positon to really judge a good trainer. So long as they see positive handling. A nice smiling face and folks having fun - that = good training.

Remember, absolutely anyone can call himself a dog trainer or behaviorist. Also, verify how many years the trainer you are considering has been training dogs professionally. While years alone are not enough to determine a trainer's experience level in and of itself, it's certainly says a lot.

[Wookie'sMom]

I had the local PetSmart training recomended by several fairly knowledgeable people because the current trainer they have has a degree in linguistics and aparently it translates, no pun intended. I didn't go there, but I would like to put in another "it all depends on the instructor" vote.

[spidey]

I maintain classes that can be found at Petsmart are fine for puppy socialization but I wouldn't expect to come away from there with much more than that.

I completely agree with this. I'll say that our trainer has come up with one or two suggestions for training things outside the book we use which work well, but really, the main goal of taking the class there was socialization, and to buy me time to find a club where I wanted to continue with more serious training. I also modify some of the training somewhat, since it's definitely aimed at working toward a well-mannered pet, and I intend to compete.

[Birdie'sMom]

I did really like my trainer, but I agree that Petsmart won't give you much beyond the basics. I went somewhere else after Basic Obedience, because when I looked at their advanced obedience, it seemed to be the same thing as basic and I didn't think it was very advanced. I actually ended up re-taking a basic obedience class with my new trainer, because after watching her advanced class I didn't think that Birdie was ready for it.

[Bucky's Mom]

Montgomery County Parks and Recreation offers puppy classes at various locations on nights and weekends - I took a number of classes with them and the trainers were VERY good - there is also a highly respected training facility in Rockville on Dover Road called Dog Sense - they hold classes year round - If you are willing to travel to Silver Spring you could contact the Capitol Dog Training Club.

I found Pet Smart classes to be better than nothing - but not much :(

Hope this helps - Lisa (Bucky's Mom)

[Miabella]

Bucky's Mom gave you some good info. Also, if you are willing to go to Beltsville, the Canine Training Association is a very good non-profit club. I believe they have a puppy class on Monday nights run by Ken Nagler, who is the founder of CTA and an obedience judge for over 30 years. I met him a few weeks ago at a show, he's a very nice guy.

[Tara]

Thanks. We actually took Roxy to Dog Sense for her training. The do not offer group puppy classes, only private classes.

Where we want to start going is Capital Dog Training Club. They havent scheduled any puppy classes recently. And their next Basic is on Thursdays at 1! I work in Chevy Chase and live in Germantown, so it would not be feasible to do this during lunch hour. I keep checking their website and emailing them. Roxy's on the waiting list with them for Agility classes so I want to get her back into training on a regular basis. She's well behaved, but she can always be better!!!

Our dog walker actually works for the humane society and told us about their training classes so I have been looking into that this morning. I know of a few other places up in Frederick too that we are debating, we just have to get signed up for the later classes, not the ones at 6!

I really don't want to go the Pet Smart route if I don't have too. But if I do, we will definitly continue his training elsewhere.

[Bucky's Mom]

Dog Sense offers classes for age 4 months and up -on a group basis - they do not do puppy K because they believe puppy socilaization is NOT a class activity - the class is for obedience - dogs are grouped by ability - not age - so a beginner 1 year old might be in class with a beginner 4 month old

Perhaps they have changed since you last spoke with them :)