I like the Petsmart trainer better - comments?

[lengel]

First off, I apologize to any Petsmart employees who may be offended by anything I say here.

Years ago when Argos and Nikki were puppies, I tried out a Petsmart training class. It was absolutely horrific. The trainer's voice was so loud that it would freak out any dog. She banished any dog that barked to another part of the store and all the while, her own dog was playing tug of war with her pant leg. Nikki got so worked up that she threw up - twice. At the end of the class the trainer told me that "labrador retrievers are untrainable" and this is why people shouldn't get them. We wound up at a fantastic training facility and today they are happy and nicely behaved, work well with me and fabulously socialized.

Fast forward four years later. Took new puppy Zooey to puppy kindergarten but most of her litter was there. Completed the course but decided that she needed an alternative environment because she was only playing with her littermates. A new Petsmart opened down the street. Met the trainer and really liked her and I thought, why not? It's not like we would be encountering anything new, just solidifying what Zo already knows. Plus, it was an inexpensive class. In the meantime, we signed up for Zo's first formal obedience course with the training facility.

So, here's the scary thing - I like the Petsmart class more than the other one. There are five dogs compared to the twenty at the other. The other trainer has so much on her plate but the Petsmart one is focussed on the individual dogs. And, oddly, I'm actually learning new things at the Petsmart class. Finally, there aren't any more advanced classes being offered by the training facility but Petsmart is offering classes up to advanced and CGC. Obviously, I can find advanced obedience and CGC at some place completely different but the only reason I would is because of the Petsmart name. I mean, it just sounds bad to me to say that she was trained at Petsmart.

What do you guys think? If you heard someone say that your dog got his/her CGC from Petsmart, would you completely dismiss it as irrelevant or somehow diminished?

[targonrotts]

to me, it's more about the individual trainers' methods and manners. not the name of the place.
if you are getting better attention, you get more one on one, you see yourself making progress, and there is less disruptions, then why not?
sounds like your other trainer is overbooked with that many dogs in a puppy class.
if you still want a second place-look around. contact local dog clubs for info on their classes.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by lengel

First off, I apologize to any Petsmart employees who may be offended by anything I say here.

Years ago when Argos and Nikki were puppies, I tried out a Petsmart training class. It was absolutely horrific. The trainer's voice was so loud that it would freak out any dog. She banished any dog that barked to another part of the store and all the while, her own dog was playing tug of war with her pant leg. Nikki got so worked up that she threw up - twice. At the end of the class the trainer told me that "labrador retrievers are untrainable" and this is why people shouldn't get them. We wound up at a fantastic training facility and today they are happy and nicely behaved, work well with me and fabulously socialized.

Fast forward four years later. Took new puppy Zooey to puppy kindergarten but most of her litter was there. Completed the course but decided that she needed an alternative environment because she was only playing with her littermates. A new Petsmart opened down the street. Met the trainer and really liked her and I thought, why not? It's not like we would be encountering anything new, just solidifying what Zo already knows. Plus, it was an inexpensive class. In the meantime, we signed up for Zo's first formal obedience course with the training facility.

So, here's the scary thing - I like the Petsmart class more than the other one. There are five dogs compared to the twenty at the other. The other trainer has so much on her plate but the Petsmart one is focussed on the individual dogs. And, oddly, I'm actually learning new things at the Petsmart class. Finally, there aren't any more advanced classes being offered by the training facility but Petsmart is offering classes up to advanced and CGC. Obviously, I can find advanced obedience and CGC at some place completely different but the only reason I would is because of the Petsmart name. I mean, it just sounds bad to me to say that she was trained at Petsmart.

What do you guys think? If you heard someone say that your dog got his/her CGC from Petsmart, would you completely dismiss it as irrelevant or somehow diminished?

A CGC is a CGC, which is a simple test that the AKC designed to demonstrate that a dog is under basic control, and is safe enough to be handled.

I agree with targon on her comments. The reason that we "generally" discourage the use of Big Box Store trainers, is that "generally" BBS's don't require real knowledge of training or behavior, and as long as the potential trainer can read and pass a simple examination, ta-da, they are a trainer. Occasionally, someone with skills will take the job, and if you are happy with this new trainer, use her for the puppy classes.

You have personally witnessed this in the first trainer you had with your labs.

I will also state that for more advanced obedience, you should indeed seek out a trainer affiliated with Breed Clubs, or Working Dog Clubs, as they tend to have better experience all the way around, and can help with problem solving in a better manner. This being said, not all trainers are created equal.

20 puppies in a class is ridiculous. That sounds like total mayhem!

[natesmom14]

When we rescued Nikki, we signed her up for a basic obedience class at PetSmart. The trainer was FABULOUS and the class was nice and intimate (5 dogs in there as well, I believe...). She was also very positive about our Rottweiler and those that started class sitting at the opposite end of Nikki grew very fond of her as well- seeing what a quick learner Nikki was and how warm and receptive the trainer was helped their view of the breed. The trainer even took additional one on one time w/ Nikki to work her through some of the minor issues we had and I give that PetSmart trainer lots of credit in helping us have the sweet, well-behaved girl we have today!

[Karyn]

Well - the labradoole is coming along nicely now. So Labs are trainable. The teacher is more important than the name of the place. You are a knowlegeable owner - you can make an educated assessment of the trainer's skills. If it works for you - go for it. I once found a ballet teacher for my daughter - she was teaching in a church basement @ $2.00 per person per class. Insane, right. This teacher was so great - she took on my daughter as a coach - my kid got a scholarship the the Joffrey Ballet Apprentice program in New York City at the age of 13 years old. Pennylvania Ballet school never produced a great ballareina with all their hype and expense. Go for the trainer not the name.

[AngelBunny]

There are exceptions to every rule. Clearly--and luckily!--you found an exception.

As poohbearsmom said, a CGC is a CGC. The test is standardized. Take the puppy classes at Petsmart. There's nothing wrong with doing so if you like the instuctor and the instructor is good.

[Nishasmom]

It definitely depends on the trainer. The trainer I use now worked at Petsmart for several years; she quit and now has her own company. She was voted "best trainer in our city"! I absolutely LOVE her !

Our other trainer, also worked at Petsmart. She recently quit and now works at a service dog training school. She is awsome as well.

Here is the thing about Petsmart.....(I was employed by them for 7 years as a groomer in one of the highest earning stores in the company). When I first started there everything was wonderful, they truly cared about QUALITY!!! They made sure everyone had correct credentials and what not, and had intensive training programs for there employees. I quit when all this went away; the company changed gears completely, focusing on quantity over quality. Groom as many dogs as you can, who cares what it looks like; what is the most dogs we can fit into the training ring ect.

They send people to "grooming/training school (which is a joke of a school)" after 1 month of employment. I am not sure how long the "trainers" program is, but for grooming it is 4 weeks. If I walk in off the street and say..."I want to train dogs" they would say OKAY, lets get you signed up for the course! The more trainers/groomers they have, the more $$$ they make .

You may get lucky, and get a trainer or groomer who really excels at their job, but it is a gamble. Most are kids (20's) who think grooming/training would be so fun..."you get to play with dogs all day". I have seen "trainers" at petsmart who's dogs are literally DRAGGING them across the store ; I would NOT want that as a trainer . Keep in mind, the majority of people enrolled in the petsmart classes are "average" pet owners. They are content with sit, down, and a halti .

I no longer will even step foot inside of a Petsmart b/c of their ethics and the way they treat their employees. However, good trainers (as well as groomers) CAN be found at Petsmart...like I said, its the luck of the draw !

I would suggest one thing though...after your puppy class maybe find a new trainer. The way they conduct the classes is not very challenging. I like classes held outdoors, full of every-day distractions...people biking, dogs running w/ owners, kids screaming, cars honking, ect. My trainer changes locations EVERY week, this way the dogs are exposed to all distractions and environments.

[keller27]

Originally Posted by Karyn

Well - The teacher is more important than the name of the place. .

I really like what you said here, its the teacher not the name of the place. I was a PetSmart Area trainer for almost 11 years. In Dec. I was fired for letting someone use my 30% coupon..go figure. It was the best thing for me as now I am doing my in-home training and can really help my clients. I have gone to seminars in the past, but PetSmart will not let us use any methods other than theirs. Next week I go to a 3 day seminar with Brenda Aloff and Steve White. I am so excited to be going and brushing up on my training skills. I am unstressed after working with all of the corporate crap and managers and the pressure of making sales. I am back to my happy self once again.

[Nishasmom]

Originally Posted by keller27

I really like what you said here, its the teacher not the name of the place. I was a PetSmart Area trainer for almost 11 years. In Dec. I was fired for letting someone use my 30% coupon..go figure. It was the best thing for me as now I am doing my in-home training and can really help my clients. I have gone to seminars in the past, but PetSmart will not let us use any methods other than theirs. Next week I go to a 3 day seminar with Brenda Aloff and Steve White. I am so excited to be going and brushing up on my training skills. I am unstressed after working with all of the corporate crap and managers and the pressure of making sales. I am back to my happy self once again.

Isn't corporate-free life wonderful!!! Their policies are such ****; congrats, and good for you for starting on your own. I was so stressed at Petsmart also; when I quit I dropped like 15 lbs (without dieting !!). I wish the best of luck; I know they will be sorry they let you go.

[keller27]

Originally Posted by Nishasmom

Isn't corporate-free life wonderful!!! Their policies are such ****; congrats, and good for you for starting on your own. I was so stressed at Petsmart also; when I quit I dropped like 15 lbs (without dieting !!). I wish the best of luck; I know they will be sorry they let you go.

All of the crap has been lifted off my shoulders. I won't even go into a PetSmart unless I am taking my dogs to Banfield. I should have quit years ago, so I feel like they have kicked me out of the nest. I think because I was so frustrated that I was going to talk to a district manager, so they had it in for me. I have done that coupon before and they didn't care. My husbands loves it that I am home, and especially my dogs. I was forced to bring in my 10 year old shih tzu as a demo dog. She had done her part and deserves to be home.

[Zumie05]

I currently work at Petsmart both as a trainer and a bather. Since I'm not a groomer I didn't have to go to what they call "academy" training which is the 4 week program where you learn to cut dog hair.

The training to be a trainer program is 2 weeks with an area trainer though. I went through this 2 years ago and I have to say that I love my job. Yes, most of the people who come through classes at Petsmart are not ones looking to do anything special with their dogs, they just want well socialized and mannered companions.

When I hear stories about awful trainers at Petsmarts whos demo dogs nip at their pants and drag them around that makes me sick! I would NEVER bring in a dog who isn't ready to show off his stuff. Zumi, my 3yo well trained shepherd mix, makes for an excellent demo dog. Usually at the end of the class everyone starts asking me how to make their dogs as good as she is Gary on the other hand, I haven't even considered bringing him in yet lol. I am sure he wouldn't be a good example! Some day though...when he is older.

At my store when a new trainer is needed my manager doesn't hire just any random person off the street who thinks it would be fun to train dogs. She looks for someone who has been working with dogs for a long time and is comfortable with talking to groups of people as well. Yes it may mean that they have no training experience, but she generally looks for dog savvy people as far as being able to read a dog's body language pretty well. That is so important when you are an instructor.

Since joining this forum I have learned so many things and my perspective has really broadened. I feel now that I am 10x better of an instructor now that I know so many different tactics to go about handling things. That is why I ask questions all the time!

Maybe one day I can get out of the company and move up to somewhere more advanced.

Just on a side note about the Banfield at Petsmart , I would be wary to bring my dogs there. Their vets are the ones fresh out of vet school and two of my fellow coworker trainers have had horrific experiences using Banfields as their vet...just a warning. I know vets have to gain experience somehow. I use my banfield for shots only (yay for discounts!). I would however never go there if my dog were sick and needed a diagnosis.

[keller27]

Originally Posted by Zumie05

Just on a side note about the Banfield at Petsmart , I would be wary to bring my dogs there. Their vets are the ones fresh out of vet school and two of my fellow coworker trainers have had horrific experiences using Banfields as their vet...just a warning. I know vets have to gain experience somehow. I use my banfield for shots only (yay for discounts!). I would however never go there if my dog were sick and needed a diagnosis.

I do understand what you are saying about the Banfield vets. I have been using mine for years now. I feel comfortable with her. I think that I do get treated differently by her, because I worked at PetSmart. If I felt like sometime was not right with her diagnosis, believe me I would be seeking out another vet. I will let her know my views for sure on topics of feeding and will make sure if I want a certain test done she will do it to make me happy. They have always taken great care of my dogs. My dogs hardly ever get sick. Khori is more at ease being there. Vet Tech recently checked his pulse and stood behind him! HE DIDN'T EVEN GROWL AT HIM! What an improvement that was!! They haven't been able to do that before.

[Zumie05]

Maybe what I said is just the case for banfields in my area. The vets at my store sell people science diet. I was told that Gary should be on Science Diet Large Breed puppy. Yeah right! I asked if he had ever heard of Canidae and he said no....

Plus when my coworkers dog was spayed there they had a huge incision on the dog which got infected shortly afterwards. Spay incisions generally do not take up the majority of your dog's tummy...it was really sad.

[keller27]

Originally Posted by Zumie05

Since joining this forum I have learned so many things and my perspective has really broadened. I feel now that I am 10x better of an instructor now that I know so many different tactics to go about handling things. That is why I ask questions all the time!

.

What helps me is to go to the seminars. I am going to the Brenda Aloff and Steve White next weekend. I have been to Aloff's acouple years ago. I want to see her again. So what money I do make on my in-home training I think that its important that I get back into the swing of things and get to alot of the seminars to further my education of my training skills. Too bad that PetSmart can't help pay for the trainers to attend the seminars.

[keller27]

Originally Posted by Zumie05

Maybe what I said is just the case for banfields in my area. The vets at my store sell people science diet. I was told that Gary should be on Science Diet Large Breed puppy. Yeah right! I asked if he had ever heard of Canidae and he said no....

.

Oh yeah, this was something with my vet. My rottie tends to get ear infections, so she wanted me to go on a prescription food. There was no way in **** I was going to put him on that ZD crap. This is where we butt heads. I do my own research and took him off of Innova just to see if it was an allergy to food. I wasn't about to put him on food that was $65 a bag and the ingredients in it was in the Innova. So of course they try to put you on a guilt trip. I put him on Californa Natural-Herring and Sweet Potato, and he hasn't had a problem since. I have a good vet owner relationship, and I have to remember too, she has to answer to corporate also.