Any experiences with the Petsmart puppy training?
 

My puppy Rico is now 9 weeks old and before I even picked him up from the breeder I signed us up for puppy training classes at Petsmart. It was $90.00 with a discount for 6 classes. What are your thoughts on this? Petsmart?

Each store is different and really depends on the talent of the individual trainer. It's average for a pet puppy class and not bad to get started with socialization and basics.

I think it's hit and miss. Some people, including my boss, have taken it and loved it. The trainer was good. The next class he took, the trainer wasn't to sharp. I agree with Jamie that it's an average pet puppy class and a good start with socialization.

I was very lucky with my trainer at Petsmart and I know it. She has 20 plus years training and she trains at a club to. All her dogs are titled and therapy dogs. I picked her and followed through with her completely with two of my dogs. She used signs, this gave us an idea about rally and she brought in agility equipment as a fun thing to do at the end of class. Her goals from the beginning are getting the dog its CGC and ready for further obedience and/or competition. She never said anything negative when I went to the GSD club and had to get a prong. She has always supported me and my dogs LOVE her. Over the summer we went to some events that she was at with her own dogs(2 Rotts and a Pug) and my GSD spotted her a mile away:) So I'd have to say that my experience went way beyond just an average puppy class....she is great at what she does and I haven't been able to find anyone that I think is better then her.

I have taken both my gsd's to puppy training. The trainer I have is great and has been training for over 20 years. He also makes himself available via email to help you with anything after your training is over. I guess it is probably hit or miss but that is my experience.

My trainer from Petsmart (we took classes two years ago) is now training police dogs for a living :) He knew SO much about german shepherds and belgian malinois because they were his passion.

When I couldn't afford to pay for Intermediate class, he said I could come for free, as long as he could "practice' training Rocky after class. AKA I got two hours of free training.

Without him, Rocky would have turned out AWFUL. He helped us so much!

Awesome, great feedback! At least it sounds like it will be a good start and another chance for him to be around other dogs and people!

I like Petsmart. I went there with my Pomeranian puppy for their basic puppy class, she was somewhat of a nightmare when I got her (she'd snap, bark uncontrollably, attack other dogs...) and I achieved more with her there than I have with my German Shepherd after 7 months with an expensive "Master Trainer"
I should add that the German Shepherd had zero behavior issues when he got home.

its hit or miss. depends on the trainer and the experience they have or if they were just thrown into the 2 week class the store sends them to.