Petco Obedience?!

[SheepOfBlue]

I just finished Petsmart with Sca in puppy class (I would think they are similar)

1) Time well spent
2) I think the class could have been better with the structure kind of falling apart near the end.
3) The tips were good and helpful to me
4) Puppies! just kidding the social part was valuable
5) I think a lot of it I could have gotten from here and books though having someone to observe while I do was worth it.
6) I think as you get more advanced other venues would provide a better environment and be value added (for instance I can not imagine doing entry agility with them)

On attention Sca started getting a ton of attention but generally was 'to good' and just did stuff so near the end he was avoided a bit I think (She still liked him a ton though and I think was amazed at how he picked stuff up)

 

[OntarioSheltie]

No experience with Petco. But, Justice went to Petsmart puppy kindergarten classed and the next one I think advanced. After that we found a local private school for the next level and then into novice classes. We did so much better in the other school because we had the standing around problem too. The class was too slow for us! Just like in human schools, the problem kids get the attention.

I took Sadie to Petsmart for puppy class too, but I took Ginny to the private place where I did agility with Sadie. I have to say I liked the Petsmart puppy class better. At the private place we mostly just stood around and let the teacher talk, where as at Petsmart it was more hands on and we were always keeping the pups busy. We'd work on one thing for a few minutes, then move onto something else before the pups got bored.

I still love the private place I went to, their great for various dog sports, just not for their puppy classes.

That being said, I have no experience with Petco but I definitely recommend Petsmarts classes.

I also did an intermediate obedience class at Petsmart years ago with Milo. It seemed really good and we had the same structure.

 

[Strider]

Excellent advice everyone, TY so much! Here's what I learned from you all:

1. Make sure the trainer can help you with any issue.
2. Observe class before enrolling to make sure it's what I want to put Megan in
3. If possible try a non-profit club as the fee's go to a good cause
4. Petco/Petsmart can be great, just be careful the trainer is experienced in various breeds, ex. Sheltie sensitivity.

Did I get it all

Not too shabby Did you get the part where you have to post more pics?

 

[Silaria]

In my area, the training at Petco and Petsmart is not highly looked on by many of the better trainers in the area because they have a lack of quality. The advice to audit a class prior to taking it and talking to the trainer prior to class about their knowledge and techniques is fantastic because one trainer may be pretty good but another may be a little on the clueless side.

Personally, I believe any training and socialization is better than none at all. If the training method isn't "right" for their dog then that is up to an owner to determine. Unfortunately, thanks to Cesar Milan being on TV with his highly aggressive and dominate techniques, a lot of owners think that is the only way to do things. Those fortunately enough to have Victoria Stilwell can at least compare two different methods.

 

[beast19]

This is my first post, so sorry if it doesn't work. I took my Spoot to private classes for puppy and inter. We went to Petsmart for our CGC test class. Our instructor was great. The dogs got the help they needed. I think it comes down to watch a class and see what will work for you and your dog.

 

[missjenneygirl]

When I, and my then business partner started Paws 'N Effect in 1997, we were already well "into dogs". It was very interesting reading the resumes and applications of propective employee trainers. It quickly...and I mean quickly, became evident who had dog behaviour knowledge, and who didn't. In our state there is a school to become a dog trainer. "Intense 4 month course".
In the end, we employed true dog people, obedience trainers working on their OTCH title, agility trainers that were competing, and handling instructors that were professional handlers. The team that taught PK and companion obedience were deep in shelter rehabilitation, and rescue.

I sold my interest in 2008, and it continues to be the largest training facility, in size, number of dogs taught per week (approx 350), and number of trainers, in New England. I am very proud of what we started then and continues.
So, I would recommend finding a Kennel Club in your area that has classes, or a training center where the instructors are also competing in some venue.
Real dog people with a depth of knowledge.
Here's the website for Paws 'N Effect, check it out. www.pawsneffect.com

 

[danisgoat]

Wow Missjenneygirl....I never knew.

I probably know quite a few people that run in the same circles, since CT isn't too far from us.

 

[tofu pup]

Wow Missjenneygirl....I never knew.

I probably know quite a few people that run in the same circles, since CT isn't too far from us.

The joke is that missjenneygirl and her then-businesspartner both had kids who were starting out in juniors, and us kids needed a place to learn and practice, so they opened the training center just for us!

 

[Zavala]

Jewel Graduates from Petsmart puppy class today. ( i wll post pictures later tonight)

Our trainer is pretty good. we were lucky enough to get the area manager trainer for our class She did a very good job.

the only down side is Jewel is very playfull and gets distracted very easy, so it seemed difficult to get her to do things while in class but when at home she picks things up really fast.

I dont know whether to enroll her in trick class, advance class or maybe start entry agility.

 

[danisgoat]

The joke is that missjenneygirl and her then-businesspartner both had kids who were starting out in juniors, and us kids needed a place to learn and practice, so they opened the training center just for us!

That's awesome! You are very lucky.