Dog Training

Question: Is professional puppy/dog training worth it at like petsmart?

(Posted by: on 2012-01-18 15:20:31)

Also, what's the best age of the puppy to take them to a professional trainer? I'm talking about puppy training in a class with other dogs and their owners of course.

Posted by: GoldfishPond on 2012-01-18, 16:29:53

Professional training is a must! The more resources you have to help teach your dog how to behave in the human world, the more successful your relationship with your dog will be. So many dogs are discarded due to simple problems that could be fixed with basic training. I would choose a trainer first, and a location second. You can go to the best facility, but if you get stuck with a lousy trainer you will set yourself, and your dog, up for failure. Places like Petsmart do hire good trainers, and more formal schools do hire bad ones. The best time to start a class is 11-12 weeks. Puppies go through a fear stage around 9 weeks old and are usually out of it by 11 weeks. During this stage, puppies are more unsure of the world, and even minor bad experiences can result in a lifetime of problems. After 11 weeks, puppies are more equipped to handle the unknown, and are ready for school. I would visit a location or two that is affordable and close to home. Then talk to all the trainers who work there and choose the one you like best.

Posted by: Chloe on 2012-01-18, 15:21:56

About 4 ~ 5 months ;) good luck with your puppy.

Posted by: Tobi L on 2012-01-18, 15:22:25

All puppy training classes are worth it and they are good for socialization too so you puppy will get used to other dogs too.

Posted by: Myra on 2012-01-18, 15:32:56

Only used them once out in Az. when I bought my previous German Shepherd Dog pup. Altho he already knew most commands I basically took him for socialization. I see nothing wrong with going there, but keep in mind some breeds need to have more than puppy classes.

Posted by: Amanda on 2012-01-18, 15:37:13

Taking your puppy to training classes will be extremely beneficial! i highly recommend it. I would look into other dog training facilities in your area. In my experience with Petsmart, they only care about getting your money and teaching you only enough to force you to take the next classes and give them more money. I've had much more success taking my dogs to different classes at other facilities in my area.

Posted by: Rayven ~ SCAdian girl on 2012-01-18, 16:23:59

Is obedience training worth it? Yes more so if you've never trained a dog before. Would I waste money on a place like Petsmart/ Petco? Not on your life. My advice: do google search, talk to local vets and other dog owners you know. Goldfish- 90% of what Petsmart hires are in house trained trainers. The real pros are opening up their own businesses not going to work for petsmart or petco.

Posted by: Tevin on 2012-01-20, 01:48:15

I am currently a trainer at PetSmart to be honest you will recieve very little training regarding the dogs. Its about proceedures and selling classes. Petsmart will not give you any continueing education. Unless it is regarding selling.I started this job hoping to make a difference in the lives of dogs and feel that has happened to some extent but I am not happy there.I only stay because I love the dogs and for the most part the people in my classes.