PetSmart Training Classes

She didn't say her dog "seriously needed help," what she said was she didn't want to take her dog unless it would "seriously help her dog." I think that can mean two different things entirely.

I've paid top dollar to have a certified master dog trainer train both my Eskies, and it was necessary because this breed can be difficult and I don't regret spending the money one bit. Also, two weeks ago I got a 9-week old pug-zu (mutt) myself and she is way easier to train so far than my other dogs were. However, I do not think it is as necessary to spend tons of money with a dog who primarily needs socialization and basic skills. From what I've read, this dog is not going to be shown or bred, and it is not the type of dog that needs excessive exercise or obedience training, as other breeds do. Therefore, in my opinion-and I stress, this is my opinion, basic obedience and commands are adequate. And if your still unsure, go an observe a PetSmart class and then decide if it's what you want for your dog.

 
BINGO!!! I agree with everything you said and could not have said it better! []

Thank you, thank you very much......[]

Ok I guess I'll add my two cents. I cant say it was the greatest class we took BUT it provided great socialization with dogs of all sizes in a controlled environment. It also helped teach her basic commands while having a ton of distractions. Rory had already knew basic commands when I took her to petsmart as a puppy but this helped have her focus on em with yelling kids, otehr dogs, adn shopping carts around. I also liked it becuase they had all of the training devices to try out, ie GL, harness, easy walk, and even prong, choke, and martingale collars. Plus the basics they give you for commands are accompanied by hand signals which is what dogs pay more attention to anyways.
Bottom Line
positives
 great socialization, mental stimualtion, bonding, and distracted learning.
negatives:
not much indiviudal time, leering customers who interrupt and want to pet the dogs, and no exstensive training beyond basic commands
 
I would take it again just to stimulate Rory
 
 

ORIGINAL: Lilea

Has anyone ever taken their dog to these and are they worth it?  It's $100 for something like 4 sessions I think.  I don't want to pay that unless it's REALLY gonna be good and seriously help my dog.

 
Actually, yes they did.

Dulce...I don't GET your point?  The OP said:
 

and seriously help my dog

 
NOT "my dog needs serious help"...big difference.  Am I misunderstanding understanding your point??[sm=uhoh.gif]
 

But heck, I can socialize my dog and train her myself for FREE! I'm not going to PetSmart for THAT.
 
But it's your choice.
 
I personally hate petsmart trainers because I've seen them yell at the dogs, LOUDLY, and physically hurt the dogs. (Yes, I said I've seen physical harm)
And I refuse to use them. But of course, that's my choice.
 
The question you asked was if we thought petsmart was good or not.
 
Some seem to think it was great for "socialization", some think otherwise.
 
Whatever you do, I hope it works out for you.

ORIGINAL: jjsmom06

Dulce...I don't GET your point?  The OP said:

and seriously help my dog

NOT "my dog needs serious help"...big difference.  Am I misunderstanding understanding your point??[sm=uhoh.gif]

 
Seriously, it does not matter. I'm not having a screaming match with you over this. I think we're all misunderstanding something here.
 
Good luck to the OP.

ORIGINAL: Dulce Pit Bull


The question you asked was if we thought petsmart was good or not.

 
ooh I seemed to have missed that key question. I gess if I had to say wether Rory learned things from the class itself  I'd say no. It was more me incorporating the exercise's they showed us ONE TIME and teaching her at home.

Seriously, it does not matter. I'm not having a screaming match with you over this. I think we're all misunderstanding something here.

 
WOW...I guess I need to go back and look at how my ost read or something because I am not sure why you thought we were having a "screaming match"...I just wasn't understanding what you were saying and figured I was missing something...please don't be so defensive...it was not my intent to be unkind and I apologize if I came across as such. [8|]   

But see that's good!
 
YOU learned something, and continued to teach your dog. That's a positive thing
 
But it wasn't very heplful in the long run with "training"?

ORIGINAL: jjsmom06

Seriously, it does not matter. I'm not having a screaming match with you over this. I think we're all misunderstanding something here.

WOW...I guess I need to go back and look at how my ost read or something because I am not sure why you thought we were having a "screaming match"...I just wasn't understanding what you were saying and figured I was missing something...please don't be so defensive...it was not my intent to be unkind and I apologize if I came across as such. [8|]   

 
Ok, now you're just being rude. I'm done explaining myself.

Ok, now you're just being rude. I'm done explaining myself.

 
[sm=lol.gif]  ok...sorry for apologizing to you for my misunderstanding!
 
Good luck with training your pupper Lilea![]

Has anyone ever taken their dog to these and are they worth it? It's $100 for something like 4 sessions I think. I don't want to pay that unless it's REALLY gonna be good and seriously help my dog.

 
That`s a lot of money. Around here it`s about $85 for 6 or 8 lessons. All stores are different. Go and watch the trainer, ask questions and about their experience. Just because it`s PS not dismiss it as not good. There is a well known author that started training at a local pet store chain around here.

ORIGINAL: Dulce Pit Bull
I personally hate petsmart trainers because I've seen them yell at the dogs, LOUDLY, and physically hurt the dogs. (Yes, I said I've seen physical harm)

 
I personally think this is B.S. I wish you had a way to document that at that particular store. But of course you can`t.

ORIGINAL: Dulce Pit Bull

Then what's the problem?

You said your dog "seriously needs help".

If she doesn't have any problems, and it's only for
socializing, then take her to a park.

I pay $120 for  a month of classes at the TOP trainer in my area and it's fantastic. Just about the same as PetSmart, but WAY better. So it IS possible to find something better.

I'm sorry you misunderstood, I did not say my dog seriously needs help. 
I want to take her to the park but its been constantly hard winds and pouring rain and very cold temperatures since I got her and this weather will continue for at least probably the next month so we can't hang out outside at all right now.  Its hard enough on her just going outside to potty.  Maybe we will just hang out at petsmart, and meet other shopping dogs.