Petco Trainer, URGH! (BlackLabbie)

BEVOLASVEGAS

I had an "interesting" conversation with a Petsmart "trainer" about Cher today. 

Yep, I know, I train dogs, too, thanks.

Next time I was in, I got the usual slew of compliments from the other employees, particularly another trainer whose classes I've casually watched on other occasions and he did a pretty good job.  Same pissant dude as last time came up and told me I needed to give Gracie an oatmeal bath.  No, buddy, I need to increase her fish oil because she's hypothyroid and this suddenly summer weather has dried her out.

I realize they need to recruit customers to the training classes, but I definitely prefer subtle.  Even better, I prefer that the trainers be running a great class, enough times throughout the week that people walk by, notice it, see good results, and want to join....

Someone commented above about the expense.  At Petco they charge $100 for a 6 week session - that's like $17 a class.  I don't find that expensive for quality training.  For not-so-quality, I wouldn't pay a darned thing.  You can get some good trainers out of those places, but they're few and far between. 

Stephanie, next time ask for the manager and have a private conversation about teaching them new sales techniques.... because that's what the poor girl was trying to do, sell you classes, but her skills are obviously lacking.

I'm pretty glad we don't have a petco around here most of the time. But even the small pet shop owners don't know everything. The one I go to, is getting better about nutrition and has gotten a few decent foods in at least. But she nearly had a heart attack when I told her I use a prong on Crusher if we're going anywhere with too many distractions. Oh, they don't sell those, there. They won't even allow anyone in the store if the dog is wearing one. When I asked her about the big rack of choke chains, she said, well those don't harm dogs like the prongs do.

huskymom

When I asked her about the big rack of choke chains, she said, well those don't harm dogs like the prongs do.

 Give her this, next time you're in the store: http://www.fortunatek9.com/Articles/Prong_Collar_Julia_V_McDonough.pdf

One of my fav boutique-type shops back in WA was really, really good about education articles.  I think sometimes people just need to read it on their own, in their own space/time, to digest fact from fiction on plenty of topics - not the least of which is dog food, and then training.

Wow! That's just crazy.

As a dog "trainer" you'd think she'd be more in tune.... Wow... that just is crazy.

 First off, a dog trainer was ENCOURAGING a dog to jump on them? And still insisted on it after you told her not to! Yesssh. I wish I could have been there to hear the tell off lol.

And yeah, poor Apollo being forced to retrieve...in the water, a place where most retrievers I know would happily spend their entire existence!

BEVOLASVEGAS

 I had an "interesting" conversation with a Petsmart "trainer" about Cher today. 

Seriously, how can you say that, and then not tell us what happend?

Spazzy

BEVOLASVEGAS

 I had an "interesting" conversation with a Petsmart "trainer" about Cher today. 

Seriously, how can you say that, and then not tell us what happend?

 Oh come on Paige! We can use our imagination! Lol

miranadobe

Spazzy

BEVOLASVEGAS

 I had an "interesting" conversation with a Petsmart "trainer" about Cher today. 

Seriously, how can you say that, and then not tell us what happend?

  Because it probably won't make much sense once the Forum Word Censor kicks in...

huskymom

Ugh, you won't let him jump on people? How awful! Think of all the people he now has to be around, simply because he's tolerable! Geez. For his own sanity, make him obnoxious already! I mean, who wants to be allowed around children, or elderly or *gasp* people in nice clothing?!

jennie_c_d

 Apollo is clearly being abused. I think you should send him to me, right away...

He's got to get through NJ first.  LOL   

miranadobe

Spazzy

BEVOLASVEGAS

 I had an "interesting" conversation with a Petsmart "trainer" about Cher today. 

Seriously, how can you say that, and then not tell us what happend?

  Because it probably won't make much sense once the Forum Word Censor kicks in...

Thank you Paige.  I know have lemonade on my computer...

Chelsea, it was just stupidity on the "trainer"'s part.  All of our guys have a "sprawl" command where they lay out, broadside, on the floor.  I had Cher sprawled out on the floor in PetSmart yesterday while I was picking through cans of cat food to find the flavor that the cat will actually eat.  The trainer, whose name badge said "PetSmart...Daniel...Dog Trainer-in training" walked up & immediately told me that my dog wasn't "doing down right."  I ignored his first comment, & told him to go away.  Then he decided that it was a good idea to point out the "wrong down" again.  I asked him if "Dog Trainer-in training" meant that he hadn't read the entire manual yet?  After that, he decided to tell me that I was "completely confusing your dog by not teaching it properly".  (Cher was still sprawled at this time.)  I told him that she wasn't in a down, she was in a sprawl, which was exactly what I had asked for.  Apparently he didn't comprehend, because he, then, tried to explain what a proper down looked like.  At that point, I was getting pissed, so I called Cher up from her sprawl & into a down, which she knows how to do.  He looked at her, & then told me that the down wasn't right because she wasn't totally down on her hip.  Ummmm no, she's in a proper down.  

At any rate, he wanted to argue, & I wanted to insult him, so we went at it until he decided to try to win the arguement by yelling over me.  The manager & one of his assistant managers ended up coming over to see what the problem was.  They ended up having to remove the trainer in training because he was too stupid to shut up & leave.  It attracted a small crowd, left the trainer looking like a jerk, & left the managers scrambling to do damage control. 

Wow!

Hope you got something free outta that (insert not nice word here).

 Stephanie I've called your local AC and Apollo will be freed from your cruel hands shortly - I gave him several iDog members addresses - including mine - so they know where to take him.

Oye - I've never had any of the experiences here but I did get a coupon for a free class and it was hysterical because the poor trainer couldn't even really get B's attention never mind teach him something.  I remember thinking nice girl but she'll likely quit after this.