OC or South bay Classes?

[TyrnaD]

We just brought home our new baby, he is almost 4 mos and we want to get him socialized and well-trained by starting him off in a puppy class as soon as we can find a good one. Does anyone have any recommendations? We live in Long Beach but are willing to drive to OC or any of the surrounding South Bay areas.

Any experience with the puppy class at Petsmart? We are nervous that it may not be a good environment because when we were there this weekend there were A LOT of people with medium and big-sized dogs who were very aggressive and our poor little Yorkie was shaking in his paws. He is very shy and doesn't like being out of our arms in public places yet, so we want to get him used to walking around and being leashed. Thanks!!

[LouisLove]

Hello, and welcome! We started Louis at the Petsmart puppy class, we didn't stay though. We just did not want to train with treats. I do think it would be a great idea to take your pup to any type of socialization activity (under professional supervision, of course) In the long run it can prove to aid in your pup's confidence and it will just be plain old fun to watch 'em romp around.

Hope that helps!

Any pictures???

[Mere_de_Jambo]

I tried the Pet Smart Classes simply because I wanted to get my little boy into socializing with other dogs as soon a possible and I couldn't find other ones that did not start until the new year. Quite honestly, I had already taught him all the tricks they teach so he passed with flying colors but I wanted him to get the experience with other dogs. He was enrolled in the puppy class so most of the dogs were small like him with the exception of two. I would ask the trainer that they suggest a class with smaller dogs. You get what you pay for and the class is very basic. The work is up to you to do at home. I think it is fine to start with these classes.

[jerdog]

are you free on friday nights? I just signed Ben up tonight he starts either this friday or next friday, it is the petsmart in buena park. I don't think it is too far from long beach. keep me posted and hope to see you there.

[Sukoshi's Mom]

I took Sukoshi through PetSmart's puppy class, and I loved it. It was more of a social hour for her (and me) since she wouldn't focus in class, but I love that she got so much socialization in with the other babies while there, and then we went home and practiced what we learned in class. She ended up passing the class with flying colors (other than rolling over...she HATES being on her back). I'm getting ready to start Tanuki in the PetSmart classes too! I'd definintely recommend them! If you have one of the newer PetSmarts with the PetsHotel and Doggie Day Care centers in them, I think those are the better locations though so you have a closed off room to do the training in vs. an ex-pen type set-up in the middle of the older stores. That's just my opinion though !