Petsmart training...anyone have bad experience and get money back? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

NikkiSpice2 · 11-03-2009, 06:33 PM

I am taking Stella to puppy training classes at Petsmart. We have been to 2 classes so far and I feel like the trainer is not very good. It seems to me that she favors the big dogs and ignores my puppy Stella. Stella is awful in class...never listens, easily distracted. I do not feel like she is in danger even though she is the only small dog in the class but that is b/c of the responsible pet owners...the trainer doesn't seem to care about safety as she is too busy talking to the other owners about traveing and such. She came over to me and my dog during 'leave it' and said that stella was 'not getting it, just not getting it' and instead of helping, she walked away. This was said right after praising the dog next to us and saying how smart he is. It made me feel bad and wonder why she wasnt helping us if we were not doing well. I almost cried after class I was so upset! I am going to call them and complain and see if I can get my money back. I want to go somewhere that we will get help. I would take another class with a different trainer but I think she is the only one at that store. Anyone have a bad experience with them and get their money back? Am I just overreacting? I really feel as if the trainer does not like me or my dog. LOL

orlnurse · 11-03-2009, 07:27 PM

I would get my money back... or request to go to another class with a different trainer. They also have one on one training there. Its a little more expensive but it might be worth it.

BanditSocks2 · 11-03-2009, 07:46 PM

I went through the puppy classes twice....once with Bandit and once this summer with Nala. Bandit's trainer was great. She was receptive to all the owners concerns, safety was always her #1 issue, and she helped with everyones "trouble spots". THe one we took this summer with Nala.... not so great. He was a nice older gentleman but it stopped there. He seemed to have a basic (VERY BASIC) knowledge of dog training but that's it, and was doing things more for "show" than anything else. Instead of practicing what we learned we'd spend the last 10 minutes of class doing a "report card" and seeing if each person passed that skill which was a waste of time. Somehow we passed the class (no thanks to his guidance) but we needed a lot of extra practice and are still practicing to get the basics. I wish I had asked for my money back, the only positive was a lot of good socialization. I believe on the contract it says if you are unsatisfied you can get your money back for any unused classes.

NikkiSpice2 · 11-03-2009, 07:58 PM

thanks, I am going to call tomorrow and try to get my money back or a new trainer. The first class we were signed up for (the same trainer) she never showed up. I was told she was going through a "difficult time with a divorce". When she found out me and one other girl sat there waiting for a class she never arrived for she never even apologized. I should have asked for my money back then but I gave them the benefit of the doubt and transferred into this new class (same trainer). I am very disappointed but I guess it depends on trainer and how much experience they had. My puppy Stella is not good in class but I feel ignored and like they do not want to help. Thanks again

raina · 11-04-2009, 02:16 AM

What class were ya'll in. I have signed up for the puppy class even though my baby is 6months. It starts in about a week and half and if there are not so good I am not going. I need to learn to much to throw away 100.00 dollars I will do the one on one.
thanks so much for this posts I sure am glad I saw it I don't get to get on as much as I want to busy with the baby and I have been so sick. I just got of the hospital.
I go though old post learning some but still need to learn so much.
thanks again raina

NikkiSpice2 · 11-04-2009, 03:05 AM

Me and stella are in the puppy class. I heard really good things about petsmart training from my friends. I just think the one in my neighborhood may not be the best and that it depends on the trainer. I would give it a try. I will let you know if I am able to get refunded any of my money.

katy-yorkie · 11-04-2009, 05:07 AM

PetsMart asked one of my co-workers not to bring her Yorkie back after the third class. The trainer said she was easily distracted, etc (basically the same things the trainer said to you). That is wrong. I had a private trainer for Buster, one that came to my house. It was a lot more expensive but he did very well. Now if I could ony find the money to get the same trainers back for Maggie. I would ask PetsMart for my money back. I don't think any of the trainers like the small dogs.

NikkiSpice2 · 11-04-2009, 02:14 PM

wow, i can not believe they asked your friend and her yorkie not to return. The reason you are in the class is to better your dog's behavior. That is like saying they give up and are not good enough trainers to help. I agree that they do not seem to like small dogs.
I called today to see about getting my money back but they suggested I try another trainer that is starting up classes there. I said ok and have to call the new trainer tomorrow to schedule. I also complained about the trainer I have now and he basically said she has been getting other complaints and will not be there much longer. I am glad I was not the only one having a problem with her. I did not ask for my money back since I will be trying the new trainer but if that does not work out I will not hesitate to complain again. You pay a lot of money for these clases for it not to help.

capt_noonie · 11-04-2009, 05:56 PM

I never took Uni to any training classes, and i am proud to say me and bf trained her ourselves. I thought $100 was way too much to pay for a group class where big dogs and small dogs are together. Anyway, I've found lots of helpful tips for FREE, on YOU-TUBE!

It really does make a difference in which trainer you get. Just like if you get your hair cut at the salon in the mall. It's more expensive than getting it cut at fantastic sams, but does that mean you are getting a better stylist? Sometimes not. The trainers at petsmart are not "career" trainers, it's just a job for them, most likely worked their way up from cashier. I had a friend who was a petsmart groomer, and I myself was offered a job there when I was in college. It's not their calling, so keep that in mind (I mean that for the trainers AND the groomers). I passed on the job, b/c that was NOT my calling. If I had to work through school, at least it should be something in my field, that's what i thought anyway. But NOW, I love dogs, and maybe I should train them now.

If you decide to try another trainer, maybe a different petsmart altogether? in the next city or something?

veggienut · 11-05-2009, 07:23 PM

I don't know where your at if there are any other pet stores, but I would suggest for you to try another one. Where I am at, we have a chain of locally owned pet feed supply shop called, "Feeder's Supply". Here is where I got my Yorkie trained when he was a puppy. They have puppy classes separate from the adult classes and other classes. We both had an excellent experience there. We also have a "Petsmart" here, but when I have been there the dog are training inside the store where people are shopping despite their designated area of training. At "Feeder's" it is in the back of the storage room and only once we came back into the store to train. But that was on the last day when we did a bit of agility, but it was in the back of the store where we were out of the way of the shoppers. Good Luck.

zaknnana · 11-05-2009, 10:30 PM

I have taken Lily to Petsmart Training now for 3 classes. The trainer "likes bigger dogs" and doesn't hide it. He did give us the name of a book and I think it has alot of good things in it. "HOW TO BEHAVE SO YOUR DOG BEHAVES" Sophia Yin, D.V.M.
I wish I didn't spend the money on the training classes myself too!! Lily is alot better with the other dogs there now but the trainer does nothing to help us with her at all. He ignores her and has said that "he doesn't care for little dogs"!! She is not a puppy (she is 1-1/2 yrs old) but they put her in the "puppy class" because of her size?? Live and learn I guess!!

Britster · 11-06-2009, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I never took Uni to any training classes, and i am proud to say me and bf trained her ourselves. I thought $100 was way too much to pay for a group class where big dogs and small dogs are together. Anyway, I've found lots of helpful tips for FREE, on YOU-TUBE!

It really does make a difference in which trainer you get. Just like if you get your hair cut at the salon in the mall. It's more expensive than getting it cut at fantastic sams, but does that mean you are getting a better stylist? Sometimes not. The trainers at petsmart are not "career" trainers, it's just a job for them, most likely worked their way up from cashier. I had a friend who was a petsmart groomer, and I myself was offered a job there when I was in college. It's not their calling, so keep that in mind (I mean that for the trainers AND the groomers). I passed on the job, b/c that was NOT my calling. If I had to work through school, at least it should be something in my field, that's what i thought anyway. But NOW, I love dogs, and maybe I should train them now.

If you decide to try another trainer, maybe a different petsmart altogether? in the next city or something?

Same!!! I was gonna take him to class but was like hey, maybe I can do this myself? Once he learned "bang bang" as a 4 1/2 month old from me, I thought hmm maybe this isn't as hard as it seems! It does make me feel good to say I did it myself.

When people see his tricks they're always like "who taught him that?" LOL. Not denying that I'd maybe like to take him to an intermediate or advanced type of training class, just to work on "come" and "heel" in situations where there's distractions. Just not Petsmart!

katy-yorkie · 11-06-2009, 05:19 AM

[QUOTE=Britster;2869928]Same!!! I was gonna take him to class but was like hey, maybe I can do this myself? Once he learned "bang bang" as a 4 1/2 month old from me, I thought hmm maybe this isn't as hard as it seems! It does make me feel good to say I did it myself.

LOL!!! I wish I could teach Buster or Maggie, bang, bang! You should feel good that you taught him that yourself!!! That has to be the cutest trick. I learned a lot from the trainer I had for Buster but I'm sure there are some things they could help me with for Maggie. She is so mean to Buster sometimes and I'm not sure what to do. Are they like kids, you let them work it themselves??? I don't think Buster understands me when I tell him to man up. Although lately I have seen him get her back a few times.

Adi-and-Missy · 11-06-2009, 11:06 AM

Hhhhmm... I was thinking of taking Missy to Petsmart classes too. They want to put her in the puppy classes because of her size as well.

Guess I'll keep looking.

NikkiSpice2 · 11-06-2009, 02:51 PM

well, the new trainer did not call me back like she was supposed to so it looks like i am going to have to call again and this time i am going to try to get my money back. this is my first dog and she is easily distracted so maybe i will try to get in a private trainer to come to my apt. it is strange the trainers do not like small dogs. same with my dog, the trainer completely ignored us and didnt help us at all or even acknowledge us in some cases. It was baffling. She was all over the big dogs actually giving tips and suggestion on leashes. it was weird. haha. i really think training classes can be hit or miss...depending on the store, trainer, and class type. oh well, i tried. i just hate that i paid all that money for nothing. I will keep trying to train stella at home but shes a slow learner

11-03-2009, 07:27 PM	#2
orlnurse ♥Max & Lily♥ Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Orlando, FL, US Posts: 2,186	I would get my money back... or request to go to another class with a different trainer. They also have one on one training there. Its a little more expensive but it might be worth it. __________________ My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet. ~Edith Wharton Lesley, Maximilian & Lily Rae

11-04-2009, 02:16 AM	#5
raina Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: pensacola fl Posts: 25	pet smart class What class were ya'll in. I have signed up for the puppy class even though my baby is 6months. It starts in about a week and half and if there are not so good I am not going. I need to learn to much to throw away 100.00 dollars I will do the one on one. thanks so much for this posts I sure am glad I saw it I don't get to get on as much as I want to busy with the baby and I have been so sick. I just got of the hospital. I go though old post learning some but still need to learn so much. thanks again raina

11-04-2009, 05:07 AM	#7
katy-yorkie Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Katy, Texas USA Posts: 1,458	PetsMart asked one of my co-workers not to bring her Yorkie back after the third class. The trainer said she was easily distracted, etc (basically the same things the trainer said to you). That is wrong. I had a private trainer for Buster, one that came to my house. It was a lot more expensive but he did very well. Now if I could ony find the money to get the same trainers back for Maggie. I would ask PetsMart for my money back. I don't think any of the trainers like the small dogs. __________________ Jeanie, mom to Buster and Maggie

11-04-2009, 05:56 PM	#9
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	I never took Uni to any training classes, and i am proud to say me and bf trained her ourselves. I thought $100 was way too much to pay for a group class where big dogs and small dogs are together. Anyway, I've found lots of helpful tips for FREE, on YOU-TUBE! It really does make a difference in which trainer you get. Just like if you get your hair cut at the salon in the mall. It's more expensive than getting it cut at fantastic sams, but does that mean you are getting a better stylist? Sometimes not. The trainers at petsmart are not "career" trainers, it's just a job for them, most likely worked their way up from cashier. I had a friend who was a petsmart groomer, and I myself was offered a job there when I was in college. It's not their calling, so keep that in mind (I mean that for the trainers AND the groomers). I passed on the job, b/c that was NOT my calling. If I had to work through school, at least it should be something in my field, that's what i thought anyway. But NOW, I love dogs, and maybe I should train them now. If you decide to try another trainer, maybe a different petsmart altogether? in the next city or something? __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

11-05-2009, 07:23 PM	#10
veggienut YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 805	Try Another Pet Store For Training I don't know where your at if there are any other pet stores, but I would suggest for you to try another one. Where I am at, we have a chain of locally owned pet feed supply shop called, "Feeder's Supply". Here is where I got my Yorkie trained when he was a puppy. They have puppy classes separate from the adult classes and other classes. We both had an excellent experience there. We also have a "Petsmart" here, but when I have been there the dog are training inside the store where people are shopping despite their designated area of training. At "Feeder's" it is in the back of the storage room and only once we came back into the store to train. But that was on the last day when we did a bit of agility, but it was in the back of the store where we were out of the way of the shoppers. Good Luck.

11-03-2009, 06:33 PM	#1
NikkiSpice2 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lafayette Hill, PA Posts: 70	Petsmart training...anyone have bad experience and get money back? I am taking Stella to puppy training classes at Petsmart. We have been to 2 classes so far and I feel like the trainer is not very good. It seems to me that she favors the big dogs and ignores my puppy Stella. Stella is awful in class...never listens, easily distracted. I do not feel like she is in danger even though she is the only small dog in the class but that is b/c of the responsible pet owners...the trainer doesn't seem to care about safety as she is too busy talking to the other owners about traveing and such. She came over to me and my dog during 'leave it' and said that stella was 'not getting it, just not getting it' and instead of helping, she walked away. This was said right after praising the dog next to us and saying how smart he is. It made me feel bad and wonder why she wasnt helping us if we were not doing well. I almost cried after class I was so upset! I am going to call them and complain and see if I can get my money back. I want to go somewhere that we will get help. I would take another class with a different trainer but I think she is the only one at that store. Anyone have a bad experience with them and get their money back? Am I just overreacting? I really feel as if the trainer does not like me or my dog. LOL

11-03-2009, 07:46 PM	#3
BanditSocks2 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Crofton, MD, USA Posts: 1,522	I went through the puppy classes twice....once with Bandit and once this summer with Nala. Bandit's trainer was great. She was receptive to all the owners concerns, safety was always her #1 issue, and she helped with everyones "trouble spots". THe one we took this summer with Nala.... not so great. He was a nice older gentleman but it stopped there. He seemed to have a basic (VERY BASIC) knowledge of dog training but that's it, and was doing things more for "show" than anything else. Instead of practicing what we learned we'd spend the last 10 minutes of class doing a "report card" and seeing if each person passed that skill which was a waste of time. Somehow we passed the class (no thanks to his guidance) but we needed a lot of extra practice and are still practicing to get the basics. I wish I had asked for my money back, the only positive was a lot of good socialization. I believe on the contract it says if you are unsatisfied you can get your money back for any unused classes.

11-03-2009, 07:58 PM	#4
NikkiSpice2 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lafayette Hill, PA Posts: 70	thanks, I am going to call tomorrow and try to get my money back or a new trainer. The first class we were signed up for (the same trainer) she never showed up. I was told she was going through a "difficult time with a divorce". When she found out me and one other girl sat there waiting for a class she never arrived for she never even apologized. I should have asked for my money back then but I gave them the benefit of the doubt and transferred into this new class (same trainer). I am very disappointed but I guess it depends on trainer and how much experience they had. My puppy Stella is not good in class but I feel ignored and like they do not want to help. Thanks again

11-04-2009, 03:05 AM	#6
NikkiSpice2 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lafayette Hill, PA Posts: 70	Me and stella are in the puppy class. I heard really good things about petsmart training from my friends. I just think the one in my neighborhood may not be the best and that it depends on the trainer. I would give it a try. I will let you know if I am able to get refunded any of my money.

11-04-2009, 02:14 PM	#8
NikkiSpice2 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lafayette Hill, PA Posts: 70	wow, i can not believe they asked your friend and her yorkie not to return. The reason you are in the class is to better your dog's behavior. That is like saying they give up and are not good enough trainers to help. I agree that they do not seem to like small dogs. I called today to see about getting my money back but they suggested I try another trainer that is starting up classes there. I said ok and have to call the new trainer tomorrow to schedule. I also complained about the trainer I have now and he basically said she has been getting other complaints and will not be there much longer. I am glad I was not the only one having a problem with her. I did not ask for my money back since I will be trying the new trainer but if that does not work out I will not hesitate to complain again. You pay a lot of money for these clases for it not to help.

11-05-2009, 10:30 PM	#11
zaknnana YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: WV Posts: 309	Trainer likes big dogs!! I have taken Lily to Petsmart Training now for 3 classes. The trainer "likes bigger dogs" and doesn't hide it. He did give us the name of a book and I think it has alot of good things in it. "HOW TO BEHAVE SO YOUR DOG BEHAVES" Sophia Yin, D.V.M. I wish I didn't spend the money on the training classes myself too!! Lily is alot better with the other dogs there now but the trainer does nothing to help us with her at all. He ignores her and has said that "he doesn't care for little dogs"!! She is not a puppy (she is 1-1/2 yrs old) but they put her in the "puppy class" because of her size?? Live and learn I guess!!

11-06-2009, 05:19 AM	#13
katy-yorkie Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Katy, Texas USA Posts: 1,458	[QUOTE=Britster;2869928]Same!!! I was gonna take him to class but was like hey, maybe I can do this myself? Once he learned "bang bang" as a 4 1/2 month old from me, I thought hmm maybe this isn't as hard as it seems! It does make me feel good to say I did it myself. LOL!!! I wish I could teach Buster or Maggie, bang, bang! You should feel good that you taught him that yourself!!! That has to be the cutest trick. I learned a lot from the trainer I had for Buster but I'm sure there are some things they could help me with for Maggie. She is so mean to Buster sometimes and I'm not sure what to do. Are they like kids, you let them work it themselves??? I don't think Buster understands me when I tell him to man up. Although lately I have seen him get her back a few times. __________________ Jeanie, mom to Buster and Maggie

11-06-2009, 11:06 AM	#14
Adi-and-Missy Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 495 Blog Entries: 2	Hhhhmm... I was thinking of taking Missy to Petsmart classes too. They want to put her in the puppy classes because of her size as well. Guess I'll keep looking.

11-06-2009, 02:51 PM	#15
NikkiSpice2 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lafayette Hill, PA Posts: 70	well, the new trainer did not call me back like she was supposed to so it looks like i am going to have to call again and this time i am going to try to get my money back. this is my first dog and she is easily distracted so maybe i will try to get in a private trainer to come to my apt. it is strange the trainers do not like small dogs. same with my dog, the trainer completely ignored us and didnt help us at all or even acknowledge us in some cases. It was baffling. She was all over the big dogs actually giving tips and suggestion on leashes. it was weird. haha. i really think training classes can be hit or miss...depending on the store, trainer, and class type. oh well, i tried. i just hate that i paid all that money for nothing. I will keep trying to train stella at home but shes a slow learner