Petsmart training class refund?

[ddavis6326]

Hannah graduated the puppy class around two weeks ago. She was in class with a lab and a pitbull. The pitbull was around 40 pounds. The trainer did not let them get close to one another. We each had portions of the room to ourselves. There was one class that we let them meet each other. The trainer was close by and the dogs got along beautifully. We learned the proper way to introduce dogs to each other. I think that the class was a great opportunity for socialization plus Hannah learned a lot.

[Nancy1999]

We started in the puppy class, but it was too basic for us too, and they offered to give us our money back too, but we opted to enroll him in the trick training class. It was lots of fun, and even though Joey was the smallest dog in the class, he didn't seem to be in danger, because the other dogs weren't puppies, but well-mannered older dogs. Sometimes I think a large puppy can cause more problems than an older dog, just because puppies are so clumsy. I think training of any kind is really good for Yorkies, because their independent nature can be a real challenge at times, and training helps reinforce who's in charge. I mean sometimes, I actually feel like I'm in charge!

[goddess77]

Originally Posted by nanahas3

Ok I messed up first post somehow maybe will get this right sooner or later. I was at petsmart yesterday and looked in the window of their training room. I was very concerned because there were 2 and 3 lb dogs mixed with Shephards and Great Danes. It would only take one bite to hurt or kill one of these little ones. So no Petsmart for Laddy

I had the same concern. My baby was in a class with a pug and a labrador. While the pug was not a problem, the lab didn't pick up on the fact that she couldn't play so rough with my baby. The lab played too rough one time, which led to my yorkie not being able to run around free during free time anymore. Also, it led to my baby not liking the lab anymore.

All other big dogs she encountered were ok. She had no problem walking right up to them. The lab, on the other hand, she would growl at and be defensive to. She and the pug were friends to the end. She was also ok when the trainer's collie came to visit.

[BanditSocks2]

Bandit loved his puppy class at PetSmart! I'm starting them with my new puppy on Thursday. I was concerned with the size difference at first, but they are all on leash, and it seemed that the larger dogs played with each other on one side and the smaller on the other side. They learned to socialized with dogs of all sizes, but when they played it was with a dog of similiar size.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by BanditSocks2

Bandit loved his puppy class at PetSmart! I'm starting them with my new puppy on Thursday. I was concerned with the size difference at first, but they are all on leash, and it seemed that the larger dogs played with each other on one side and the smaller on the other side. They learned to socialized with dogs of all sizes, but when they played it was with a dog of similiar size.

Hope Bandit does well in his puppy class and graduates with honors!

[kdlmon]

I think it really depends on the instructor. But you should do what makes you feel comfortable.

I took my JRT to Petco puppy classes years ago and had a horrible experience. We were basically asked to leave because he wouldn't stop barking.

But I have taken Cooper to two rounds of puppy classes with a private company and was very happy. The instructor was great and made sure that all the dogs were safe. We had several labradoodles in the class and she made sure that all the dogs kept their distance until Cooper felt comfortable.

Good luck!

[Britster]

Oh wow this thread is old, I forgot I even started it... LOL.

I ended up canceling the classes and teaching Jackson myself.

He now knows sit, stay, down, come, shake, high-five, roll over, "Bang bang!", dance and fetch! lol. I'm glad I taught him on my own - I saved $100-some bucks and I feel like I got to bond with him better. It was a good experience. In the future, I think I'd like to take him to a Tricks Training class to teach him even more.

[RoxyLuv]

Originally Posted by SexyJessi257

wen i took Abby to those classes there was a big dog there too. Abby always ended up in the bottom of the doggy pile up. That was the main reason y i cancelled the classes and the fact that the teaching was bogus. I cud learn more from watchin dog shows on tv. I was not gonna risk my little four pounder gettin squished like a pancake

I've been to 2 puppy classes over the years. We were always told to keep our dogs in their own space on leash & not in direct contact each other. Self control is part of the learning. There should never be any dog at the bottom of the pile in a class. Both classes I attended had mixed sizes & went very well. You sign up for training not a play date, right? Yes, puppies need to learn to play with other dogs, but I don't think puppy classes are the place to do that when there are so many other things to learn.

I know you cancelled the class, but the fact that it turned out the way it did, you are better off. All trainers have different approaches, but when classes usually only last an hour or less, manners would be more important to learn than playing in my book.

[YorkieMother]

You want a class with mixed dog sizes. So dogs will learn that they come in all sizes shapes and forms. from small to large to prick eared and no tailes and on and on. Great soicalization.
IF the trainer knows his or her stuff no aggressive dog will be in class or will get pulled so an accident does not happen.
IF the trainer knows her stuff no dog will always be on the bottom or the class get split so that the ones needsing a gentler play are with themselves and the ones needing rough are on their own.
There is no reason that your puppy can not scooped up and sit in your arms and watch from a safe place.

JL

[LuvmyYorkies2]

Originally Posted by YorkieMother

You want a class with mixed dog sizes. So dogs will learn that they come in all sizes shapes and forms. from small to large to prick eared and no tailes and on and on. Great soicalization.
IF the trainer knows his or her stuff no aggressive dog will be in class or will get pulled so an accident does not happen.
IF the trainer knows her stuff no dog will always be on the bottom or the class get split so that the ones needsing a gentler play are with themselves and the ones needing rough are on their own.
There is no reason that your puppy can not scooped up and sit in your arms and watch from a safe place.

JL

Good Post. We took puppy training classes at PetSmart and had a great time & learned a lot. Diva's fav buddy was a Mastiff. There was also a Rott and other mid & small dogs there. I loved the trainer we had. She has big and small dogs. I feel it's a good idea to have a few conversations witht he trainer you'll have before to get a good feeling of how well they really are dealing with all types of dogs & of course, I would hope that if any dog showed agression, be it big or small, would not be able to attend the class. Most importantly, my eyes were on her(& the other dogs if needed) at all times.

Brittany - glad you got your money back...sounds like he's doing quite well!!

[hartygirl]

Originally Posted by Shelby&Seymour

I think it depends on the Petsmart and the quality of trainer that they use. We went for the puppy class and it was wonderful....... especially the socialization part. It is so very important for puppies. The fact that it was a puppy class..... and all the dogs were puppies, there wasn't any aggression problems and it was a great experience. We also got to practice the "basics" .....
I don't know if you could get your money back or not...... it may depend again, on the reason, store, and the trainer.
Hope things work out for you!

This is perfectly said! We had an amazing experience with our trainer and Brady is an amazing dog because of it! I can take what I learned home with me and teach my other dogs. So the class has paid for it's self already! It isn't expensive either, just over $100 and it is 8 weeks of training. Also, our trainer offered private lessons too!

If you feel like your dog would be unsafe just always be next to him/her and modify training procedures, they are very understanding, I was told it would be better to have Brady on a leash and collar, but I would not bugde and said he will be on a harness. He did just fine! Pick a trainer you feel comfortable with and it is ok for yorkies to be around big dogs, most big dogs are nice!

[yorkiepaws]

When Laya was a puppy we did two classes at petsmart. One trainer was awesome, and the other one was a joke. I was a nervous wreck having laya in with big dogs. She was the only small dog in the class. She was way smaller than the other dogs. But most of the training is done with leads on and I just refused the play part where they all get to play and mingle at the end of class. Even the trainer told me to just pick her up because she was just too small and she was afraid she would get sat on. We learned a lot from the one trainer and not much at all from the other.

[juliusskinner]

Originally Posted by Britster

Does anyone know if Petsmart gives refunds for classes? I signed up for a puppy class that hasn't begun yet but I'm doubting myself... does anyone know off hand if they will give a refund? I re-read the contract I signed and all it says is "I further agree that petsmart and its employees shall not be held liable for any costs or expenses incurred as a result of my pet's participation in the program." But it says nothing about refunds, or whatnot.

It's good to hear that Petsmart do provide training class to train a pet. I have been there two or twice in a year at Petsmart but I never heard about training classes at Petsmart. They might be providing classes to train a pet. I also seem like you are in a hurry to participate in a program with a pet. But I wonder they might not let you refund the money for the training classes. If you are a regular customer at Petsmart than they allow you to go for return or refund on purchasing an item or pet from Petsmart. In order to return items or pets, you need to be in 60 days Petsmart Return Policy.

[chasemom]

I took my yorkie as well as two other dogs to those classes and we really enjoyed them. He learned a lot and the danger command has helped on several occasions when someone opened the door and he darted out. As soon as he hear the danger word no matter what else is going on he will come straight to you. I highly recommend those classes!!

[lilgidget]

Originally Posted by yorkiepaws

When Laya was a puppy we did two classes at petsmart. One trainer was awesome, and the other one was a joke. I was a nervous wreck having laya in with big dogs. She was the only small dog in the class. She was way smaller than the other dogs. But most of the training is done with leads on and I just refused the play part where they all get to play and mingle at the end of class. Even the trainer told me to just pick her up because she was just too small and she was afraid she would get sat on. We learned a lot from the one trainer and not much at all from the other.

Same here. A couple of years ago, I had a dachshund puppy. Signed him up for a puppy training class. The trainer was great. Had JoJo doing the usual commands, loose leash walking, etc. When I signed Gidget up for a class, I was so excited. The first class was fine and so was the second. By the third lesson, she was taking the ones who had missed the first lessons and giving them a "makeup" lesson while she told the rest of us what to do and then spent the rest of the time doing "catch up" with the others. When she wasn't doing that, she was talking about her dog (which she had with her in the classes) and talking about her boyfriend and the house they were building. I complained to the store manager and he said I wasn't the first one to complain. She was transferred to another PetSmart. Hope she did a better job there.