Anyone have experience with PetSmart puppy class? - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

maci_mace · 12-14-2011, 08:01 PM

There are local pet stores that will sell small amounts of fish, reptiles, small animals. We have a pet store locall that get some in everyone in awhile if I had to choose to buy any animal from a petstore I'd do so thru them.

There are also TONS of small animals, fish, reptiles on kijiji, craigslist, eBay classifieds, news paper etc. Unless you are looking for a very very specific fish, snake, frog, lizard etc then why not exhaust those options too. Place want ads and be patient for awhile.

Even in your own signature you say don't support puppymills... But why support ANY animal mill? Just saying I'd do my best to find other sources. And shoot if it meant not buying a specific animal because i couldn't find it then that'd be fine by me.

jeane · 12-14-2011, 08:01 PM

I have been taking morgan to puppy classes at pet smart and i love them

Lovetodream88 · 12-14-2011, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maci_mace

There are local pet stores that will sell small amounts of fish, reptiles, small animals. We have a pet store locall that get some in everyone in awhile if I had to choose to buy any animal from a petstore I'd do so thru them.

There are also TONS of small animals, fish, reptiles on kijiji, craigslist, eBay classifieds, news paper etc. Unless you are looking for a very very specific fish, snake, frog, lizard etc then why not exhaust those options too. Place want ads and be patient for awhile.

Even in your own signature you say don't support puppymills... But why support ANY animal mill? Just saying I'd do my best to find other sources. And shoot if it meant not buying a specific animal because i couldn't find it then that'd be fine by me.

Some of the places you listed have animals that come from mills. Also not every one has local pet stores.

jencar98 · 12-15-2011, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I've read your argument before and I was wondering where can I buy these things then? When I wanted fish for my pond, I bought some from PetSmart and Petco, where do you suggest that people go if they don't buy from a pet store? Buying over the internet is the worst place, as it has no regulations in place for inspections for those breeders who sell directly to the public.

Anyway, I was very satisfied with the trick training class we took at Petsmart, but I would interview the trainer before you sign up, some really no so little about training. Also, it might be good to see if they had a small dog class, some big puppies are so clumsy yet friendly, they are dangerous.

I would think the answer would be, just as with dogs, cats, horses, etc. you buy from reputable fish show breeders, remember you buy the breeder first.

Nancy1999 · 12-15-2011, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jencar98

I would think the answer would be, just as with dogs, cats, horses, etc. you buy from reputable fish show breeders, remember you buy the breeder first.

Do you have a list of reputable fish breeders?

salazark · 12-15-2011, 08:40 AM

Maybe you can go to GFCA (Gold Fish Club of America) for a breeder referral.

salazark · 12-15-2011, 08:46 AM

Seriously though, back to the OP's question - If you had an option of a training facility with good, positive trainers (not that Petsmart's aren't), I would rather go that route. The setting at Petsmart isn't ideal for training. At least at ours the training "room" is a roped off section of the store. However, if Petsmart is the only feasible option to train your pup, I surely think that it would be better than not training at all. The socialization that they get is invaluable and they are bound to get at least some basics from the class. Also, I believe that it's universal at Petsmart that you will find positive, clicker training. I'd rather have positive training there than traditional (jerk and correction) training somewhere else.

Nancy1999 · 12-15-2011, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salazark

Maybe you can go to GFCA (Gold Fish Club of America) for a breeder referral.

LOL! Hmm, maybe I should become a breeder?

jencar98 · 12-15-2011, 09:16 AM

OP....I'm sorry to be off topic for another post. Also wanted to reassure you the Petsmart classes for basic puppy training with a good trainer are very beneficial.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Do you have a list of reputable fish breeders?

Not a "list" of names, but I used to buy my angel fish from a fish show breeder. She has since retired and I no longer have angel fish. Our Koi were gifts from one of my dh's aunts and she is a Koi society member.

Quote:

Originally Posted by salazark

Maybe you can go to GFCA (Gold Fish Club of America) for a breeder referral.

lol...I just knew it....just as with forums, there is a club for everything!

Aquaworld Aquarium - Local Fish Clubs

maci_mace · 12-15-2011, 01:29 PM

Okay what places did I list that are mills? If you're talking about kijiji, ebay classifieds, craigslist, hoobly, etc... those websites have TONS of people who are rehoming fish/small animals/reptiles/amphibians/birds. Sure some people might be selling fish/small animals they bred, so don't buy from them. Look for the rehomes.

I'm not even sure why the debate started just because I gave my recommendation to use a training class via the local shelter/spca IF SHE COULD/had access to it. That is really the point... support the shelters and rescues before a big corp. store. I'm done arguing about it. I stand by what I believe... if I don't support puppy mills then I WILL NOT SUPPORT ANY ANIMAL MILL! All animals should be treated with love and care and from come from someone who knows what they are doing when breeding. When you buy a fish from petsmart... 10 more may take it's place. It's not like they only get the fish from ONE good breeder who has fish once a year... they have an unlimited supply coming in from brokers/mills.

WyominGirl · 12-15-2011, 02:43 PM

Thanks for your replies, (and the entertainment) I have always done my own training with my Aussies (4-H, reading, videos, etc), and from reading more and more about training toy breeds I think a class setting would benefit Toby and myself. There is only one trainer in the area, and although I did do an agility clinic wiith her she didn't seem really little dog friendly.

Jamie

Lovetodream88 · 12-15-2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maci_mace

Okay what places did I list that are mills? If you're talking about kijiji, ebay classifieds, craigslist, hoobly, etc... those websites have TONS of people who are rehoming fish/small animals/reptiles/amphibians/birds. Sure some people might be selling fish/small animals they bred, so don't buy from them. Look for the rehomes.

I'm not even sure why the debate started just because I gave my recommendation to use a training class via the local shelter/spca IF SHE COULD/had access to it. That is really the point... support the shelters and rescues before a big corp. store. I'm done arguing about it. I stand by what I believe... if I don't support puppy mills then I WILL NOT SUPPORT ANY ANIMAL MILL! All animals should be treated with love and care and from come from someone who knows what they are doing when breeding. When you buy a fish from petsmart... 10 more may take it's place. It's not like they only get the fish from ONE good breeder who has fish once a year... they have an unlimited supply coming in from brokers/mills.

I meant that those places you listed have people who are backyard breeders and puppy mills listing animals on there all the time. Also if I went to the local pet store like you suggest in an earlier post to get my stuff I would be supporting puppy mills because he sells puppies so I would much rather go to Petco or Petsmart that don't sell puppies then the local guy who does........... not all local places are great.......

salazark · 12-15-2011, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyominGirl

Thanks for your replies, (and the entertainment) I have always done my own training with my Aussies (4-H, reading, videos, etc), and from reading more and more about training toy breeds I think a class setting would benefit Toby and myself. There is only one trainer in the area, and although I did do an agility clinic wiith her she didn't seem really little dog friendly.

Jamie

I teach at a local training facility here. I agree with you that toy breeds really benefit from a class setting. Unlike some others, I think it is important to acclimate them to the larger dogs in class also. You sound like you have enough common sense to know good training and make the most out of a class. I think for a young or small dog the socialization is the most important thing.

I've met some amazing Aussies in classes!

princepaulie · 12-21-2011, 08:18 AM

During college, I worked at petsmart as a dog trainer... I may be able to answer some of your questions? Feel free to email me

)

princepaulie · 12-21-2011, 08:23 AM

and petsmart supports local animal (non kill shelters) and adoption programs. The cats and dogs you see in there on are ALL rescues. When you purchase one of them, that money goes towards rescuing and neuter/spaying more animals. So supporting Petsmart, is still supporting charities. I don't think going to local spca's or petsmart is a bad thing. Whichever is more convienent! Also petsmart takes donations. I try to buy pet supplies for kitties and puppies whenever I go in there.. they will pass them on to the rescue organizations. They also give you the option to support your local spca with a donation when your checking out. So petsmart is a good place to go. I wish they wouldn't sell birds though... I think they should implement a bird rescue situation like they have with there dogs and cats.

12-14-2011, 08:01 PM	#16
maci_mace YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 797	There are local pet stores that will sell small amounts of fish, reptiles, small animals. We have a pet store locall that get some in everyone in awhile if I had to choose to buy any animal from a petstore I'd do so thru them. There are also TONS of small animals, fish, reptiles on kijiji, craigslist, eBay classifieds, news paper etc. Unless you are looking for a very very specific fish, snake, frog, lizard etc then why not exhaust those options too. Place want ads and be patient for awhile. Even in your own signature you say don't support puppymills... But why support ANY animal mill? Just saying I'd do my best to find other sources. And shoot if it meant not buying a specific animal because i couldn't find it then that'd be fine by me. __________________ Maci May, Leonidas, Tyler&Ashley our small happy family!

12-15-2011, 08:40 AM	#21
salazark Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 941	Maybe you can go to GFCA (Gold Fish Club of America) for a breeder referral. __________________ *Karen and the Kids* Sadie and Beemer

12-15-2011, 08:46 AM	#22
salazark Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 941	Seriously though, back to the OP's question - If you had an option of a training facility with good, positive trainers (not that Petsmart's aren't), I would rather go that route. The setting at Petsmart isn't ideal for training. At least at ours the training "room" is a roped off section of the store. However, if Petsmart is the only feasible option to train your pup, I surely think that it would be better than not training at all. The socialization that they get is invaluable and they are bound to get at least some basics from the class. Also, I believe that it's universal at Petsmart that you will find positive, clicker training. I'd rather have positive training there than traditional (jerk and correction) training somewhere else. __________________ *Karen and the Kids* Sadie and Beemer

12-15-2011, 01:29 PM	#25
maci_mace YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 797	Okay what places did I list that are mills? If you're talking about kijiji, ebay classifieds, craigslist, hoobly, etc... those websites have TONS of people who are rehoming fish/small animals/reptiles/amphibians/birds. Sure some people might be selling fish/small animals they bred, so don't buy from them. Look for the rehomes. I'm not even sure why the debate started just because I gave my recommendation to use a training class via the local shelter/spca IF SHE COULD/had access to it. That is really the point... support the shelters and rescues before a big corp. store. I'm done arguing about it. I stand by what I believe... if I don't support puppy mills then I WILL NOT SUPPORT ANY ANIMAL MILL! All animals should be treated with love and care and from come from someone who knows what they are doing when breeding. When you buy a fish from petsmart... 10 more may take it's place. It's not like they only get the fish from ONE good breeder who has fish once a year... they have an unlimited supply coming in from brokers/mills. __________________ Maci May, Leonidas, Tyler&Ashley our small happy family!

12-14-2011, 08:01 PM	#17
jeane Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: montana Posts: 2,945	I have been taking morgan to puppy classes at pet smart and i love them

12-15-2011, 02:43 PM	#26
WyominGirl Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Wyoming Posts: 36	Thanks for your replies, (and the entertainment) I have always done my own training with my Aussies (4-H, reading, videos, etc), and from reading more and more about training toy breeds I think a class setting would benefit Toby and myself. There is only one trainer in the area, and although I did do an agility clinic wiith her she didn't seem really little dog friendly. Jamie

12-21-2011, 08:18 AM	#29
princepaulie Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Chesapeake, va Posts: 18	During college, I worked at petsmart as a dog trainer... I may be able to answer some of your questions? Feel free to email me )

12-21-2011, 08:23 AM	#30
princepaulie Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Chesapeake, va Posts: 18	and petsmart supports local animal (non kill shelters) and adoption programs. The cats and dogs you see in there on are ALL rescues. When you purchase one of them, that money goes towards rescuing and neuter/spaying more animals. So supporting Petsmart, is still supporting charities. I don't think going to local spca's or petsmart is a bad thing. Whichever is more convienent! Also petsmart takes donations. I try to buy pet supplies for kitties and puppies whenever I go in there.. they will pass them on to the rescue organizations. They also give you the option to support your local spca with a donation when your checking out. So petsmart is a good place to go. I wish they wouldn't sell birds though... I think they should implement a bird rescue situation like they have with there dogs and cats.