Petsmart Training

[catser2002]

I agree, it sounds like that particular trainer maybe was not the best. It really depends more on the trainer than the facility. Hope you fine one who suits you.

Archie and Willie have been through puppy, beginner (really mostly the same as puppy), intermediate classes and are now taking a "click-a-trick" class all at out local Petsmart with the same trainer. They just love her and it amazes me what she can get a dog to do.

[yasminv1]

Sorry you had a horrible experience. Out Biggie has gone through Petsmart's Puppy and Intermediate class. We have had a great experience. Our trainer Gayle is an oustanding trainer. She cares about all the dogs she trains. We are taking Biggie back for Advanced training next month and we can't wait. Is there another Petsmart in your are you can try?

[YorkieRiley]

Riley just started his obedience classes at Petsmart last night. The instructor is reallly good. She's had over 30yrs experience and is a certified vet. Not once did she use any kind of negative reinforcement. She worked with every single dog in the classroom on each technique, tailoring the technique to the breed.. ie. stubborn/dominate breads she would tell the owner to stand upright and be more authoritative. After the class, she spoke with the owner of a puppy that was next to us to tell her that the puppy was terrified of people and other dogs. She went over things to work on and possible causes of that behavior.

In my opinion, I think Petsmart is a very good route to go for training. You just happened experience a bad trainer and/or poor management. We have a really good Veterinary Clinic and even the vet told us to stay away from their obedience classes because they still use the choke collar and old school tactics and that Petsmart was a better place to go. Maybe you should report this trainer to the store manager or corporate?

[OpheliaLoved]

wow! I can't imagine either of our petsmart trainers yelling at the dogs or hurting them in any way! Paddington and I had two different trainers at our petsmart, and both of them are great! We still talk to both of them whenever we have issues, or even when we are just at the store. Paddington, and all the other dogs, love them both! We also used clickers in training, which is why I chose petsmart- I had already been clicker training when we enrolled in puppy classes. Sadly, they don't offer agility, which is what I want to do with Paddington, so we are no longer taking classes with them.

I am really glad we went there for the puppy classes though! I think the dog owners should all complain to the manager about the treatment of their dogs at the one you went to!
-O

[OpheliaLoved]

Originally Posted by YorkieRiley

Not once did she use any kind of negative reinforcement.

Sorry, the behavioral psychologist in me needs to point this out. Negative reinforcement only means withholding something desirable- lack of a reward- for a behavior. For example, the dog jumps on people, so when the dog jumps he does not get attention- that is negative reinforcement. Punishment is creating an undesirable consequence for the action. When the dog jumps, he gets squirted with a squirt bottle. Negative reinforcement is very important for training a dog nonviolently. Punishment, which is what it sounds like was being used at the Petsmart in quesion, is not only unnecessary, but ineffective in several situations.
-O

[YorkieRiley]

Originally Posted by OpheliaLoved

Sorry, the behavioral psychologist in me needs to point this out. Negative reinforcement only means withholding something desirable- lack of a reward- for a behavior. For example, the dog jumps on people, so when the dog jumps he does not get attention- that is negative reinforcement. Punishment is creating an undesirable consequence for the action. When the dog jumps, he gets squirted with a squirt bottle. Negative reinforcement is very important for training a dog nonviolently. Punishment, which is what it sounds like was being used at the Petsmart in quesion, is not only unnecessary, but ineffective in several situations.
-O

hahahahha, Thanks for correcting me! I knew when I wrote that, I was probably using the wrong term and someone might call me on it. What I really meant was "Punishment". I'm new to this, so I apologize!

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by njoydaride

I went to my Pet Smart to check out their training as well. I watched a whole class. The trainer was really nice and the dogs loved him, so I think it depends on the trainer.

I agree with that. I'm at our Petsmart at least once a week and I'm usually there when the trainer is there. He's very nice and everyone seems to really like him. In fact, as soon as I can afford it, I'm going to take Max there. I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience; I'd hate it if someone was mean to Max, especially when he's trying to do what they want .

[Sadie's Mom]

That's horrible. We're currently doing a training class at PetSmart and our trainer is WONDERFUL!!! We just love her & she's really great with the dogs. She's good with the big ones and small ones. Last night, I was having trouble getting Sadie to do some things because she didn't want to lay down on the floor (she's a little prissy when it comes to putting her belly on the cold floor for long) and the trainer went to the back and got us a towel for her to use. If you're interested, you might try a different PetSmart if there's another one in your area. I've seen good ones and bad ones.

[OpheliaLoved]

Originally Posted by YorkieRiley

hahahahha, Thanks for correcting me! I knew when I wrote that, I was probably using the wrong term and someone might call me on it. What I really meant was "Punishment". I'm new to this, so I apologize!

No apology necessary! I just think it is important to distinguish one from the other.
-O

[Magneticgal]

What a shame!! I am taking classes currently at PetSmart to keep Lexie "social". I LOVE our trainer. If you are considering classes, NO MATTER WHERE, make sure you take the time to interview the trainer. Ask them about the methods they use,ect. Always go with your gut instinct!!!
I interviewed so many trainers and just plain had a BAD feeling about them.
When I finally met my current trainer- WOW- its just felt right!! And he has not let me down!

[linm]

Originally Posted by Magneticgal

If you are considering classes, NO MATTER WHERE, make sure you take the time to interview the trainer. Ask them about the methods they use,ect.

I agree with this one big time! I enrolled in a Training class without doing the research and was horrified in the first class to find that they wanted me to use a Martingale collar, spray bitter apple at my dog, and do abrupt corrections. I abandoned the class (and my money ). I did some research and sat in on a class before registering for another one. We are very happy with our current Trainer.

[Magneticgal]

I am curious which PetSmart you went to.(You don't have to tell if you want to protect the not-so-innocent!!

[Samiebaby]

I'm calling Petsmart tomorrow to get some details on a puppy class for Max. I know I'll find out tomorrow, but how much are these classes on average? I guess that's my biggest concern right now.

[yasminv1]

The classes cost 109.00 per class here in Columbus, Ohio. I have nothing but great things to say about the Petsmart training. Our trainer Gayle is the reason we have had such a gerat experience. She is Amazing! Our Biggie is only 11 months old. He took his Canine Good Citizen test this past Sunday and he Passed!

[daniellealberta]

Our classes are $109 here, too. Spike took the beginner and intermediate, and I'm thinking of enrolling him in the advanced class in February. We loved it there - the trainers were great!