PetSmart Training

I remember a few of you went. What was the class you all took called? They have a puppy and a beginner one? Im confused? And how did you find the schedule out?

AND....Wa sit in the end worth the money?

THANKS!

Re: PetSmart Training

KRWM, Tanaholic and myself all took the puppies to Petsmart. I did learn a few things but really not alot. I don't want to say that it was a waste of money but it wasn't what I thought it would be - I really think that Molly would be Super Puppy after that class.

We learned the basics and being that I never had a dog before they were kind of helpful.

Sit (which Molly did before the class)
Drop it (Use this all the time)
Leave it (doesn't really work on Molly)
How to walk them on a leash (I think I could have figured this one out on my own.)
Stay (Never works)
Come (This is helpful bc I would have always been yelling out her name and not known how to actually get her to come to me)
Down

That's really the jist of the entire class.

Message edited 7/20/2006 7:42:52 PM.

Re: PetSmart Training

We have taken 3 dogs so far the the PetSmart training & I'd say all in all it was worth it. Some things like jumping when new company comes to the house did not stay as well as I had hoped, but that is because we rarely have company so there is not time to *practice* it.

We just went to the PetSmart & looked at the schedule. If your dog is less than 6 months at the first day of class (I think it is 6 mos) then you can begin with Puppy class. If they are older then you go to Beginner. you do not need to do both. Once they are done you can advance to Intermediate if you want. They have to be up-to-date on all shots before the class begins though (the shots for their age if they are in puppy class). even if it does not turn your dog into the best dog ever, it will establish you as the alpha, and that is pretty important to do early on. The class for 8 week with taxes totaled $126.

ETA: I am taking Bruno, my Chihuahua, to the Intermediate class. Because of his breed, he is a little more stubborn than the other dogs, and although he is obedient now, he is going through his "puppy adolescence" and I can see him becoming a terror

Message edited 7/21/2006 7:55:50 AM.

Re: PetSmart Training

THANKS!!! Im really thinking of doing this once she gets her shots. W eare trying here, and at first it was good. She learned the wee wee pads and to sit in a few days, but since then shes now all over the place and lost it all. I think she might be too young? ( shes only 12 weeks)....

Re: PetSmart Training

We started them at 16 weeks - they had to have all of their shots.

Re: PetSmart Training

Thanks!! I think even learning Come, and help on the leash would be good. She HATES the leash and we are doing what they say, trying to get her used to it. But she refuses to budge when its on her and I dont want to " pull" a 2 and 1/2 lb puppy, Im afraid of hurting her.

And now the biting and chewing non stop has started.

Re: PetSmart Training

Message edited 7/21/2006 12:15:26 PM.

Re: PetSmart Training

Re: PetSmart Training

awww cute!

I would definitely recommend training then, especially if you have a Shih Tzu or a ST mix. They are very smart, but can be rather stubborn. The only thing I can say is to make sure that you keep up the homework and the training after the 8 weeks is over.

Good luck!

Re: PetSmart Training

Ok - see - this is my thing. I went into this training thinking that Molly would stop the biting and knawing on our hands. That was my main reason for going.

That didn't happen. So in that sense I was let down with the program. Luckily Molly just grew out of that phase. She does still bite and nip - but soooo much less than she used to thank god.

So - the training was good for the other things. I can't tell you how many times "Come" and "Drop it" have been used. I would have had no clue otherwise.

I don't really think it will help much with the biting/niping thing. That is something Abby will just grow out of. It really does work more with the basic commands.

Hope that helps a little more.

Re: PetSmart Training

it all helps thanks so much for the answers!

I did think she might just grow out of the biting/chewing thing as it just popped up over night with her and I guess its a puppy stage. She just DOESNT stop even if we yell at her. Not sure what measures to take. She has her chew toys but prefers hands, feet and blankets it seems