Dog Health Questions: Dog training - petsmart or elsewhere?

Has anyone had experience with petsmart's training classes? I have a 1.5 year old boxer/germanshepherd mix and a 9 month old australian shepherd mix (both males). They already know basics such as sit, down, beg, bang, shake, and crate. They need to be taught to stay, to walk on a leash nicely, and to not get so excited and jump when company comes. Will a class at petsmart provide these results, or should I look somewhere else? Any suggestions would be so much appreciated!

Dog Training Advice For Training Your Best Friend

Recommended Answer:
Petsmart might work well since your pack do not seem to have behavior issues. For more involved training beyond the simple basics, you could contact your local humane society and see what classes and individual instructors they suggest.

Your pack happens to have some challenging, inventive breeds. It would be worth it to at least call around to instructors.

Dog Training - Basics

• I've watched some sessions at PetSmart and they seem to be pretty good. I also like the fact that they have classes with other dogs, so they learn how to socialize.


• I'M NOT SURE BUT I WOULD THINK THAT PETSMART WOULD. I WOULD CALL AND MAKE SURE. I HAVE HEARD REALLY GOOD THINGS ABOUT PETSMARTS CLASSES


• Man's Best Friend!! They're expensive but it works!!


• I would look into whether there's a dog obedience or training club in your area. Also, check into classes run by local kennels. The trainers at these locations typically have much more experience than those hired by PetSmart. Also, the classes are typically held in a larger area. The confined space at PetSmart makes training more difficult. Also, the smells and sounds of the store are distracting to the dog. This is my experience based on training two dogs there and training others through other groups.