Do you recommend one over the other? Have you had bad or good experiences? Thanks!
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I would strongly recommend your local obedience club over either of those. Since you will get more experienced trainers and normally the classes are less expensive. You can find one near you at http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cf… . Almost all obedience clubs offer classes that are open to all breeds and mixes.
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- I would much rather recommend you going to a local kennel club. They have trainers who know dogs and also show them, so they are quite experienced.
If you don't have one, Petsmart and Pet Co will do, although they don't teach the best methods, such as eye contact. - I don't like either place. Our dog is more likely to be bitten than learn anything. They hire anyone off the streets, no experience necessary. I'd find a good private one in your area. They may cost the same to slightly more but you're dog will actually learn something.
- I took my dog to petsmart but wasn't real impressed. They only show you how to teach them the basics and you have to do the training. They are there to show you how to do it. If you really want to get her trained, go to a professional trainer - more expensive but I think you'd get your moneies worth out of it.
- I personally don't recommend either one. I started obedience training with a local professional who has 25+ years experience. One of our "homework" tasks was to go to Petsmart and sit in on one of their classes (most trainers will let you do this, to get an idea of their methods). Having learned about his methods, then seeing how Petsmart did it (as well as how confident the "trainers" were), I am SO GLAD that I made the choice that I did.
Check your yellow pages for local trainers, and call and ask if you can sit in on a session, and talk to them about their methods. I have nothing against the "all positive" method, but I do also believe that dog training requires HUMANE correction (we use short tugs on the leash).
I watched the Petsmart class, and it was the most unorganized, unprofessional thing I've ever seen. The trainers are basically teenagers, unlicensed and inexperienced. It might cost a bit more, but I recommend a local trainer. Your vet might even know of one that they can recommend to you. Good luck!
My pup is 13 weeks and is doing AWESOME in our class! - Neither. Look, socialize your dog as much as you can--the more socialization the better. So, in that regard, either Petco or PetsMart aren't bad.
1. But for training and obedience--ugh! First, you get all kinds of drop-ins with little quality control at Petco and PetsMart. Let me translate that into English: your dog (which hasn't had all of its shots yet) could be exposed to bad stuff from other dogs. But a more reputable training school will demand owners produce shot records first or a vet's health certificate. Second, quality of the trainers. Some at a Petco or PetsMart aren't bad. But some are just employees who own a dog--they have little or no experience with multiple breeds and little-no experience actually training. Third, the trainer experience and quality varies from store to store (I know one person who was a trainer at Petco than a trainer at PetsMart) so you cannot accurately say which one offers better training.
2. Find a reputable trainer. Lots of ways to do this. Go to a local agility trial (see the cleanrun site below where you can find out locations) and ask around. I bet probably half of the Masters competitors actually do dog training. But all could offer recommendations. Look at engaging a personal trainer. Look for dog clubs in your area. All of these options are better. than the PetCo or PetsMart. - I have my dog in Petsmart Intermediate training class now. I have no complaints what so ever about the trainer. I actually highly recommend my trainer.
I think the best thing you can do I speak with the trainer one on one first. This is how I decided on taking my dog there. I explained to her what I was looking for in a class and what I wanted for my dog as well as any issues my dog had that I was hoping would get addressed. She spend more than half and hour talking with me and answering every single question I had. So as long as you feel comfortable with that place I don't see why you would have a problem.
Good Luck. - I am blessed with the ability to train my dogs myself. However, most people need a little help from a professional. Several of my friends have used a Bark Busters “in-home” trainer with great success. They are not cheap, but well worth the price if you can afford it. You can locate a trainer in your area at their website at http://www.barkbusters.com/
Any AKC affiliated dog rescue group in your area is another good source to get the names of successful dog trainers. People who work with dogs every day know who does what with dogs. Not knowing where you live, I can't be more specific, however you can email me if you want more detailed information.
PetCo and PetSmart trainers are certainly not the best, but a little better than no training at all, especially if cost is a primary factor.
Good Luck - It totally depends on the individual trainer. Some are great, some ok. Sit it on each both and see which ones have a well run class, know what they are talking about, don't use harsh corrections with the dog and can communicate effectively with the humans.
The class should be fun, the dogs are learning, and the teacher not only has a plan but also can answer questions as they arise.
Trainers should be members of APDT or IACP, have some education beyond their pet store training, and have some experience with Positive Rewards and Learning theory training.
Good Luck
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