Dog Health Questions: Petsmart training classes?

I am considering beginner training classes for my 5 month old pom. She has behavioral problems such as trying to bite and growling when I try to take something from her. Also when she tried to bite the lady at her spay appt. while she was trying to put a label around my pups neck. I tried socializing her as much as I could when she was younger, but she obviously has temperamental problems.

So my question is for those who have had their dogs trained if you think it is worth it. Also what can I do meanwhile to better my dog. And please please let me know your success stories with training. Thanks!

Dog Training Leash - A Basic Method You Need To Have

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my experience with petsmart training classes is they are a cooperate way to get money out of you. i have seen very few dogs even able to sit and stay for the reccomended 3 mins by the end of one of their obedience classes. when i've been in the store on their doggy graduation night, most of the dogs in the class can't even sit and stay long enough to take their graduation pic.

for a dog with starting behavioral issues that are showing aggresssion, you need better training than what any petsmart i've ever seen can provide.

contact your local kennel clubs or your vet and ask for references.

i'm very happy you see this as a problem and want to correct it now rather than later.

my reccomendation is to find a training class that trains towards a CGC. or Canine Good Citizen test. By the end of that class your dog should sit, stay, but also they train the dog to react properly to stressful situations, and teach them how to be examined by a vet or groomer and properly accept praise. they also train them how to act in social situations. or rather they show you how to properly train your dog. i have yet to see a petsmart obedience class that comes anywhere near the CGC certification by the end of their classes.

Also these trainers if they think your dog needs further instruction they can send you in the right direction to someone who will better suit you and your dog's needs.

Please don't waste your money at a petsmart class. Their trainers go through a basic training course most any 12 year old could pass before they are turned loose with their own group of dogs to train.

Dog Training Leash - A Basic Method You Need To Have

• Yes, do the training! I had similar issues with my mastiff pup and training has tatally corrected the behaviors. The first step is you establishing dominance over your dog, and that is a major hurdell. There are many simple little games that you can play with your dog to help train it and if you are consistant it will pay off. And double up on the socialization, and imediatly punish the dog with an acceptable form of punishment when it missbehaves. A water bottle works ell, and they are sold in a pocket size. Good for you in considering training. A lot of people would tell you to get rid of a biting dog, but I turned my dogs behavior around with a trainers help when I thought there was no hope, you can do it too!


• PetsMart won't allow aggressive dogs or problem dogs in their classes. You need to find a trainer who has experience with dogs that have aggression issues. Try to get a referral from your vet.
  Training has made my shy, abused dog gain more confidence.
  Training has made my dogs easier to live with.
  Training has given my dogs more freedom because I can take them places and trust them not to drag me on the leash, come when I call them, and act properly around strangers.
  Training has made my dogs safer to be around. My vet loves my nicely trained dogs. He knows that he can handle them and not worry about getting bit.
  Trained dogs are welcome in more places.
  So get your dog to a training class so that you learn to train her to respect you. Small dogs are just fun to train.


• I think training works, if you do the homework each day. You cannot go to training once a week and do nothing til the next week. You really need to work with your dog each day, plus you can't quit after training either. You can lighten up, of course, but don't stop altogether. The trainers say that they are training you on how to train your dog.


• Most definitely, poms are very stubborn. I love the breed I have two of them. They are just hateful. They are also very yappy as you probably know. I really think all dog's need some kind of training. If your pup is already starting to bit aggressively take it, it will be the best thing for you and it. Pom's are very smart and learn quick so I am sure you will be pleased. Good Luck!!!


• I went to a private training class that was cheaper and a better use of my time than Petsmart.
  
  I used to work at a Petsmart and helped with the training. I was not impressed and highly DON'T recommend it to anyone.ADDITION: I had my dog in a CGC class last year, and it only cost $60.


• I have watched the training while shopping for my voracious cats. They looked very attentive and engaging....not the pets, the trainers. Why not observe a few Saturday classes from the aisle before making your decision?