I want to get Molly into some puppy classes, but I don't know where to go. Her vet offers training classes, but they're $500 for 4 lessons, and that seems a bit steep to teach her how to sit lol
I looked into pet store training, and the local Petsmart offers 6 lessons for $200. Which still seems like quite a bit. But if o get to teach Molly new tricks and obedience it is defiantly worth it!

Has anyone tried pet store training? And what do y'all recommend?

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All of my dogs except for Wynn(who is the perfect dog...usually) have had at least 1 and some 3-4 various classes. I think the classes were as much for me as for the dogs..I learned so much!!!! Defiantly  worth the time.

Sounds really high.  Go online and check for obedience training and clubs.  The club I belong to charges $75 for 6 classes and members get 25% off.  Registration is through our local community college or directly through the club.  What I consider the best deal is the $40/yr dues and %25/mo activity pass which allows free access to all classes that have room and many member only classes.....as well as lots of "opportunities" to volunteer.  Great way to meet lots of neat people. An additional benefit is you can get a key to the building after a years membership and go use the agility and other equipment any time there isn't another activity going on.  I feel so lucky to have this available that I volunteer as much as I can.

I definitely think that classes are well worth it (assuming you can find some that are a bit more affordable!).  I've taken Chewey to about 4-5 different classes.  I've learned something in every one of the classes and it's also a good way to stay in practice.     It's not even so much about teaching the basic obedience commands but about learning about different ways to deal with behaviors, etc.

As for trainers I'm sure your mileage will vary... Beth's idea of watching a class if you can sounds like a good one.  We ended up with a great trainer at Petsmart but looking back I realize that was just pure dumb luck.   I just happened to run into her when I was in buying supplies when we first got Chewey.  We struck up a conversation because she used to show corgis (and she was commenting on how Chewey was the first Corgi she'd seen in awhile that still had a waist, LOL).   At any rate, she was fantastic.   Since then I've worked with other trainers (outside and inside of Petsmart) and I still think she was hands down the best of them.  She just seemed to have a knack of knowing how to make the dogs do what she wanted (and more importantly teaching us how to do it). 

I did all three classes at PetSmart with Story, puppy, intermediate and advanced.  They ran about $96 with coupons, for each 6 week class.  The trainer always gave us a deal ($20 off) if we signed up for the next class early.  We had a great time, Story had a chance for socialization in the store and with classmates.  The trainers at the store I went to are passionate about what they do, and grew attached to each dog.  I've taken other dogs to a big training center in my city, but I liked the lure/reward method of training at PetSmart.  I plan on doing agility with her later at another training center since it is not offered at PetSmart.

Our New Mexico ASPCA also offers classes at a very reasonable price, and socialization of the puppies is a key factor.  I wanted to sign up there initially, but the timing of their classes didn't work out for me.  Going to PetSmart ended up working out well for us.

Price can really be a factor in your decision, especially if you decide to do more than one class.  $200 sounds really pricey for PetSmart.  Good luck!

I had a thought today... maybe if you contacted other Petsmarts in your state, ask them about their programs, they may offer a lower rate, and then you could take that information to your local store and ask why they are charging so much more?  Perhaps then you could get a discount?

Chloe is a graduate of Petsmart puppy and basic obediance.  Also look inot SPCS, sometimes they are also offered.

Tommy is a Petsmart grad too - puppy, intermediate, and advanced classes and took his good citizen test there. He loved every minute of it :)

I don't know about the Pet Smarts where the rest of you live, but the ones here have so little available floor space, that it would really limit what and how they teach.  Glad to hear that some of them have good instructors since so many people seem to use them.  Still very grateful that I have such a great alternative.  Agility class tonight was so much fun.  We are working on getting more distance and layering. It's finally really starting to click for us.

Hi Judith!  At the stores here we would meet in the training room for quick lessons then use the store for training.  I was skeptical at first, but it turned out to be great as Story really learned to handle the distractions, and I met other Corgi owners as I practiced in the store.  I'm hoping to start agility in the spring, it looks like so much fun for everybody!

We enrolled in class at PetSmart, 6 classes for $105. Once a week, and they have different days and times to suit different schedules. It has been great, we have two classes left then we will sign up for intermediate.

I have gone to PetSmart and my local one only charged $109 for the 6 basic lessons.  My dog is smarter than I am, I could have gone to beginners several times if I were able.

Hi,

I pay $6 per 45 min. session at the German Sheperd Club, and the lessons are great!  It's a drop in puppy class and I take my Corgi there twice a week.  He really loves to play with the big dogs.  Their classes are open to all breeds.  You may want to check out local dog clubs.

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