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Comment by Sam on May 14, 2008 at 6:13pm

This sounds like an experience I would not wish to repeat. Never would anyone take my dog. I have no doubts you were caught off guard and just didnt know what to say! Anyone who would take anothers dog and do what they wish shows me they have lots to learn. I a big supporter of training classes. I personally do not like PetSmart training classes as there just isnt enough space to work on the things I find important. You will find good and bad instructors wherever you may go. I always recommend that you go a watch a class in session with the instructor you are considering. See if they use positive reinforcement, see if they are kind to the dogs, see if the classes are over crowded. See if they "require" a certain type collar. Learn what their syllabus is and what they intend to teach. The answers to these questions will help you choose what is best for you. Some causes for red flags would be "required" collars as each dog and handler are an individual. This should be recommended based on what the instructor sees. A facility that will not let you visit a class in session, one that has too many dogs for the training area and one that "corrects" dogs harshly or allows their students to do so. Best of luck.

Comment by Dawn on May 14, 2008 at 5:41pm

Thanks for all the comments, they were helpful. I think for now I am going to wait on it, as I can always take her later. The one thing she did say that caught my attention was about taking my kids with me. I have a 9 year old son that I'd like to have go with us so maybe when schools out...I believe the local community college offers puppy classes so I'll maybe look into there since I believe that woman is the one that teaches the class. We'll see....thanks so much everyone!

Comment by Arang&Mark on May 14, 2008 at 5:21pm

what petsmart did to you was unprofessional. also, like suresh said, if someone just picked up my dog like that i would probably yell at them and at their manager; if they work at petco and around so many dogs as well as their owners, they should know better. Also, at my petco i have noticed a lack of discipline among the trainers. the one i transferred to goes by the book and teaches everythign from sit to leave it. the latter being especially important for me so he doesnt eat random things and get sick. the other trainer doesnt believe that dogs have pack mentality and spent the good part of the hour doing more talking than training which irritated me.

Comment by Suresh on May 14, 2008 at 3:22pm

I'm currently taking the PetSmart classes with Roscoe, and I like them. He gets to socialize and I learn the basics of training. He's doing pretty well. I'd make sure you get in a class with a trainer you're comfortable with. I wouldn't like one run by whoever picked up your pooch and walked away with it - that wouldn't be cool with me, if they didn't ask my permission first.

Comment by mikonami on May 14, 2008 at 3:09pm

Just don't go to Petco. No one told me and in 5 weeks all we learned was sit, down, and shake.

Comment by Sam Tsang on May 14, 2008 at 2:51pm

He he he, sounds like the staff got carried away there :) I think they meant well, may be a little strong as you said. I've been through all classes by petsmart and received CGC through them, every store is different and some may have several trainers, so give them a chance too. Our member Cindi works at petsmart as a trainer. I think the socialization part is well worth the money, we thought we didn't need it for our 2nd corgi vienna because we already did all that with Mocha - our 1st corgi, but we eventually did enroll her in class, because she was well behave at home, but not so well, when both of them are together, they worked in packs and boss around other dogs at the park, so we took them both to class and worked on it together. Our trainer was fantastic, my wife and I had questions for her all the time, we even drop by the store during off days. I think with a formal class, you get to socialize with other dog owners who may be going through the same thing, you learn from one another's mistake and form friendship, who knows, may be you'll find a dog park buddy there :)

Comment by Charlie on May 14, 2008 at 2:28pm

If you are comfortable teaching the basic skills, I wouldn't worry about it. I'm training Charlie on the basics at home and I get him out a lot to socialize. He will have his skills "assessed" when we are ready to start in advanced obedience and agility classes. I do think that basic classes are quite worthwhile to anyone who has not trained a dog before, or who has not been through a formal class.

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