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Permalink Reply by Stanley & Charlotte on July 17, 2009 at 2:25pm

I can only give you my opinion based off the experiences I've had. We enrolled Stanley at the puppy class at a Petsmart. He was only about 10 weeks old when we started. At that point, the only command he knew was "sit." The class allowed him to socialize with other puppies and that part was great. Although, when we started the class there were about 8 other dogs there. By the time the class got to the 3rd or 4th week, it was down to 3 (incl. Stanley). For some reason, a lot of people just dropped out. Nevertheless, the class seem to give a good basic foundations for simple commands (down, stay, wait, etc). The store we trained at was good b/c they actually had a separate space for the classes. Most Petsmarts hold the classes in the middle of the store. I would not have liked that. All in all, I'd say the class was okay (not great but not terrible either). Then we decided to enroll Stanley in the next level of classes and I did a lot of research and found a class taught at a local vet hospital. The trainer there was way more knowledgeable. The class had great attendance and no one dropped out along the way. She actually let us come and watch a class before we decided to enroll. I wished that I had enrolled Stanley in their puppy class vs. going to Petsmart. But I will say that Stanley did great in the next level class largely because of what he had learned in the Petsmart class. So, I guess my best advice would be to go observe a class somewhere first (whether it be at a Petsmart or at a private place) and find a trainer that you really like. So much of it boils down to the actual person leading the class... Good luck!!

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Permalink Reply by christy fry on July 17, 2009 at 2:32pm

I wanted to take Jordan to a training class since he was my 1st herding dog (had labs/still do) to avoid the problem bahaviors that herders can exibit. But I honestly must say PetSmarts prices were high! I found a wonderfull 8 wk. class at my local community center for 45.00 dollars, So I don't think private vs corporate matters at all. The Trainer was a older lady with a ton of knowledge and pateince class didn't end untill all questions that week got answered. She was also available through email during the week

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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on July 17, 2009 at 3:36pm

Since you live in Tampa, contact our member Magnolia Fly, she is a part time trainer at courteous.

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Permalink Reply by Cindi on July 17, 2009 at 7:05pm

As for PetSmart, we try to maintain consistency in training but unfortunately it's difficult with associates coming and going. Typical retail. I trained with them a number of years and I still have clients returning wanting help with their doggies. I miss it terribly. And I've been fortunate enough to have clients who loved my classes and returned over and over.

The two big considerations are (1) the qualifications of the trainer, and (2) getting your puppy the appropriate socialization.

1. When seeking out a trainer, be sure to ask them to explain why they are qualified. You want to hear about what organizations they participate in (such as APDT or being an AKC/CGC evaluator). You want to know they have had experience with multiple breeds, and especially with your breed. Trainers who have not worked with corgis can get quite frustrated with them. It's not that they're difficult to train. Just the opposite. But they are a little high energy sometimes!

Ask to sit in on one or more of their classes (without your dog). I always opened my classes to anyone that was interested in checking out my training style and credentials. Often I had more folks standing outside my training ring than were in it. And, I'll wager that most everyone who watched signed their dogs up for my classes. You want to be sure the trainer is positive and positive based in their training method. The only way to see it is in person.

Ask the trainer what their attrition rate is. At PetSmart we're allowed ten dogs per class. I often stopped at seven because I wanted extra time with each pup. It's not uncommon to lose 20% on an in-store class. A lot of distractions.

What was important to me was having one-on-one time with every participant. Ask the trainer how much personal time you will get with them, even in a group class.

2. Socialize. Socialize. Socialize. That is so very important and it's one of the two things pet owners fail on. (The other is leash walking.) I can't stress it enough. And running in the back yard with the other dog in the house isn't socialization. I often challenged my clients to bring their dogs to the store a couple of times a week and simply walk them through and introduce them to other dogs, other animals and lots of people. I would instruct them on how to introduce their dogs and how to ask people to approach their dogs so the dog was not threatened in any way. One of my biggest challenges was a Renaissance Bulldogge who weighed 15 lbs in puppy but is now over 100 lbs. He just passed his CGC and Delta Society therapy dog. They took the socialization to heart and he's the biggest lug of a dog you'll find. They're now training a female using the same principles. So, do focus on your dog getting the appropriate socialization. Not once or twice. Always.

Good luck to you. Sounds like you have the very best interests of your pup in mind. I loved to have folks like you in class. Whoever is fortunate enough to train you will enjoy you and your pup.

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie, Greg, Starbuck on July 18, 2009 at 10:29am

Thanks for all of your responses! I'll definitely take your thoughts into consideration.

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Permalink Reply by Shelly on July 18, 2009 at 11:18pm

I’m also in the Tampa area. Petsmart is o.k. My Evie graduated from one of their puppy classes. Petco offers a free puppy/socialization seminar once a month in addition to puppy classes. We took a CGC (canine good citizen) class and test at Petco. When I was looking into agility I found Courteous Canine. I wish I had found them when my Evie was a puppy. Courteous Canine is a wonderful training facility. Currently I have my rescue corgi, Toby, enrolled in one of their behavioral classes. They are very dedicated and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Courteous Canine, you and Starbuck will really like it!! You also might like to socialize with the Tampa Bay Area Corgi Meetup Group. They meet at different dog parks in the area once a month.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Wilson on July 20, 2009 at 9:37pm

I've taken several classes at the Dog Training Club of Tampa. Courses were very good, lots of space and consistent, knowledgeable instructors. The location is near Hillsborough and Lois.

Here's the link:
http://www.dtct.org/home.html

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Permalink Reply by Geri & Sidney on July 20, 2009 at 11:13pm

We took my older dog (Bruce, the corgi mix) to classes at Petsmart. Our trainer was a wonderful girl and a good teacher, but the classes were held in the middle of the store (major distractions) and we also lost quite a few classmates. Also, I noticed that the trainers would not be there for long, moving on to other stores or other careers.

When we got Sidney, I decided to try a place recommended by our Veterinarian. KIndred Spirits K9 is a one-location training facility. It is run by woman who has written several dog care and training books. She employs several trainers who work on the classes together, and the classes are held outdoors in a huge fenced yard. I could tell right away that these people had years and years of experience and knew exactly what they were doing. And the classes cost less here than they did at the chain store. The training has been wonderful (we've since taken everything they have to offer) and Sidney is very well trained.

The advice the others have given is very good; ask to observe a class and see what kind of vibe you get. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by DR, Nala & Simon on July 21, 2009 at 9:45am

Courteous Canine also sponsors the Tampa Corgi Meetup. You can go to one, and get more opinions there. Also you can meet the trainers. I went to one in the actual CC facilities and I really liked them. Just go out and do some visiting and "shopping" around. Good luck!

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