Columbia, MD PetSmart?

The petco (which is the same as petsmart in my area) I took my dog to was good for socialization. I enrolled in the basic puppy class. It's good for if you haven't owned a dog before also. And for $95 for 6 weeks in my area it's cheaper than most other group puppy classes. The trainers are a hit or miss. The trainer should tell you about him or herself at the first class, if you aren't impressed or happy or agree with the training method you can get a full refund.

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I took my dog to dog training in ohio at petsmart. The training was good especially if you keep up the training at home. My dog missed about half the classes because I had to move out of the area but what she did learn was great. The petsmart that I took her to had a a room off to the side where they did the training and they only let four dogs in the class at one time which was better because my dog got more attention. But I have seen other petsmarts where they do their training in the middle of the store and there is about six or seven dogs in one class. This seems to me like it would be distracting as well as crowed. If I was you I would view the petsmart first and see where the training room is and speak to the trainer and see how many dogs are going to be in the class. The class cost me about a hundred dollars but I think it would of been worth it if my dog could of finished all the classes.

The only thing good about the Petsmart training classes, in my experience, was the socialization... which you would have from a group training class anywhere else. The technique they use (positive reinforcement with treats) was NOT the right one for my dog... the trainers need to follow Petsmart's curriculum, so the trainer wouldn't use any other technique with her.

All in all, I wasted a lot of money there, and am now taking her to a real place to help with training her.

I took my Jack Russell through the PetSmart training....all the levels....it was great for socialization and she learned a lot. I had fun going, the trainer was really smart and practical about things. Plus my dog loved going. A lot of training is teaching the owner.

I just got another puppy and also decided to do the training with him. Even though I knew all the methods and stuff, I did it mainly for socialization...and I'm really glad I did. My second jack russell pup was very nervous and hestistant the first two classes....by the 3rd class he was interacting more and playing.

I would definitely recommend it. Good luck with your puppy!

I worked PT for Petsmart in Ohio and sued them; I won. It did not have anything to do with pet training but I never recommend Petsmart to anyone. Go somewhere else. I am sure there are other places you can find. Maybe even a local trainer, not from a major pet retailer.

Why not go yourself, and observe a class? The trainer should be using all positive methods and treats to help the dogs to understand what it is that they need to do. This is "clicker" or reward-based training, and it is very fast and fun - in the right hands.

You need to inform yourself, though. There are still some trainers who profess to be "positive" and still use aversives (punishments) which scare and intimidate dogs. Watch carefully. Are the dogs having fun? Are the owners having fun? If so, then you've found a good class.

http://www.ccpdt.org/whych.html

There are two reasons to take your dog for training at a Petco or PetsMart:

1. It's not a bad way to do some socialization for your dog.

2. It's really lousy weather this time of year in the DC area so it's an opportunity to give your dog a little big of activity that is outside your house but not outdoors.

But basically, the training you get at these places is hit or miss. Some times you get good trainers, some times you get crap. Plus, the training environment for a new dog isn't great (too many distractions). The classes tend to be too short. But for what it is, it's better than nothing.

You should look at classes or trainers that do this professionally. Let me give you a couple of references:

--Janet Gauntt with the Oriole Dog Training Club is in Columbia. She has dogs that go to Nationals in agility, is heavily involved in several dog clubs and trials in the DC area. 410-715-9923

--Linda Porter with Breakaway Action Dogs is in Frederick. BAD is a good club. 240-420-6912

--Capital Dog Training Club is in Silver Spring. 301-587-k9k9. I have no experience with them.

--Canine Training Association is in Beltsville, MD. 301-946-5645. Not great for agility but good for obedience.

--KinderPup is in Severn (check out their website or email Terry Wright at tebi@erols.com).

--Raising K9 Agility Club is in Pasadena, MD. Call Scott or Jaz Whittington at: 410-437-7801.

Most of these clubs have indoor space. Some of them have individuals who compete nationally in dog performance or show events. This is also not a comprehensive list--only ones that I know of and have interacted with or have friends who belong. Last thought: Maryland has a ton of dog performance trials and lots of different clubs. Why go to a Petco or PetsMart when there are so many professional resources in your backyard.

i work for banifield in petsmart i know all the trainers and there techniques and they are trained well i would reccommend it for the price its excellent for socialization and training

If you don't have experience with training, it is good.

If you do, don't bother paying for it and ust take the pup to a dog park for socialzation