Beginning obedience questions

P

prospect

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I'm considering taking Mick and DJ, our 7 month old Shelties for some basic obedience training.
Are the Petsmart training classes OK? My doggie friends recommend a local obedience club but their classes do not fit with my schedule.
Should we (husband and I) take them both to the same class or should I take them to different classes? They are littermates and are much better behaved when they are separated (they pay attention more).
 
Hi,

I took our puppy to Pet's Mart puppy class. Ginger was just 4 mths old then. I found the class very helpful. I think more for me than for Ginger. I was new to training and to Sheltie's. Stephanie who taught our class used lots of positive reinforcement. She has a good handle on dealing with the new owners and all the different types of dogs. I was real pleased with the training. My guess is, the quality will depend upon the teacher.

You can also observe their classes before you enroll.

Good luck
 
When it comes to PetSmart classes, it is really hit and miss. Some of their trainers are wonderful, others not so much. Do you know anyone that has taken classes at your local PetSmart that might be able to give you a review of what they thought? Speak to some local dog owners and see what impressions they got from your PetSmart classes.

As for splitting the dogs up, that isn't necessary if there is one handler per dog. If you can have the husband take one dog and you take the other, then work them on different sides of the room, you will be fine. Don't allow them to feed off of each other or work beside each other if they can't handle it. But if you are each able to train separately in the same class, then you will be fine.
 
Petsmart has some good and some not so good trainers. I would suggest that you go and audit a class before you sign up to take classes. I would look for a trainer that is confident in handling several different breeds in one class. Along with knowledge of how dogs are supposed to react to you and what you should do to interact with your dog.
I'm sorry but some of their trainers are just kids out of high school and they aren't all that knowledgeable about dogs and their reactions to stimulus.

As far as takng them to the same class at the same time you will have a better chance of setting them up for success if you have them trained individually. When I had my two in classes, I had one in the 7 PM class and one in the 8 PM class. I brought a soft pop up crate and put one in the crate while I had class with the other. I also gave the one in a crate a frozen kong to keep him occupied when he had to be in the crate.

Hugs to all
 
I don't think it matters if its Petsmart or any other training club. You either bond with the trainer or not. But do ask about what techniques the trainer employs. Positive and/or clicker training....or Dog Whisperer type.

In our case, we went to a local trainer who was o.k. but there was something about her assistant that jangled Bacca's nerves. Everytime she came by to check on us, he would go wonky and I could never get his attention! Then she was full of "helpful" tips...no really, he's fine - it's just YOU he doesn't like! He was always fine with the trainer or even if she invited a spectator to act is "stranger".
 
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