Pet Smart Obedience Training?
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Tags: alls, animals, Cats, cousins, dogs, moving car, obedience training, pallet, paw, play dead, scoop, shih tuz, smart training
April 6th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
I used pet smart for their puppy class only. I wanted the socialization and it was fine for that purpose. But for any real training they are not on my list. What you need is group class with a lot of distractions and other dogs. Check out your local parks & rec. they sometimes have low cost classes. Or ask your local animal enforcement for recommendations. You can also go to some obedience trials and ask the competitors where they train. Many of their trainers have reasonable group classes. I prefer group classes out doors as you learn to control your dog and she learns to behave with a lot of distractions. Go and watch a class or two before you sign up to see the trainers methods.
Good luck and have fun. The best thing you can do for your dog is to train it.
April 6th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
I have not used them but I know they are really good classes. I would recommend them.
April 6th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Find a good private trainer! I worked at petsmart, and one of my friends went to classes for 3 weeks to become a trainer. You want a trainer who has devoted more time than that. Petsmart trainers also only teach according to how Petsmart wants it done. It’s not a good program, and if you’re dog has issues, you’re bound for the trainers to end up causing more problems.
Also, I’d rethink her "friendliness". I’m not saying that she’s mean, but friendly dogs don’t attempt to jump out of cars to go play with others.
You really need a good private trainer, or at least a non-corporate trainer.
ADDITION: I’m not saying that she’s aggressive, but she might have anxiety issues. I really don’t think that it’s her friendliness. Again, a dog won’t attempt to jump out of the car to "play". I just think there may be an underlying cause.
April 6th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Seeing as to how your dog already knows all that, it would actually be a waste of your money to go to PetSmart. (I am a trainer and I worked for PetSmart for a short time. My experience is above what they offer)
PetSmart training teaches you how to train your dog the basics and you have already done that. You need some reinforcement. Most trainers at PetSmart are not gonna be able to help you.
They do use clickers but the clickers are paired with the treats.
You need to start weaning her off the treats. She will get the idea. Treat a sit, then make her do two sits and then gets treat on the 2nd sit. etc.
I would seek a behavorist in your area or another training program so they can properly teach you to get your dog to focus on you. And how to manage the issues that you have.
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April 6th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Your dog knows the basics they cover in beginner class. I’m not sure if they will let you go to intermedite w/out beginner first. Beginner would honestly be a waste of time for your dog.
Ask the trainer if he uses the clicker method. My trainer didn’t but, did know how to teach it to use if we wanted. He gave us a clicked and explained it and if we chose he would help advise us but, he mostly went with positive re-enforcement.
I would say it could help you on the 2nd level by working on duration and doing commands better. A private toutor would be ideal but, that’s a lot of money. With the classes you can ask questions, meet new dogs, and pick up new tips on how to train your pup.
1st don’t always give a treat when your dog does a trick. If they think they deserve a treat every time then they can/will get stubborn so try and switch it up (I know it’s hard!) and give a treat after doing 2 or 3 tricks.
2nd you shouldn’t have to raise your voice. One thing PetSmart did help with was our bond. My dog focuses and looks at me. Although, we have to do our training equally outside as we did inside. Because you’re in a new environment your dog could get confused. Such as inside there are rules and human is boss but, outside is a free for all. Training could help with that if done inside and outside.
3rd perhaps your pup needs to get out and see more dogs. PetSmart training will help with this. By seeing dogs every so often your dog may not think if it doesn’t jump out of the car window that will be the last dog it ever sees again. lol So, it’s good for solicalization.
It really helped me and my pup. Most important thing is to talk to the trainer and say "here’s my concerns and the behavior I want to change and work on……. Can you help us do it?" See what they say and evaluate it.
Remember it can’t hurt it can only help strengthen your bond. Good luck!