Puppy Kindergarten?

[Lola3141]

So I have a friend who recommends the Petsmart Training Class (or puppy kindergarten)... the puppy socialization class only. So I've been debating on taking Lola, once she's old enough to this class and see what they have to offer. But I wanted to ask if anyone recommended this course, or doesn't recommend it.... or if they recommended any other class? Or if they don't think any classes are worth it...

We were in Petsmart and we met one of the trainers and she seemed very nice (and impressed with how much training I've been doing already)... but $99 is a lot to spend and I want to make sure I'll be getting my money's worth.

Any thoughts?

[Kayla]

I'd defiantly highly recommend it as well as basic obedience for any dog. Duke just graduated his puppy kindergaden class and has greatly benefited from it. He is only 4 months old and though still very hyper but I now have much more control over him especially when he gets nippy. If your not on a tight budget then $99's not to bad as Dukes cost me about $200. I think 6-7 months is to late to start training any puppy as by that age their hormones are coming in, regardless if you neuter/spay them or not their still starting to test their place in the pack.

With a large breed puppy this is especially difficult as by 6 months their already very large and hard to control. Also since you can enroll into puppy kindergarden as soon as they have their first three vaccines you can still get them in while your still in your window of absorbation so you can get your pup ready to accept commands early on as well as new places, strange people, smells, sights and most importantly other dogs:).

Duke had a blast and went in knowing only sit and came out knowing all of his basic commands plus a few tricks and we know have a much stronger relationship as we can both work on even ground were we can communicate to each other what we want.

I have a friend who brings his year old Staffordshire terrier to the petsmart obedience classes and say their very well conducted and only use positive reinforcement which is a must for all dogs but especially for young puppies.

By bringing them in early you also maximise their learning potential in a fun positive environment.

I would also recommend going back for the regular obedience level as considering the number one reason dogs are dumped is due to behavioural problems all which can so easily be avoided with a strong owner who is willing to mold their puppy into a well mannered dog and the early you start the better. I know it seems pricey but considering you only have one shot at shaping your puppy into what you want him to be as an adult that will be living with you for the next 8-15 years ( depending on breed) it's really not that bad.

Here's Duke with his certificate of graduation:)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c171/exotica_reptiles16/Duke/IMG_0574.jpg

Just my experiences though
Cheers
Kayla:)

[MafiaPrincess]

We took half of puppy kindergarten at petsmart. It was like 5-10 minutes of socialization, and 50 of teaching the basics to a young dog. There were too many dogs for the training area and we kept getting new clueless instructors. We dropped out and were offered a very small basic Ob class a little while later that went better, but Cider was like a month older then too.

[Zoom]

Not a fan of the Petsmart classes as the majority of the trainers just completed a tiny little 9 week "how to train" course and generally have no idea of how to handle anything that isn't expressly covered in their handbook. There are exceptions of course, but they are few.

I would instead ask your vet for some local recomendations and then go observe a few classes to see if you like their style and if they seem like they know what they're talking about. Puppy classes are great for socialization and I highly recommend them, but you should also be able to come out with more than "my dog made a new friend".

[tessa_s212]

I would go to www.apdt.com and try to find a more reputable trainer. Petsmart trainers aren't known for having much knowledge at all about training.

Make sure you can sit in and watch a class before you are committed to join the class. Preferably the last or one of the last classes. And ask yourself if the dogs look like they have learned everythign you'd like your dog to know at the end of that class. If dogs are not doign well, if owners are angry or frustrated, if there is an over use of choke chains and harsh corrections, if you are forced to buy "training collar" from the trainers, .. RUN AWAY.

Finding good trainers can be hard.. but it is WORTH it.

[Love That Collie]

Usually most cities, even smaller towns have a local "Obedience" club. Look in your phone book and check to see if your area has one. Or maybe your vet knows of another Obedience class some where. We have one here at the YMCA or YWCA I forget which.

Socialization is the first and best key for a young puppy.
Mine go to doggie daycare and they helped with basic commands etc. Some who weren't familiar with playing with other dogs were introduced one at a time gradually. They are taught how to play nice and there are seperate areas for puppies. My oldest is 78 lbs and he plays with 190 lbs Mastiff's and
3 lbs Pomeranians and they all do beautifully. When it's time to get a treat they all line up and are told to sit and anywhere from 7 to 15 dogs all sit at once. LOL They also have a more structured obedience class one evening a week. So you might check in your area to see if there's any doggie daycare's that do obedience too.

Also your local Humane Society might have a list of classes, ours does.

[Lizmo]

I guess I was lucky and got a GREAT petsmart trainer :) She has been training dogs for like 5 years there..she is very knowledgble and knows what to do...and how to handle a big class, where everyone gets some one-on-one time with the trainer :D

Now..I would NOT recomind Petsmart for everyone....you really need to go to and sit in on one of the classes...see how she runs the class...do the people get time with the trainer? How does she teach the class? You will be able to tell if she knows what she is doing or not ;)

But other wise I would go for it! JMO.

[elegy]

i'd also look elsewhere, but puppy classes are a great idea.

[Zoom]

One caution about APTD.com...anyone and everyone can sign up and call themselves a trainer. There is not standard of acceptance...and with the emphasis on clicker training these days, there are soooo many people who just buy one, get their dog to do a few tricks for their family and decide that dog training is their life's calling. Be very thorough and objective in your assessment of any new trainer. This is also not a bash against clickering, I'm doing it, but just a general advisement about how much stock to put into APDT.com.