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Post by tracilg on Jun 3, 2008 9:46:05 GMT -5
I'd like to start Babe with some training classes - partly because there is much she still needs to learn and partly for the socialization aspects of it - controlled time with other dogs and new people.
My overall perception of PetSmart is that the classes can't be all that great, but....the woman who teaches the classes at our local one owns 3 pit bulls of her own.
So, I thought it might be an option to consider. It certainly is more affordable - not that money should be a deciding factor, but I do only have so much to work with.
Thoughts? Thanks!
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Post by RealPitBull on Jun 3, 2008 10:25:14 GMT -5
PetsMart doesn't seem to have any real quality control with its trainers - some are good and some are not so good. My overall feeling is that a really good to great trainer would be holding classes on their own - and making a HECK of a lot more money doing it. PetsMart trainers seem to use employment there as a stepping stone to building a business of their own. I think they are in general newer to the field. To be honest, I haven't been impressed by dogs that I've seen 'graduated' from PetsMart classes. Same goes for PetCo. Training is really an investment and if you get the right trainer from the beginning, even if you pay a little more, you'll be way ahead of the game. I'd look for a trainer on one of the following sites: www.trulydogfriendly.comwww.clickerteachers.netwww.iaabc.orgThis is stricktly my opinion and based on my own experience and I do not mean to bad mouth any trainers that work at these stores - as I said, each trainer in each store needs to be taken on their individual merits.
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Post by kayers76 on Jun 3, 2008 20:52:48 GMT -5
We took Buster to Petsmart for puppy class and I loved the socialization part of it but... the instructor we had voiced SEVERAL erroneous statements about pit bulls, ie the amazing "locking jaws", was one in particular that I remember. I wanted to say "shhhhh, don'st say that crap out loud but instead I corrected him and referred him to this web site! We finished the class and Buster did learn the basic stuff but we chose not to return for any other classes. The instructor did like Buster, though, as did all of the other members of the class. They marveled at how "cuddley" he is and I was quick to point out that that is a trait of the breed with their people!
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Post by angelpit on Jun 4, 2008 13:19:41 GMT -5
The person that does Petco classes her is my trainer but he also does it on the side and is really good but I also think the same about quality control.
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Post by RealPitBull on Jun 4, 2008 13:26:42 GMT -5
The person that does Petco classes her is my trainer but he also does it on the side and is really good but I also think the same about quality control. Yeah, case in point....you might hit it and find a really great trainer at one of those stores, but when I refer I send people to trainers who own their own companies, or are members of a distinguished faculty.
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Post by tracilg on Jun 4, 2008 14:30:47 GMT -5
The only reason I am considering it is because the trainer herself owns several pit bulls, and I know a number of people who have taken her class and have given her good reviews. Mary - I checked the links you provided, but there aren't any trainers in my area from any of them.
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Post by RealPitBull on Jun 4, 2008 14:42:29 GMT -5
If you've heard good reviews, and the woman knows Pit Bulls, then I say go for it...especially if you can't find a suitable alternative.
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