My experience with the PetSmart training classes includes going through puppy kindergarten, and basic obedience classes with my berner, Laurel. The trainer was VERY experienced and had been involved in training and behaviour work for 20 years. The classes were all positive reinforcement, etc. I have since discovered, however, that a trainer with this level of experience is the exception, not the rule. Since this trainer left, our local PetSmart has gone through "trainers" every couple of months. The only requirement to be a trainer is to attend a seminar, and the "certification" is a PetSmart certification. The latest "trainer" who is 17 yrs old, told a new owner of one of our humane society adopted puppies that the owner needed to "get rid of that dog because she MIGHT become a fear biter in the future." This puppy came from a litter of pups that had been abandoned and not properly socialized to humans at all. They all made tremendous strides while in our foster care system and were well on their way to becoming great dogs, but because of their bad early start, were behind other puppies of a similar age. All adoptive owners were appraised of this situation, and we did a write up of where the new owners needed to give these puppies special attention. All adoptive owners signed a document signifying their understanding that these pups needed extra work, etc. While a bit on the shy side, none of these pups demonstrated the least bit of "fear aggression." However, this "trainer" planted to seed of doubt in this owner which caused them to beat the puppy in a misguided attempt to dominate the dog. She was ultimately returned to us, a complete basket case and totally unadoptable. This is a classic case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing.
Bottom line. The quality of the training at PetSmart needs to be judged individually by the quality of the individual trainer. Some great, some terrible. I would sit in on some classes before deciding to enroll your pup. I would advise this of any trainer. Mary Shaver and the girls, Laurel and Bailey Fayetteville, GA �
