Pet Smart Obeience CLasses?

[Perogie]

Is it worth it?
Is it going to work for my 3 month chihuahua.
When will i see results.
I want my COCO to do awesome back flips. lol
Ring a bell to open the door.

look left an right before crossing the street.

ahhhhhh.. lol

[islandbabies]

We don't have a pet smart here so I'm not really sure if their classes work or not.
You might want to call around, some places will let you "observe" a class before actually signing up for it. Which is good, you may not like the teachings or handling of some classes. Or you may want a smaller class vs. a larger class, etc. etc.

[debradaniellee]

COCO is so CUTE!!! Looks like a pose for the picture...sitting nice and proper. :)

We have Petsmart near us and they do have the area gated off where you can watch a class. However, I don't think it is something I am too interested in only because I was turned off by the guy doing the classes.

For one... you would have to go quite a few times. I highly doubt 3 or so classes is going to do much. (maybe...I have no clue)

But definately observe a class and see if you like the trainers. See I was turned off by the man at the petsmart I go to. Let me ask everyone here. Is it normal that chihuahua's shake???? Because everything that I read about them said it was normal. So either way, this trainer came over to myself and two other woman with chihuahua's and told us "you know there is a reason why they shake....it's because every time you bring them out you are holding them away from the world". I pretty much looked at him like you don't know what you are talking about, because I socialize Nala as much as I can...and she is great with strangers....yes there are some she is nervous around but for the most part she loves everyone.

Either way...I am blabbering. Just check out the trainers and see if they are someone that you really feel comfortable with. 3 months old...you may be able to do that training very well yourself. Just make time for it everyday :)

[Paco's Mama]

First off, Coco is the cutest little baby girl I've ever seen! She is precious :)

Paco took a puppy training class at Petsmart when he was 6 months old. He didn't take an obedience class, just a training class. He learned the proper way to walk on a leash, stay, sit, roll over, lay, all that stuff. He did learn a lot and the trainer always said how he was the best in the class. The other small dog's didn't listen or learn much, but I think it is important to keep teaching them what they learned in class at home. Me and Doug kept making Paco sit and lay over and over again and now he is a pro. They also teach you how to teach them about obedience.

The best part of the training classes was that Paco loved them! He loved the playtime with the other dogs. I think the socialization part of the class is the best, they learn how to interact with other dogs. So for me and Paco the classes were worth the money, but I also put time and effort after the classes with him. Coco will get a graduation diploma too :)

[Amaze]

Wherever you decide to go, interview the trainer and be sure there is a small dog class...

[Paco's Mama]

I agree with Lys. I forgot to say, I had a small class and my trainer was the best!

[Romans Mom]

I don't know anything about Pet Smart classes, but it could be fun for you and Perogi. Make sure the trainer who will lead the class knows a lot about Chihuahuas, not just dogs in general. And along with getting your Chihuahua into a small dog class, make sure it's age appropriate, for puppies in CoCo's case. I know someone who hired a trainer for their Chihuahua who calls themsleves a behaviour training specialists, and who would come to their home. This person's claim is a German Shepard Specialist. So perhaps she is, but she did not change anything for training a Chihuahua and among many things, had them using a big pinch collar so the chi would go on walks--The kind of leash with sharp links on the neck. To me, that was wrong. Like many, my two Chihuahuas can't use any kind of collar, except for fashion; Both of my Chi's have to use a harness like a lot of Chihuahuas do.

[Perogie]

I heard some puppy schools only allow 6" leashes with collars. no harness's .

I just cant seem to find a harness that fits CoCo yet.

Argh.

[Romans Mom]

Perogies' Mom, I know what you mean about finding a harness that will fit. I can't count the times I went everywhere to find harnesses that would fit tiny puppies--then the returns! LOL Of course toys had to be bought each time too...ya know the Chihuahuas start to expect these things. ha ha ;) Finally, I found a harness that fit. And it was good because it claimed it was chew proof with a lifetime garantee. Roman still did a number on his, but I have to say, it still was in tact by a few threads! ha ha It was the "Lupine" brand. I found it on ebay from a lady who has Chihuahuas so I was able to talk to her about the size if I needed to, but they are sold many places. It's hard to find a 6' leash that is thin and not 1-1-1/2 inches thick for big dogs. But I know when I've done obedience classes and shows with my other dogs, 6' was the requirement. Now I go to the feed store for their harnesses.

[mickey1018]

I know this is super late but have you tried a cat harness?

[Robin]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum so hopefully I will be talking to all of you in the future.

I just wanted to say that I have taken my fifteen week old chi Oliver to his second puppy class at PetSmart and I am really enjoying it. I didn't go into it expecting him to come out doing back flips, but I just really wanted to make sure that I was doing everything right in the way of socializing him as well as to head off any unwanted behaviors before they start. I have to say that I love the trainer and I have already come away with alot of tips that I didn't know before and would have made some mistakes had I not come to class.
If nothing else, it's a great way to meet other dog lovers and get your chi used to all sorts of faces and places. (Besides, it gets me out of the house and away from my two year old, ten month old, and husband for an hour and a half on a Sunday which if nothing else is therapy for me.):)

[Devilisha337]

When Lola was a puppy it was hard to find a harness for her too- then I tried a ferret harness and viola.. it worked! she evenutally grew out of it...and now uses the "small' adjustable nylon dog harness.. she has a few (colors)...lol

so if its that your pup is too small- try the ferret harness :)

[zealot]

We dont have a petsmart here but Gordy was also schooled. and our trainer is wonderful. I still cal her for advice on obedience. She is a private ttrainer who runs classes from her farm.
Gordy had five classes and he learned so much. he learned how to walk on a leash and harness, he learned to sit, lay down and not touch anything i didnt want him to when i say "leave it".
he is very obedient and i think it is rubbing off on Nyuschka as she follows his every step.

[Brianne]

Hi Robin...welcome!
Would love to see some pics of Oliver!!!

[2Chiwawa]

Hi Robin, Welcome. Sounds like you hit the jackpot with chi time and therapy time all in one package. :)

[Robin]

Thanks Brianne, I'm really glad I found this forum. You all seem like a really great bunch of people. Anyway, I have been working on some pictures, but I am sometimes technically challenged and am not making much headway. But I am going to try and insert some now and see how it goes. Thanks again, and Maddy is beautiful.

[zealot]

Hi Robin...welcome!
Would love to see some pics of Oliver!!!

Did some one say picture?

YES pls!!!!