Our Accredited Trainers use positive reinforcement techniques that are effective and fun in both group and private settings. Learn how to teach and bond with your dog in these classes and courses:
StartSmart™ Training Workshop: A great introduction to learn more about training! Our one-hour, hands-on experience will give you a head start on potty training, crate training, socialization & tips on visiting the vet or groomer.
Puppy: Start your puppy off right with foundational skills for good behavior that will last a lifetime. A 6-week introductory course for puppies between 10 weeks to 5 months old that focuses on building a strong bond and teaching you how to communicate with your dog. This course also addresses socialization and preventing common problem behaviors. Cues taught: Sit, Down, Wait, walking nicely on a leash, Come When Called, Leave It and many more
Beginner: Learn foundational skills and address problem behaviors for a well-mannered family member. A 6-week introductory course for dogs 5 months and older that teaches basic manners with impulse control and relationship-building exercises. It also focuses on management and redirection techniques for established problem behaviors. Cues taught: Wait, walk nicely on a leash, Come When Called, Leave It and many more
Intermediate: Reinforce and build on foundational behaviors while enhancing skills for real-world application. A 6-week course ideal for dogs who have completed a Puppy or Beginner class. This course helps dogs who already know basic cues achieve the same results in different situations that add more distance, duration and distractions. Cues taught: Heel, Stay, Place (Go to Bed) and more. Pre-requisite: Puppy or Beginner
Brain Games™: Learn how clever your dog can be! This 6-week course is a fun, yet challenging class for dogs of all ages. This class will provide physical and mental stimulation that will help improve communication, lessen hyperactivity and boredom, while growing a stronger bond between you and your dog. Class content includes: Dog Reading Cue Cards, Color Differentiation, Targeting and more. Pre-requisite: Intermediate
Advanced: A 6-week course for Intermediate graduates that strengthens your dog’s reliability and teaches complex skills useful in a variety of situations, using limited training tools. This course also reviews the steps of an AKC Canine Good Citizen or CGN Canine Good Neighbor Evaluation. Pre-requisite: Intermediate
Stress Less™: A 3-week program for dogs with anxious behaviors related to separation anxiety. Learn ways to comfort your dog & get tips to help them feel more confident & secure. Plus, discover new products that can make them feel more at ease. Recommended for dogs 10 weeks & up.
Therapy: Provide comfort and joy to people in your community. This 6-week course for Advanced class graduates prepares both the dog and pet parent for Therapy Dog work. This class is beneficial for any pet parent who wants to learn to communicate better with their pet and ideal for anyone who desires to be a therapy team with their dog. Designed to help pet parents and their dogs learn and practice skills needed to take a therapy dog evaluation through the therapy group of their choice. You’ll learn to read your dog’s body language, identify signs of stress and enhance communication and reliability with your dog. Pre-requisite: Advanced
Trick Training: A 6-week course for dogs who have passed a Puppy or Beginner class. This entertaining course uses positive reinforcement to teach tricks, improve communication and continue to build a bond. Cues taught: Crawl, Spin, Roll Over, Bow and more. Pre-requisite: Puppy or Beginner
Private Training: In a setting with just you, your dog and an Accredited Trainer, we’ll work with you to address your dog’s unique needs. Our trainers can address problem behaviors and can teach new tricks and skills. Offered as an individual session, it’s a great option for pet parents with irregular schedules and for dogs who need extra attention.
Potty Training Seminar: This results-focused one-hour seminar covers effective potty-training tips and techniques for puppies or dogs of any age.
Boot Camp: A one-on-one session for PetsHotel dogs visiting us at PetsHotel or Doggie Day Camp. Our Accredited Trainers can work with your dog to address problem behaviors, teach new cues or master specific skills while in our care; available as a single 30-minute session or as a 4- or 8-pack.
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7 Need-to-Knows About Training
Age Requirements Puppy classes are for dogs 10 weeks to 5 months old. Beginner, Intermediate and Advance courses are for dogs 5 months or older.
Vaccinations DPP (Distemper, Parvo & Parainfluenza) & Rabies vaccinations are required for any dog over 4 months old. Proof must be provided in the first class, in order to participate.
Behavior Aggressive dogs are not allowed in class. If your dog is nervous around other dogs but not aggressive, you can attend class, or you can schedule a free 15-minute evaluation with a trainer to determine if PetSmart training is the right fit for your dog. Your trainer may recommend private classes.
Class Time Each group course with 4-10 dogs is 1 hour each week for 6 weeks. It is recommended to show up early to the store to allow the dogs to familiarize themselves with the environment.
Missed Classes Contact your trainer to determine dates and times of make-up sessions.
Gear Bring yummy, small bite treats every week. Pet parents may bring a toy or chew as well as a blanket or bed, but it is not mandatory. Any flat, rolled or no-slip collar, face collar, body harness or no-pull harness is acceptable. Any 4-foot to 6-foot non-retractable, non-chain leash is approved. Please no Choke chains, prong or pinch collars or electronic collars.
Dress Code Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and leave personal belongings at home.
