Anyone use PETCO training classes?

My 1 year old mini schnauzer is a very good pup but when I take her out, she becomes overly excited and barks/squeals at every car passing, dog pooping, mailman crossing.. it becomes complete insanity. I really want to try classes and heard PETCO does a training course. Any good?

Re: Anyone use PETCO training classes?

We did the petco puppy training class with my Yorkie when she was about 1 year old (a little late, I know). The class was good, but was more about simple obedience such as sit/stay/down/leave it, etc. My puppy class was right after an advanced class, which seemed like more of just the same things (they'd put a ring of treats around the dog and the dog had to leave them all).

What i'm trying to say is, I don't think the Petco classes will be much help for the problems you are trying to solve. It did not help with my dog's barking, pulling on leash, etc., since those issues are not tackled.

You may be better with a personal dog trainer who can focus on your dog's specific behavioral issues.

Re: Anyone use PETCO training classes?

I have never used PETCO traning but like the PP said I don't think they would be much use for what you're talking about. For our Mini Schnauzer we took him to Rick's Canine Workshop and for our Airedale we use Paws for Positive.

My mini schnauzer was THE.WORST. on a walk for the longest time. He was distracted by every leaf that blew by and barked at every person/animal he saw. He didn't want to walk in a straight line, he was all over the place!! It was this way until he was 2 or so and now he is no nonsense on his walks, does his business and wants to go home. What helped was how we started walking him. We kept him on a tight leash never giving him enough slack to go ahead of us but not so tight that it would choke him. We made sure he was always right by our side. Our trainer told us that until they learn to walk "with" you if they are allowed to go ahead of you they think they're walking you and "in charge" of what is going on. Also if he started pulling towards something we would stop and make him "sit." We wouldn't move again until he calmed down. It was a pain in the beginning but eventually he figured it out, they're smart dogs but also very strong willed and a little stubborn. I'd also carry small treats in my pocket so when he saw another dog or wanted to bark at something I would call his name in a stern voice and distract him with a treat. After a while he would just look away from what he was distracted by when I called his name.

Now he's great on a walk. He doesn't pull at all and it's just like he's on a mission and wants to get home. He still gets excited to see people and other dogs but he actually stops and stands still in what we call his "show pose" and his nub wags like crazy. We wait to see if they other dog is friendly but now I can let him meet other dogs on walks without worry that he's going to cause a crazy scene. It took time (the terrier in him would get worked up very quickly) but we got there eventually. Also some of that never goes away. It's the breed. He still freaks out when the mailman approaches the house and if someone he knows is approaching the house you would think they're carrying a steak for him. A lot of mini schnauzers do bark a lot and it takes a lot of work to curb that behavior but it can be done!!!!

Anyone use PETCO training classes?

I was a professional dog walker for 18 years and also did a tremendous amount of basic dog training both with my clients I dog walked for and professionally. I know a petco trainer, They are not professional dog trainers. They are not experienced to handle behavioral problems. They take something like an 8 week course and get a certificate at the end. It's nothing you can't learn from a book or online. You would be much better off with a professional dog trainer or taking a group obedience class with a more experienced dog trainer.

I will say that good behavior does start with a foundation of basic commands. Once she learns her basics you can build off those commands and replace the unwanted behavior with acceptable behavior. All dogs should really know the commands come, sit, down, stay, no, leave it alone and off (as in get off me, get off the furniture). That would be the minimum :o)

Message edited 1/14/2013 5:15:20 PM.

Re: Anyone use PETCO training classes?

Thanks ladies!
So far she is very stubborn and "complains" when I say a command but she does it after a puff or two..lol
She knows how to sit, stand up, paw, high five, lay down, roll over, stay.
When she is outside and sees a dog, those commands all go to hell and she does the most awful schnauzer scream. Nothing seems to calm her down except for picking her up and walking her away from the dog. I am def going to try the treats to redirect her! I never tried that before. She is a very good dog- not aggressive or mean but she scares people with her excited behavior! I'm not going to do PETCO.. DH agrees that we would need something more concrete and hands on. Thanks again ladies!

Anyone use PETCO training classes?

Mini schnauzers are so vocal! I know exactly the sounds AND the bahvior you are talking about!!! I laughed when you said "complains" because that is EXACTLY what they do!! Like you have inconvenienced her in some way by asking her to do something. Darwin grunts and huffs and puffs when he doesn't want to do something and then does it like it was the most difficult thing we have ever asked him to do. If we're cooking dinner or he feels no one has looked at him for some period of time he has deemed unacceptable he will let out a little bark so we all look at him.

I'm impressed you got her to roll over, Darwin will only roll onto his back if I'm carrying him like a "baby" other than that he refuses!

They are a hyper breed, it's the terrier, but they do calm down - eventually... our breeder told us not not expect him to grow out of the puppy phase until he was 4 or 5 and she was right! The walking got better earlier than that but the energy was non stop until recently.

Enjoy her! I really think they are the best dogs!!!

Re: Anyone use PETCO training classes?

Thank you!! I adore her.. when I take her to the vet, she wraps her paws around me and holds me like a monkey baby.. she will walk over to my vet on that big silver table and let him do whatever tests and when he's done, she runs to me and jumps on my chest like a chimp baby lol he finds it amazing. It's like they are little people in those bodies. As for the roll over trick, she HATES it.. my mom cracks up laughing seeing her do it bc she huffs and puffs until she finally gives in. They do have tough, strong personalities, but that is what I love about them! I am going to focus hard on getting this walking bit together. We are starting to get the "crazy dog" rep around the neighborhood so things need to change! lol

Anyone use PETCO training classes?

If she doesn't have a sensitive stomach try really motivating dog treats, or meat or hotdogs. Something really inspiring. You can also try a squeaky toy to distract her. Again, something of high value that is super special.

Anyone use PETCO training classes?

Haven't used Petco training classes, don't care for the business that much. I have however used PetSmart training classes. Find the buildings to be much cleaner. They are very good with the pets and as long as you listen and are firm with your pet and stick to the trainer's orders both in the "classroom" and at home, it definitely works. If you don't commit to at home training as well, your pet won't learn. Definitely worth it, and your pet gets to graduate when he/she does well !

Re: Anyone use PETCO training classes?

Eh. Did one. It was okay. Unfortunately that is very common with the breed. Give training a shot. It will surely help! But keep in mind it may not entirely eliiminate the behaviuor as it's a very common trait in minis.

Message edited 1/31/2013 3:23:23 PM.

Re: Anyone use PETCO training classes?

Posted by gdubs

I have never used PETCO traning but like the PP said I don't think they would be much use for what you're talking about. For our Mini Schnauzer we took him to Rick's Canine Workshop and for our Airedale we use Paws for Positive.

My mini schnauzer was THE.WORST. on a walk for the longest time. He was distracted by every leaf that blew by and barked at every person/animal he saw. He didn't want to walk in a straight line, he was all over the place!! It was this way until he was 2 or so and now he is no nonsense on his walks, does his business and wants to go home. What helped was how we started walking him. We kept him on a tight leash never giving him enough slack to go ahead of us but not so tight that it would choke him. We made sure he was always right by our side. Our trainer told us that until they learn to walk "with" you if they are allowed to go ahead of you they think they're walking you and "in charge" of what is going on. Also if he started pulling towards something we would stop and make him "sit." We wouldn't move again until he calmed down. It was a pain in the beginning but eventually he figured it out, they're smart dogs but also very strong willed and a little stubborn. I'd also carry small treats in my pocket so when he saw another dog or wanted to bark at something I would call his name in a stern voice and distract him with a treat. After a while he would just look away from what he was distracted by when I called his name.

Now he's great on a walk. He doesn't pull at all and it's just like he's on a mission and wants to get home. He still gets excited to see people and other dogs but he actually stops and stands still in what we call his "show pose" and his nub wags like crazy. We wait to see if they other dog is friendly but now I can let him meet other dogs on walks without worry that he's going to cause a crazy scene. It took time (the terrier in him would get worked up very quickly) but we got there eventually. Also some of that never goes away. It's the breed. He still freaks out when the mailman approaches the house and if someone he knows is approaching the house you would think they're carrying a steak for him. A lot of mini schnauzers do bark a lot and it takes a lot of work to curb that behavior but it can be done!!!!