Petsmart Advanced Training

[elizapowerpuff]

Have any of you guys taken your pug/pugs to the advanced training class at Petsmart? I signed Busta up for it, and we start a week from tomorrow. I'm a little worried, because I really don't know if he will be able to learn the items on the agenda (like heeling). He is really good at doing tricks like rolling over and shaking but not at walking on a leash and coming when he is called. Any thoughts?

[Lemon]

I've never taken classes at Petsmart, but I thought I'd jump in anyway. I wouldn't worry at all. It sounds like this is the exact class Busta needs. Heeling is a tough one, and coming when called is even tougher. So he may not have them completely down by the time class is over. But the important thing is, you'll know how to keep working with him. I remember being so frustrated in our first class because Lemon could *not* get "down." It was natural for every other dog in the class, but nothing I did made Lemon go into that position. Even the trainer was flummoxed. But about two months after class ended, it finally clicked for Lemon.

By the way, color me impressed that Busta can roll over. From what I've heard, that's a tough thing for a pug. We gave up on it eons ago.

[Joanne24]

I wish I could have joined Petsmart when winston was a pup.
I took him to Petco.

Anyway, it's great to take advanced classes. I'm thinking of to do it too.

Winston learned heel way after his graduation. And his down command
took quite a long time for him grasp. I had to resort to giving him
a squeaker toy instead of treats (he was gettin too chubby).

I'm sure Busta can do it.
A good dose of Patience, hugs-n-kisses would do .

[Old Mother Hubbard]

Winston did puppy classes at Petsmart and we need to do another round of classes. They were just great , getting Winston to come was probaly the best thing we ever taught him. Letting him off his leash in the store with all the other puppys and having him come was just great.
Good luck let us know how classes are going for you.

[lashwish]

Haven't taken Oscar to the advanced class @ PetSmart, but Oscar's cousin, a Min Pin passed the class. We did heeling with Oscar in our puppy & beginner classes. he's good as long as food is involved :)

I found the problem to be with the class that towards the end he was just surfing the floor for food.

I think the Advanced PetSmart class also does distraction stuff, which Oscar is not great at. As for coming when called, Oscar's pretty responsive. We worked on this a lot. Best if you have 2 people and can call back & forth. Saying there name & a quick high pitched come works great. Also, the book I'm reading suggests bending down into play position & turning away as a bigger enticement. Also food reward is always helpful.

Let us know how it goes & what you learn :)
I'm sure Busta will shine.