Question about puppy school

[BC_MoM]

I agree, I wouldn't recommend private in-home classes for a puppy. The main thing puppies need is socialization! I highly recommend you just go to PetSmart...

[Jessika]

I used to work at PetCo so if they are anything similar to the Petsmart classes I will say that while they may not be the BEST training you can get, for the price you really can't beat it! Plus you get lots of great socialization not only with other pets but with people, too, and IMO that is VERY VERY important as a young puppy.

The trainers at my PetCo were actually very intelligent and had some great pointers and methods. One had a philosophy that she wasn't here to help you teach your dog to behave, but rather teach you how to communicate better with your dog. To "speak their language", so to speak (no pun intended...). And if you had to miss a class she was MORE than happy to let you sit in on another class to make up for lost time. Plus if you had a "problem child" or just weren't getting something, she was more than happy to come early or stay late to work with you.

Now if all the classes at Petsmart are like this... I highly recommend them. But bottom line: the price is nothing to laugh at and you get some GREAT socialization!