Rating only the Pet Training. Was torn between 2 and 3 stars but went with 2 since I was so disappointed that I didn't even want to bother going to the last session.
I signed up for the 6 week beginner class (1 hour scheduled per week from 6 pm to 7 pm) which cost $119 as my dog was just acquired from a rescue and had no prior training though is about 2 years old.
Long story short the classes did not end until at least 7:20 pm. Each week the trainer, Dawn, searched for her 7 pm class which actually didn't exist. Not once was there anyone waiting there at 7 or even as late as 7:30. So she extends the class time. Normally you would think getting more time is better but as most experts agree, dog training should last no more than 15-20 minutes at a session. They also booked too many dogs into the class. The first week there was either 8 or 9. Two of those either dropped out or changed times but even 7 is too many in that small of an area for that long of a time.
Next, she was never ready to start on time. A lot of drama and personal talk that added into the sessions. Sorry but I rush to get home after work, take the dog for a walk, then head over. I want my hour of training but anything longer the dogs are anxious and uninterested and so are the people. Want to go home and eat some dinner before it gets to be 8 pm. Since most dogs are taken out prior to arriving, a mid session break should not be needed and was generally for her to go out and smoke and make personal phone calls.
Dawn knows the techniques but does not communicate effectively as she does not stay on task. If she did, she would have known that class should only be an hour, she should be ready to start and finish on time, and not interject personal feelings or situations. Also, it's fine to demonstrate with your highly trained dog that does nothing but be trained for hours each day to show off a skill but show it on an untrained dog to demonstrate what realistic results one should expect.
As of last week she revealed that she had tendered her resignation and was leaving Pet Smart along with the assistant trainer. I would probably not go back to Pet Smart because if you look at the numbers, 7 dogs @$119 for the 6 one hour sessions is $833. If the trainer is making $25 an hour, which is probably high, that's $150 for the 6 weeks leaving close to a $700 profit for the store. It seems as that philosophy is the more dogs, the more profit. At most there should be 4, maybe 5 dogs scheduled in a session with a trainer more aptly suited to teaching. read more