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Large Puppies in PetSmart training class


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ILoveLucy

I finally signed my Lucy up for puppy classes at PetSmart. I found out that the other two dogs that will be in the class with her are a Labrador and a Boxer. I think they will all be around 14 weeks old when we start the class this week. Should I be concerned about these other two dogs and the size that they will be compared to my Lucy? I know there is suppose to be a socialization time and I'm wondering if Lucy will be okay with these two larger dogs. Thank you :tapfingers5rg:

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kcsheperd

No, I wouldnt be.. Payslee's best friend (before Sawyer) was a 60lb Australian Sheperd named "Bear"..They would play and play, and he was 2 years old..she was 8 weeks old.. But he was gentle with her, and they had the best time. When I take my babies to the farm they are surrounded by 4 Border Collies, and Two Aussies, and they are all very respectful of one another..Some of the dogs are like "Hey..You annoy me" and the babies will back off, and the others will run and play together..Sawyer loves "Jackson" and he is as big as Jacks leg..lol..Its all about the dogs having good energy, and puppies usually have good energy, because they don't know any other kind..lol

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ILoveLucy

Aww...your doggie pics are adorable, especially the first photo...how sweet! Anyway, thank you for your reply...it has definitely eased my mind.

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emmasmom

We have a 75# lab & they are playing together all of the time. Believe me, our little tzu's can take care of themselves!!! LOL!

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Just be careful. I know of a Tzu that lost an eye when a big dog in her family just wrestled with her. They are little and have to be treated carefully.

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emmasmom

This is one of my biggest fears, but I know this can also happen when 2 small dogs are wrestling around. Accidents happen, we can only protect them so much without putting them in a bubble.

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CrazyTzuLady

This is one of my biggest fears, but I know this can also happen when 2 small dogs are wrestling around. Accidents happen, we can only protect them so much without putting them in a bubble.

I agree accidents can happen with any of them that is why they are called "accidents". We have a 75 to 80 lb lab/husky mix that loves to play with the puppies she is very gentle with them. Our Beagle just gets annoyed with them but she has never really liked to play anyway.

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Read this post http://shihtzuchattertwo.sunlitesplace.com...25&hl=boxer . I am not sure how else to post it. If the link doesn't work do a search here for Puppy Socialization Class from me. I had the same issue and pulled Maddy out. Good Luck. I just think it depends on how they do and how boistrus the bigger pups may be. But I would still try it.

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I have also discontinued classes because of big lab puppies who are just all over the place during socialization. If your dog gets injured or frightened during socialization off-leash, it can make them shy of other dogs. It doesn't take much for some puppies. I think classes should be split up into large dogs and small ones. JMHO.

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kcsheperd

Well as Cathy was saying..You will have to watch out for the Boxer..Boxers are like 3 year old little boys THEIR WHOLE LIFE. They never really grow up, they are clown dogs, and always bouncing off the walls..Last week at the dog park my little babies were down playing and having the time of their life UNTIL..a 7 month old Boxer puppy came in..don't get me wrong, he was a sweet guy, but just like a giant clumsy clown! He rolled my babies a couple of times, and at first they thought it was funny..The Boxer's mom kept apologizing, and I said, "No its okay, they are just playing".. and they were..The boxer wasn't trying to be ugly, but he was just TOO BIG to be playing with my little guys in the dog park. After he rolled them again my little ones began to cry..(not because they were hurt, but just because they were like, HEY).. lol..So I picked them up and took them out..

LIke I mentioned..its all about the dogs energy..If the lab and boxer have calm, puppy energy it will be fine.. (and since you are in a class their puppy parents should be watching them) But if the puppy parents of the boxer let it be out of control and all over everywhere (as Boxers do) you might have to switch classes, or just let Lucy play with the more calm, Lab..I think you'll know what you should do after the first class.. keep us posted!!

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FairyTail Josette

I have also discontinued classes because of big lab puppies who are just all over the place during socialization. If your dog gets injured or frightened during socialization off-leash, it can make them shy of other dogs. It doesn't take much for some puppies. I think classes should be split up into large dogs and small ones. JMHO.

I agree with this, we have a local training center that only does classes this way. They are the same price as Petsmart and they do a much better job with training, it seems. Unfortunately, I've heard a lot of complaints about our local Petsmart's training classes. I feel like it's just another corp trying to make more money. When Josey attended Petsmart's class, the instructor kept encouraging me to take her to their grooming salon. I really felt like when I was in the class, the instructor was pushing everyone to spend money in the store, daycare, salon, she would advertise their products, i.e, food etc...on class time. :( I did take Josey into the grooming salon to inquire about their Shih Tzu service...and the groomer was such a snot, and contorted her face and said, "what is it?" "that ain't no purebred Shih Tzu...look how scrawny it is." I walked out. So, when the instructor started in about the grooming salon, I told her absolutely not...their groomer was completely unprofessional.

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silverleaf

If they do the classes in the store, you could always ask to take your puppy to meet other people during socialization time instead of playing with the other puppies. Or ask the other owners to keep their puppies on leash while making introductions.

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Yes, accidents happen but it is our job to make sure they don't. If something happened it would be awful. We can't be perfect, but they do depend on us. Just be careful that is all you have to do.

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ILoveLucy

I have to say I'm now very concerned especially after reading the link about the boxer. I guess I was oblivious as to what the pups do during the classes. I've never seen a puppy class...I'm thinking maybe I should have watched a class before signing Lucy up. Can someone who has been to Petsmart give me an idea of what time is spent doing what? When I mentioned to my husband my concern about socialization, he thought it would be having the dogs on leash basically greeting and sniffing each other but never off leash and the rest of the class would be working on commands. I'm not sure what he is going to think when I tell him they are off leash. I really don't want Lucy off leash playing with the big dogs. I guess I'm over protective but I feel she's so tiny and I do worry mostly about her big beautiful eyes. If I were to not have her off leash with these dogs, would it still be worth doing the rest of the class? Also this past weekend she finally had her first interaction with another dog (besides her mommy and litter mates of course). He's a senior citizen Border Collie...a very calm and gentle dog. Lucy was absolutely petrified of him and backed way off and wouldn't go near him...so I worry she will not do well with happy and playful large puppies.

I don't know what to do??? Should I go to the first class and see? I know they mentioned I could switch classes but the times were very limited and the few classes I could go to all seemed to be big dogs. Do you know if PetSmart gives a refund if I change my mind after the first class?

I know I'm just a big worry wart and maybe I'm getting anxious but she's my little baby and I want to keep her safe.

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kcsheperd

Thepupstuff just went to the Petsmart class..You can see her posts here: Petsmart training classes She didn't have trouble with other dogs..she had trouble with the trainer..but its good for pups to have socialization, otherwise they will be scared of other dogs their whole life..If you go and the Boxer is out of control, just ask to be in another class, and that way you won't miss out on the training..Payslee was scared of the big-dogs at first too, (when she was 8 weeks old) and barked at them..but then when she met them and they were nice to her she came around..And now she's not afraid of anything! The more you can expose her to, the better.. By 16 weeks she should have met over 100 people of all sizes, shapes, and ages..and the more sounds, smells & textures she is exposed to the better..Here's a great article on it..

How to Socialize your Puppy Good luck!!

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Wicket's mom

I agree. Esp since Lucy is shy around even a laid back dog, she needs to be socialised. I would go to the first class and see if they really are going to be off leash and how the other dogs are behaving. If at any moment you feel like her safety might be at risk just let the instructor know and try to change to another class. I wouldn't worry about big dogs in general, Wicket did a puppy class with a black lab (ours there was no off leash time though) and now he's 1 yr old and taking obedience training classes at the same place with a Chow-chow. I've had no problems with either. He's met all kinds of big dogs in his everyday life too, a golden retreiver (he had so much fun playing with that guy) a standard poodle, some type of big mutt, a boxer, even a staffordshire terrier and a bull-mastif mix. So long as the big dogs are not dog aggressive, i see no problems with my little boys socialising and playing with them. I just keep a close eye on them.

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FairyTail Josette

I have to say I'm now very concerned especially after reading the link about the boxer. I guess I was oblivious as to what the pups do during the classes. I've never seen a puppy class...I'm thinking maybe I should have watched a class before signing Lucy up. Can someone who has been to Petsmart give me an idea of what time is spent doing what? When I mentioned to my husband my concern about socialization, he thought it would be having the dogs on leash basically greeting and sniffing each other but never off leash and the rest of the class would be working on commands. I'm not sure what he is going to think when I tell him they are off leash. I really don't want Lucy off leash playing with the big dogs. I guess I'm over protective but I feel she's so tiny and I do worry mostly about her big beautiful eyes. If I were to not have her off leash with these dogs, would it still be worth doing the rest of the class? Also this past weekend she finally had her first interaction with another dog (besides her mommy and litter mates of course). He's a senior citizen Border Collie...a very calm and gentle dog. Lucy was absolutely petrified of him and backed way off and wouldn't go near him...so I worry she will not do well with happy and playful large puppies.

I don't know what to do??? Should I go to the first class and see? I know they mentioned I could switch classes but the times were very limited and the few classes I could go to all seemed to be big dogs. Do you know if PetSmart gives a refund if I change my mind after the first class?

I know I'm just a big worry wart and maybe I'm getting anxious but she's my little baby and I want to keep her safe.

Ask if you can just try the first class with no financial obligation to see where your comfort level is at with the instructor and other furkids. Talk to the store mgr, before you attend the first class, about a possible refund. We went to about 1/2 the classes and the mgr would not pro rate a refund for me, due to company policy. All of the dogs were kept on leash in the class, but, socialization was encouraged, of course, and the big dogs were so excited and would start jumping and even the owners of the large breeds, said, omg, don't jump on Josey's back, you'll break it.

We had a one hour class and would spend approx. 20 minutes on training in the class room and the rest of the class time, we went out into the store with our furkids and each person took an aisle and we practiced the commands out in the store the rest of the time, individually. My vet was actually more concerned with this...than, the controlled class room setting. As, all the furkids in the class, have proof of vaccinations, the furkids that walk thru the front door may not.

It's a personal decision and you may love the class/instructor and have great results with Lucy. For us, it didn't work out. Good luck with your decision. :)

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luvinpreciousntoby

Everyone has great advice on this.. My lil precious loves playing with the big dogs.. her cousins are big dogs,, when they get a lil too rambunctious, she comes running back to momma to protect her.. I am always nearby,, and it's easy to tell if she feels overwhelmed. I would just keep her with you during social time,,, let her sniff the other pups,, but don't let her off leash unless everyone is behaving.. You definately want her to be comfortable around other dogs.. just be careful and it all should be fine.. Remember, Do what makes You feel comfortable.. no matter what the instructor may say,,

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Olly-Bears Mama

I don't know about you, but I'd want mine to experience dogs of all sizes, especially when they are young. Merphy didn't, and is now scared of bigger dogs, which he shows in aggression towards them. I took him to the Petco class first, and we had a little tiny chihuahua in our class. The owner was a nutcase. Merphy walked up to her precious little puppy to sniff and she full on started screaming. He was maybe 11 lbs at the time. Not only did she make an ass of herself, but it added to his anxiety around other dogs, and stressed all the dogs out. We had a couple big dogs in that class, and the only problem there was was the crazy chick with the chihuahua who flipped out anytime a dog came near hers. Finally, when most of the other class wanted to either switch classes or get their money back because of her, she was asked to leave and given a refund.

But, I can tell you from experience, if you go around protecting her from everything that might possibly be a danger to her without even giving it a chance, you'll end up with a dog like Merphy. While I love him to death, its no fun. As for the lab and boxer in your class, it depends on the owners and the dogs. I've seen some rotten labs and some laid back boxers. In Merphy's first class at Petsmart, we had a pitbull who was the most well behaved dog in the class, the owner had complete control over her, and wouldn't allow her to get too rough. So, it really depends on the dogs and their owners. I'd say give it a try, take her. We spent very little time off leash at Petsmart classes. We'd get there, the instructor would teach a command, then we'd all try it for a few minutes. Then we'd regroup, she'd teach another command, and so on. I think we learned three commands a night. At the end, she'd have a game or relay race that combined what we'd learned that night and nights before. Then she'd give us homework and off we went. The only time spent off leash was for commands that required it (and they were still on leashes, we just weren't holding them).

So, I say go with an open mind, relax, and let her have a good time. If you have concerns, talk to the trainer about them. But I wouldn't give up without trying.

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MickiNRooney

Honestly??? I would be more concerned about the quality of training that I got at Petsmart than the bigger dogs. I want my dog to be socialized with dogs of all types. I am deathly afraid of big dogs that look scary, but I don't want Rooney to feel that way.

I would NEVER take Rooney to Petsmart for dog training. I looked at the classes and I just wasn't impressed with the size of the location and just organization.

I take Rooney to a local dog training society for training in conjunction with our local humane society. It is a wonderful experience. All dogs are tethered to the wall. They are only taken off for certain activities. The classes are small and well organized (with a syllabus and everything).

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Ozzy'sMommy

oz started his petsmart training class right before the cut off age of 5 months. he had a weimerarner (sp?) pup in his class as well as a chocolate lab. i think the other dogs were an italian greyhound, sheltie and something else relatively small. the weimerarner was a sweet dog but i think she didn't realize how big she was. oz tolerated her until she'd back him into a corner...then all 6 lbs of him (at the time) snarled and nipped her nose, and the weimerarner backed off. the lab was very gentle and the trainer had experience handling dogs for shows and her dogs were some kind of lab looking dogs that were show dogs. she brought him to the class often, and he was also very gentle with them.

at first i was worried and there were maybe one time where i thought the weimerarner was being a little too rough but the owners got her under control.

i think because of that oz isn't afraid of big dogs like lots of small dogs in the area are. though sometimes i think he mistakenly believes he's a big dog too...lol. he used to play with a big bully in the building and she slammed him once by accident playing, hard too and i got a little scared. oz jumped up fast and went snarling chasing her down the path.

and yeah, boxers can be big clumsy dogs. i say give it a try. if the big dogs are too rough often the trainer will let you move to another class with smaller dogs.

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TheShihtzuation

We asked for a refund after 1 awesome class and one halfa class with a different trainer. (My saga is over in the link that kc pointed to earlier in this thread). But the manager had absolutely no problem giving us our money back.. if we wanted it. All the classes are guaranteed and you can redo them over as many times as you need.

The two times we went it was private training .. since no one else showed up, lol. But when we would take Pokey in the store after class he had no problem going up to other dogs.. even bigger dogs. But thats the only experience we've had so far of him around other dogs.. besides Klepto (and Klepto can still barely stand him.. so...)

I say give it a shot.. or maybe just observe the class the first time to see how rough the other dogs are before you bring in your babe.

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ILoveLucy

Thanks for all of your advice. If I'm well tomorrow, I plan on going ahead and giving this class a try. I definitely want her to get exposed to other dogs...like some of you mentioned is very important. I'm just a worry wart in general and also tend to over analyze everything...especially when I feel I have no idea what to expect. I think I'm feeling better about things and I'll see how it goes and if I don't feel it's the right class I'll try and move her to another class.

I do hope others don't think I'm taking her to the wrong type of place. I had originally wanted to take her to a different training place but after a month of calls and not a return call, I'm not sure what is going on there and PetSmart was the last option in our area. Our neighbor had great results many years ago with their Border Collie at PetSmart so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm not completely thrilled that it is in the middle of the store and it seems to be a small area but the class Lucy in is only three dogs so I figured we'd get more individual attention.

I'll let you all know how it goes if I'm able to go tomorrow.

Thanks again for all your thoughts and advice. :P

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TheShihtzuation

Thanks for all of your advice. If I'm well tomorrow, I plan on going ahead and giving this class a try. I definitely want her to get exposed to other dogs...like some of you mentioned is very important. I'm just a worry wart in general and also tend to over analyze everything...especially when I feel I have no idea what to expect. I think I'm feeling better about things and I'll see how it goes and if I don't feel it's the right class I'll try and move her to another class.

I do hope others don't think I'm taking her to the wrong type of place. I had originally wanted to take her to a different training place but after a month of calls and not a return call, I'm not sure what is going on there and PetSmart was the last option in our area. Our neighbor had great results many years ago with their Border Collie at PetSmart so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm not completely thrilled that it is in the middle of the store and it seems to be a small area but the class Lucy in is only three dogs so I figured we'd get more individual attention.

I'll let you all know how it goes if I'm able to go tomorrow.

Thanks again for all your thoughts and advice. :P

Yeah, my landlady who lives below us was "Ew, PETSMART?" but it's reasonably priced and its guaranteed -- and its super close to my house. I also think smaller classes are better because of exactly what you said.. the one on one time. Pokey is the only one in our class (though when we start again on the 23rd theres supposed to be another joining us).. and its great because the focus is obviously all on making sure Pokerface understands whats going on.. and my mom and I as well. It also helps us to focus more on individual problems.. I'm thinking in a bigger class that may be a little hard. We were also told for the socialization part that workers would bring in their dogs for Pokey to get socialized with -- which was pretty awesome of them too.

I dont know. I have a love/hate relationship with PetSmart I think... lol.

Let us know how it goes!

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ILoveLucy

I thought I'd give a little update about Lucy's class yesterday. The two dogs in her class were a Yorkie and a German Shepard mix (not the Lab and Boxer as I was told). Almost the entire class today was off leash with the dogs socializing. Lucy was very scared of the dogs and kept backing away. The other two dogs really didn't show much interest in Lucy, maybe because she backed off, so most of the time was watching the other two dogs together and my dog in someone's lap. The German Shepard kept barking and nipping the Yorkie and the Yorkie would bark showing she clearly didn't want the German near her. This continued for quite some time (and I mean a lot of time) and I just felt like a lot of time was passing with nothing else going on. Maybe the trainer had her reasons but I just felt too much time was spent on this. Finally we did a quick getting our dog's attention and offering her a treat once she gave us eye contact and then also the "take it" command. Lucy pretty much already knows those two things so nothing new was really learned.

I guess the class showed me that I really do need to get Lucy around other dogs. I didn't mind the off leash time and my worries went away once I got there but I do wish there would have been more to the class. I really wanted to see more time spent on training. I hope that maybe with the first class she just wanted the dogs to get used to each other and that with other classes there will be more training. If not, I will be very disappointed. I did feel there was a close call tonight...the German nipped Lucy just above her eye. It's just a big fear of mine that she will get her eyes hurt. I have mixed feelings about the class and I guess I'll just wait and see how next week goes. I just want to feel that Lucy is more involved and it's not just about the other two dogs.

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