In this article
Review Summary
We give Petco Dog Training a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Bringing home a new puppy can be a challenging time for the whole household. It takes time for everyone to adjust to the new addition, and although puppies are cute and fun, they’re also a ton of work. Training a puppy can be quite difficult, especially if you don’t have experience with training dogs or you’re a first-time dog owner. If you’ve brought home an adult dog, you may find yourself in the same boat. Thankfully, there are resources out there to help you during this time.
Petco offers multiple types of training classes to help you train your pup into the best dog they can be. Since the company has around 1,500 locations across the U.S., you’re likely not far from a location that offers training services, but there are also online training courses. If you’re considering using Petco’s training services for your new addition, keep reading for more information.
Petco Dog Training — A Quick Look
- Accessible locations
- Less expensive than most private dog trainers
- Multiple training classes available
- Online training options
- Quality of training can vary between locations
- Risk of disease for unvaccinated puppies
Specifications
| Age Requirements: | 8 weeks to 16 weeks, 16 weeks to 6 months, 6+ months |
| Classes Offered: | Puppy, Beginner, Fundamentals, Advanced, Private Lesson 101, Puppy Basics, Adult Basics, Private Lessons, Canine Good Citizen |
| Availability: | In person (Puppy, Beginner, Fundamentals, Advanced, Private Lesson 101, Private Lessons, Canine Good Citizen), online (Puppy Basics, Adult Basics, Private Lessons) |
| Cost: | $39–329 |
Value and Pricing
The cost for Petco’s training services varies between the classes, with private lessons costing more than group training sessions. When it comes to dog training, Petco’s classes are often less expensive than the cost of hiring a private dog trainer, providing you with excellent value for the money. Due to the wide selection of classes at different price points, there are classes available for almost every budget.
Service Options
Petco offers nine different courses between its in-person and online options. Some of the classes are age-specific, so it’s important to ensure your dog’s age falls within the class requirements. Petco has classes for dogs of all ages, though, so there’s an appropriate class for every pup. While group training can help with socialization and train your pet to pay attention to commands in exciting situations, some dogs don’t do well around other dogs, making the private lesson options more ideal.
Locations and Accessibility
The company has roughly 1,500 stores in the United States, so there are convenient Petco locations near most people. If you don’t live near one, you have the option to use Petco’s online training classes. While the online training experience will be different from in-person training, this still gives you a great way to get professional support while training your dog. The classes are designed to be easy to understand and follow, making them suitable for many people.
Service Quality
Although the training services at Petco are typically high quality, the quality of the service can vary between individual locations. The stores often hire people with dog training experience, but there’s no guarantee that the trainer for your classes will be an excellent one. Because of this, it’s a good idea to check the reviews or talk to people who have taken classes from your local Petco locations to get a feel for the quality of services you might receive.
Risk of Disease
Petco requires all dogs in its in-person classes to be fully up to date on their vaccines. However, it does accept puppies as young as 8 weeks in some of its classes, which means these puppies will have likely only received their first set of vaccinations. This means these puppies are not only susceptible to picking up diseases that sick dogs may have, but they also can be vectors for disease if they are sick. Make sure to talk to a vet about vaccines, risks, and benefits before entering your pup into a class.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Long Do the Classes Last?
The length of the classes varies based on the course and package you purchase. Most of the class packages that Petco offers are 4–6 weeks long. You can also purchase one-time classes.
What Happens If My Puppy Ages Out of the Course?
If your puppy ages out of the puppy courses, it’s best to talk to the individual store about your options. They may let your puppy finish out the classes, but they also may move them to the next age group’s class. You can also call your individual Petco store to ask a staff member before you sign your dog up.
Can Aggressive Dogs Attend Training Classes?
Check with the store before attempting to sign your aggressive dog up for classes. Depending on the type of aggression, the staff may allow you to do private lessons in person, but some dogs are too great of a liability for Petco to allow them into the store at all.
What the Users Say
While we think that Petco’s training options are good, you don’t just have to take our word for it! We’ve searched to see what other people are saying about the training sessions. Most people whose dog or puppy went through training courses felt that the courses were successful, though they may not result in a “perfectly trained” dog. They’re a good option for training your pet to focus on you, but some people say that their dogs are too excitable to properly learn in group classes.
When it comes to the price, most customers are happy with the quality and cost of the programs that Petco offers. For many people, these classes are a more budget-friendly option than private trainers in their area.
Conclusion
Training your new puppy or dog isn’t going to be easy, even with someone to help you out, but Petco’s training services aim to make the process easier, as well as accessible and affordable. There are many benefits to your dog taking classes through Petco, whether you opt for in-person classes, online classes, group classes, or private lessons.
Make sure to discuss vaccine requirements and potential risks with your vet before taking your dog to these classes. Although Petco works hard to keep the dog training areas clean, there is always a risk of disease spreading in areas where many animals frequent.
Featured Image Credit: Duncan Andison, Shutterstock
