A little nervous about taking dog to training???

Question

I have a pitbull, she'll be one next month. She still needs to be socialized a bit. She's scared of men, although never been abused. She has been around my sister's dog, and she did fine with her. But like when I take her for walks, if there's a dog she is constantly trying to go to them. I don't think its aggression, I think that she wants to be around and meet other dogs. So anyways, I am thinking of taking her to training at like Petsmart. But I'm scared that she's going to be wild trying to meet and play with the other dogs and I won't be able to control her. What do you think??

Answer 1

I would go to the Petsmart in question and discuss this with the trainer there.  Bring her along in the car in case the trainer would like to meet her.

While there are *some* good trainers at Petsmart, most do not have the experience and knowledge necessary to handle more difficult dogs.  Depending on the situation and just how "wild" your dog is, you might be better off to find classes given by someone more experienced with a VARIETY of different types of dogs.  

It's always a good idea to observe classes before signing up.

Answer 2

well first of all i take my dog to training.

they acually give them play time on the first day so that they can socilize. And but i dotn think petsmart takes bully breeds.

~valeria~

Answer 3

You just have to train her. It can be done, we used a newspaper with one of my pits to teach her what she can and cant do. (they hate the sound of the paper smacking so its a good way to train em when they're little like that). My aunts pitbull goes to the petsmart training and she's learned so much, and isnt a hassel to take.

Pitbulls can be taught practically anything, my dog was 6 years old and one day someone left a box of kittens on our porch and we took care of them till we found homes, and my dog let them crawl all over him without attacking, also we had baby chickens and he didnt kill them. So if a 6 year old pitbull can adapt, a puppy can.

Answer 4

It's great that you are wanting to do some socializing and training with your dog. I would try to find a different trainer than Petsmart though. But I do think that you need to get her around other dogs. Sometimes with pits you can do a ton of socializing with other dogs and they be fine when they are pups, then something happens and they hate other dogs. It's not their fault, they are bred to hate other dogs. Maybe do some training on your own, main thing is to have control of your dog at all times. Because you do have a pit, people will look at you no matter what. You want to make sure that you are a good representative of your breed. You want to show the world that these aren't man eaters. I would try to find a trainer that works with harder breeds, like bullies and more powerful breeds. Ask around to some RESPONSIBLE breeders and see what they say. I do a lot of training with harder breeds and harder dogs, I really wish I could work with you and your dog. But, best thing, give her lots of physical and mental exercise!

Answer 5

Well then, I think training classes are perfect for you.  She's young enough that any "problems" can be reversed.  And a trainer will be able to give you personalized tips.  Don't be nervous, or your dog will pick up on it.  Just relax, and have fun bonding with your pup!

Good luck!

Answer 6

Is there a local training club in your area? That would be your best bet...

The trainers would have more experience working with dogs that have issues

Answer 7

Don't worry, she won't be the only one.  There are usually a lot of puppies and they all act exactly the same when they first join a Training Class.

The Dog Trainer will soon sort it out, that's why you are going to be taught how to handle and socialise your puppy.

Have fun!

Answer 8

i think taking your dog to training is great most dogs no  madder what age are happy to see other dogs. Also if your dog gets out of contol at training your trainer will be able to handle her.

Answer 9

My dog is very, very crazy. He loves to run and jump and especially play with other dogs. He is big and heavy and hard to keep under control. We took him to training at Petsmart and he did a good job. Your dog should be fine if my dog was fine.  

Answer 10

I took my dog to petsmart to train and i thought my dog would be crazy but after a few lessons there your dog will get more mellow.

Answer 11

I think *any* training will be good for her , even if it is petsmart...Its kinds hard, but as long as you stick to it you will have a well trained puppy!

Answer 12

Pit bulls were bred to be dog aggressive, so the more you socialize her the better off you will be.

If you are worried about how she will act around other dogs then either get her a no pull harness or a choke collar so you can better control her.

Pit bulls are great dogs, but very strong dogs and can drag you to kingdom come and back when they see something that interest them.

So if I was you I would make her focus on you when you walk.

Every time she focuses on something that you don't want her to pop her leash to get her attention back on you and the walk.

She needs to know that you are walking her, not the other way around.

I would even stop and make her sit till she calms down and then finish the walk.

I would absolutely take her to get some training.

Just remember that you have a pit bull and not everyone likes them, so you could be in for some rude comments, but do not let that deter you from taking the class. It will be good for both of you.

Your best bet though would be to seek a professional trainer outside of Petsmart though.

They tend not to like pit bulls and believe all the media BS about them.

Just stay away from the dog parks...not a good place to take a pit bull.

Your dog might not start a fight but it has all the stuff needed to finish one. And your dog would be the blame even if it wasn't her fault simply because she is a pit.

It is not fair, but just how it is.

I never take my 2 pits to the dog park. We usually just go to the river to go swimming or go for walks around my neighborhood.

A spring pole or flirt pole would be a good thing to do with her, my dogs really love theirs, and it is a good way to get them excercise.

Good luck with you girl. I hope you take the class or find a reputable trainer to help you with her.

Answer 13

Any reputable dog trainer will be able to handle an aggressive or overly excited dog.  I don't suggest Petsmart for a pitbull, I suggest a real trainer and behaviorist.  

Answer 14

I'm not sure Petsmart takes bullies.  The chain stores in my areas won't accept bully breeds or any dog with "the characteristics of a bully".  I didn't even try to take Tohbi (a Catahoula) there.  I didn't feel like dealing with it.

I did manage to find 3 private trainers that took me. Tohbi has been through 5 rounds of classes with 3 different teachers and they all say he's a great dog, but hard to handle and too smart for his own good.

Added - Oh, and don't be too ashamed of your wild dog.  Nothing can be as bad as Tohbi was. He was hilarious.  I just laughed and said "Thats why we're here!".  I had the most gentle trainer - who only used positive reinforcement - pull me aside and recommend a prong collar on him (which I still use in some situations to save my shoulders from being torn out when a mood strikes).

Answer 15

With my dog we were thinking about petsmart but thought there would be too many distractions there- so instead we found a training facility with a lot of recommendations. Classes start next week for us. I'd check yellowpages and search under dog then google the facility. Or you can google dog training in (your area)