Proper training is essential for a long, happy and safe relationship with your dog, setting the foundation to ensure your dog stays physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. To make dog training an enjoyable and fulfilling activity, our approach is positive, rewards-based, fun and effective. At Petco, we encourage pet parents take a positive approach to make dog training an enjoyable, fulfilling activity. By nurturing bonds with dogs through positive reinforcement, the training process becomes easier for everyone involved. Petco Positive Dog Training Offers fun, educational classes in a safe setting Teaches pet parents how dogs think, learn and communicate Provide advice on how to encourage and reward polite dog manners in real-world situations Promotes a relationship of mutual respect and trust Our Professional Dog Trainers undergo an intense 16-week training program that is updated yearly with the most cutting-edge methods, ideas and principles.

Classes utilize proven, science-based training principles based on research conducted by internationally renowned psychologist and behaviorist, B.F. Skinner. To help dogs retain positive behaviors, our classes keep a dog's mind engaged and in a constant state of learning while our trainers closely observe how dogs are responding to their pet parents to optimize training. Dog-friendly communication – rewarding good and ignoring inappropriate behavior Instruction – guidance from our professional dog trainers on how to teach a behavior and cater to a dog's specific needs Enrichment – keeping a dog's mind engaged by encouraging dog to identify what behavior is being rewarded Environmental Management – setting dogs up for success in any situation Compassion – strengthening the bond between pet and pet parents Training and classes are for dogs only. Available in select locations. Class selection may vary by location. For puppies 2-4 months old

This 6-week introductory group class focuses on socialization and is designed to teach your puppy basics including "sit," loose leash walking and to come when called. This dog training class also covers problem-solving ideas for potty training, chewing, teething, digging and more. For puppies between 4-6 months old This 6-week group class expands on lessons learned in Level 1, phases out the use of treats so you can have a well-mannered puppy all the time and introduces fun activities to help keep your puppy's mind active! This comprehensive two-class package covers the basics of your puppy's educational needs. Includes puppy level 1, puppy level 2 and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. This comprehensive package gives your puppy the very best in training. This three-class package includes puppy level 1, puppy level 2, one of our adult dog classes, a private lesson and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. Adult Dog Level 1 For dogs over 6 months old This 6-week introductory group class is designed to help you better communicate and train your older puppy or mature dog.

Dogs will learn skills such as "leave it," "wait" and walking on a loose leash. This class also addresses challenges such as jumping, barking and digging. Adult Dog Level 2 For dogs that have graduated from Adult Dog Level 1 This 6-week group class expands on lessons learned in Level 1, introduces distractions so your dog will learn to listen in any situation and teaches you fun games to play with dogs of any age.Strip Vinyl Tile Floor Canine Good Citizen ClassPatio Furniture Repair Md For dogs that have graduated from Adult Dog Level 2Low Light Indoor Moss The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (AKC CGC) certification is recognized as a high standard of dog behavior and is an excellent way to prepare for therapy dog training.

This training class prepares you and your dog to take the AKC CGC test as well as improve on behaviors already learned. Adult Dog Essentials Package This comprehensive two class starter package for your dog includes adult level 1 and adult level 2 or AKC Canine Good Citizen class and AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Adult Dog Complete Package This comprehensive three class package for your dog includes adult level 1 and adult level 2, AKC Canine Good Citizen class, a private lesson and AKC Canine Good Citizen test. We offer group classes for dogs of all ages where you and your dog can learn valuable lessons while socializing with other dogs and people in a fun group setting. AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification Prepare for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, a widely-recognized high standard of polite behavior and excellent preparation for therapy dog training. We also offer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. We provide workshops and free 30-minute seminars that are positive, fun and informative.

Looking for customized training solutions and one-on-one instruction? Private lessons can be tailored to you and your dog's needs. Learn more about our trainers Petco Dog Trainers undergo an intense 16-week training program which includes 12 weeks of hands-on training in actual dog training classes. The Petco Dog Training Class Curricula and Petco Dog Training Apprentice Program were created by Fanna Easter, reviewed by an independent Board Certified Veterinarian Behaviorist and are updated annually so Petco Dog Trainers learn the most updated training methods, ideas and training principles. Easter is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT- KA), graduate of Karen Pryor Academy (KPA CTP), Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (ACDBC) and graduate of Purdue DOGS course. Key attributes of the program: Strong focus on learning and interpreting dog's body language to set a dog up to succeed. Encourages positive reinforcement for pet parents. Uses positive reinforcement training based on learning theory.

Other common training topics Loose leash walking is a common training challenge for many pet parents; however, it is fairly simple to teach. If your dog pulls, stop walking. When your dog stops pulling, walk forward. This is just like a game of "Red Light, Green Light." Dogs can be rewarded with treats when they do not pull. Treats can be viewed as your dog’s paycheck. Safely Approaching and Interacting with Dogs The first thing people need to understand is how to properly greet a dog. To approach a dog walking on a leash with their pet parent, Petco Certified Dog Trainers recommend that people follow the "SAFE" method: S – Stop, stand still, and turn sideways before getting close to the dog. A – Ask the pet parent for permission to pet the dog first. F – Fist, offer a closed fist for the dog to sniff while standing still. Allow the dog to approach you. If the dog is friendly, pet the dog under its chin. E – Exit slowly away from the dog by backing up, then walking away.

To avoid startling a dog, people should not run up to any unfamiliar dog or pet the animal on the top of the head or face. Using the "SAFE" method ensures that a dog has a moment to meet a person and approach them if they feel comfortable. If an unaccompanied dog approaches a person, they should "make like a tree" by standing as still as possible, keeping their hands by their sides or behind them, looking down at the ground and staying quiet. Dogs will most likely lose interest and walk away, but a person should stay in this position until they can no longer see the dog. It's important to never try to pet a dog that is running loose without a pet parent nearby. Loose Leash Walking Tips Because pet safety is our first priority, we require all pets being socialized in our dog training classes be current on their vaccinations. All required vaccinations must be administered at least 24 hours prior to your pets appointment. Vaccination requirements vary by state & city, please contact your local petco for details.