What PetSmart offers for dog training

PetSmart runs training classes at most of its store locations through a division called PetSmart Training. The program offers group classes, private lessons, and board-and-train programs where your dog stays at the facility. Classes cover basic obedience, puppy socialization, and specific behaviors like leash walking or aggression management. Pricing and class availability vary by location, so you will need to contact your nearest PetSmart store or visit their training website to see what is offered near you.

The trainers at PetSmart Training are employees of the company, not independent contractors. They complete PetSmart's internal training program, though the depth and consistency of that training varies. Unlike some training facilities that specialize in one method, PetSmart uses a range of approaches depending on the class or trainer. This means the experience you get depends partly on which location you use and which trainer leads your class.

Key Takeaways

  • PetSmart Training offers group classes, private one-on-one lessons, and board-and-train programs at most store locations, with pricing that differs by location and program type.
  • Group classes typically run for four to six weeks and cost between $100 and $300 total, though prices vary widely depending on your area.
  • Private lessons are usually charged per session, ranging from $50 to $150 per hour depending on the trainer and location.
  • Board-and-train programs cost significantly more — often $1,000 to $3,000 or higher — because your dog stays at the facility for one to four weeks.
  • You can find class schedules and pricing by calling your local PetSmart store's training department or checking their website for your zip code.

Group classes: structure, topics, and cost

PetSmart Training's group classes are held at the store and typically meet once per week for four to six weeks. Class size varies but usually includes four to eight dogs. The curriculum covers foundation skills in the basic classes — sit, down, stay, come, and loose-leash walking — and moves into more specialized topics like impulse control or fear management in intermediate and advanced levels.

Puppy classes are separate and designed for dogs under six months old. These focus on socialization, basic commands, and house-training foundations rather than advanced obedience. Puppy class sizes are often smaller to reduce stress on young dogs.

Cost for group classes typically ranges from $100 to $300 for the full session, though this varies significantly by location and class level. Some PetSmart locations charge per class rather than per session, which can be useful if you want to try one class before committing to the full course. You usually pay upfront or at the first class, and most locations do not refund if you drop out partway through, though policies differ.

Private lessons: one-on-one training with a PetSmart trainer

Private lessons are conducted between you, your dog, and a single trainer, either at the PetSmart store or sometimes at your home. These are useful if your dog has behavioral issues that need individual attention, if your dog is anxious in group settings, or if you want to work on a specific problem like jumping or reactivity to other dogs.

Private lessons are usually sold in packages of four, six, or eight sessions. Each session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Pricing per session generally ranges from $50 to $150 depending on your location, the trainer's experience level, and whether the lesson is at the store or in your home (home visits often cost more). Some locations offer single sessions if you want to assess the trainer before buying a package.

The trainer will usually ask you to describe the behavior you want to address and may observe your dog before the first lesson to develop a plan. Unlike group classes, private lessons are customized to your dog's specific issues, but you are also responsible for practicing between sessions — the trainer cannot train your dog without your involvement.

Board-and-train programs: what happens when your dog stays

PetSmart's board-and-train program is a residential training option where your dog stays at the facility for one to four weeks while trainers work with them daily. This is the most intensive option and the most expensive. It is often chosen by owners whose dogs have significant behavioral problems, dogs that need extensive socialization, or owners who do not have time for weekly classes and home practice.

During the stay, your dog receives multiple training sessions per day and lives at the facility. You typically visit once or twice during the program to learn how to maintain the training once your dog comes home. The facility provides food, water, and housing, though the quality and conditions vary by location.

Cost for board-and-train programs typically starts at $1,000 and can reach $3,000 or higher depending on the length of stay, the specific behaviors being addressed, and your location. A one-week program is usually less expensive than a four-week program. Some locations offer payment plans. You should ask what happens if your dog does not progress as expected — some programs offer a partial refund or extension, while others do not.

One important limitation: the training your dog receives at the facility may not transfer smoothly to your home if you do not practice consistently after pickup. Board-and-train works best when the owner commits to reinforcing the training at home.

How PetSmart training methods compare to other approaches

PetSmart Training does not use a single, uniform training philosophy across all locations. Some trainers use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play), some use aversive methods (corrections, leash jerks), and some use a combination. This inconsistency is a key difference from specialized training facilities that commit to one method throughout their organization.

If you have a preference for a specific training approach — for example, if you want only positive reinforcement or if you prefer balanced training — you should ask your local PetSmart Training center which methods their trainers use before enrolling. The trainer's individual style matters as much as the company's general approach.

PetSmart Training is also a retail business first and a training business second. The trainers are employees, not independent specialists who chose training as their primary career. This can mean lower cost than independent trainers, but it can also mean less specialized informed for complex behavioral problems.

What to expect during your first class or lesson

For group classes, you will typically arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to check in and let your dog acclimate to the space. The trainer will ask basic questions about your dog's age, training history, and any behavioral concerns. Bring your dog on a standard collar or harness with a leash — retractable leashes are usually not permitted in group classes because they make it harder to manage dogs in close proximity.

Bring high-value treats that your dog loves, as these are used as rewards during training. The trainer will demonstrate commands and techniques, then guide you through practicing them with your dog. You will be expected to practice at home between classes — most trainers emphasize that the class is only one or two hours per week, and the real learning happens in the 165 other hours.

For private lessons, the first session is often a consultation where the trainer observes your dog and listens to your goals. Bring the same supplies — leash, collar, treats — and be ready to describe the specific behaviors you want to change. The trainer will explain their plan and what you need to do at home to support the training.

Cancellation, refund, and enrollment policies

PetSmart Training's cancellation and refund policies vary by location. Most locations require you to cancel at least 24 to 48 hours before a class to receive a credit or refund, though some have stricter policies. If you miss a class, you may be able to attend a makeup session in a later session, but this is not may provide and depends on your location's policy.

For group classes, if you drop out partway through, most locations do not refund the remaining classes. Some will allow you to transfer to a different class level or session if one is available. For private lesson packages, policies on unused sessions also vary — some locations will refund unused sessions if you cancel within a certain timeframe, while others will not.

Before enrolling, ask your local PetSmart Training center for their specific cancellation and refund policy in writing. Policies are not standardized across locations, and what applies at one store may not explore at another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PetSmart Training work with aggressive dogs?

PetSmart Training does offer classes and private lessons for dogs with aggression or reactivity issues, but the level of informed varies by trainer and location. Some trainers are experienced with aggression; others are not. Before enrolling, describe your dog's specific aggression (lunging, snapping, biting) to the training center and ask whether they have trainers who specialize in that behavior. If your dog has bitten someone, ask directly whether they will work with your dog.

Can I watch my dog's board-and-train training?

Most PetSmart Training locations allow you to visit during the board-and-train program, usually once or twice during the stay. You will typically observe a training session and learn how to reinforce the commands at home. Some locations have specific visiting hours; others schedule visits by appointment. Ask about this policy when you enroll.

What if my dog does not learn the commands during class?

Dogs learn at different speeds, and some do not progress as quickly as others in a group setting. If your dog is not catching on, talk to the trainer about whether a private lesson would be a better fit, or whether repeating the class would help. Most trainers will not automatically move your dog to the next level if they have not mastered the current one, but policies vary.

How long do the skills from PetSmart Training last?

Training skills fade if you do not practice them. Most trainers recommend continuing to practice commands and behaviors at home for at least 10 to 15 minutes per day after class ends. If you stop practicing, your dog will likely forget or regress within weeks or months. Some owners enroll in follow-up classes or private lessons to maintain progress.

Can I use PetSmart Training if my dog is not yet vaccinated?

Most PetSmart Training locations require proof of current vaccinations (rabies and DHPP) before your dog can attend group classes or board-and-train programs. Puppies typically need at least one set of vaccinations before enrollment. Ask your local training center about their specific vaccination requirements, as policies can differ slightly by location.