Is Petco or Petsmart Better for Dog Training?

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Can’t decide whether to choose Petco or PetSmart?

If you’re a dog training newbie, I’m sure you’ve heard or read about these two popular pet store chains.

Both offer dog training classes. But which one is right for you?

Training needs to begin soon after you bring your new puppy or dog home, but many owners, especially first-time puppy owners, should consider pet training classes with a professional dog trainer from the start.

Most dog training programs now use the positive reinforcement method, as research has proven this to be the most effective.

Next, you’ll want to consider:

Your budget (both time and money)
The age of your dog (determines which training classes are available to him/her)
And the trainer’s certification, if any.

There are many places to find dog training classes, from large pet store chains to private trainers to even your local Humane Society. Online dog training classes are also becoming increasingly popular, though many pet parents still prefer in-person training with a local dog trainer.

But if you still prefer to go with a large store chain like Petco or PetSmart, you’ve come to the right place.

To help you choose the best training classes for you and your dog, we’ve compiled a comparison between group dog training classes at retail stores Petco and Petsmart.

Petco Dog Training

Founded in San Diego County, California, Petco is one of the largest pet retail chains in the U.S. with approximately 1,500 stores nationwide. With a retail store in every state, Petco offers in-group, private, and even online dog training for many of their locations.

Petco has a lot of shops in the United States. You can use their store locator here to find one near you.

Petco Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for specific answers to your questions? Here are some fast FAQs about Petco’s dog training classes:

Does Petco Train Puppies? Do They Train Older Dogs?

Yes. Petco is a well-known pet-focused retail store that offers a few basic obedience training classes for dogs ranging from puppies to older dogs.

Petco offers specialized and private lessons for all ages as well, be it through online or in-person. Check out their dog training classes here.

Petco Group Training Classes Cost How Much?

As of 2025, Petco’s in-store group training classes cost $149 for all levels.

On the other hand, Petco’s online group training classes cost $129, both for puppies and adults.

What Do Petco Training Classes Teach?

Petco’s puppy training classes focus on typical puppy behavior problems and how to handle them, as well as the importance of socialization and routine. The adult classes are more obedience-focused, but also include tips on handling common behavior issues and even fun games to help entertain your dog!

How Long Are Petco Training Classes?

Petco group training classes are usually 1-hour long sessions, spread over six weeks. On the other hand, Petco one-on-one dog training sessions are generally 45-minutes long. The number of sessions depend on which Petco dog training package you choose, which can range from 1 introductory class to a six-week program.

How Old is Your Dog? Petco Training Classes by Age

You can enroll your dog at a Petco dog training class as early as 8 weeks old. Petco dog training classes are divided into categories, depending on the level and age of your dog.

See the table below for a more detailed comparison of Petco dog training classes.

Are Petco Trainers Certified?

Yes! Petco trainers are AKC-certified and Canine Good Citizen evaluators. Petco offers the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test in their puppy course bundles. In the adult bundles, they offer the AKC Canine Good Citizen class and test.

Petco Dog Training Classes and Packages 2025

Here’s a breakdown of all Petco dog training services as of 2025:

A: In-Store Group Classes

Level	Age	Price	Inclusions
Puppy	8 to 16 weeks old	$149	6-week classes that includes potty training, etc.
Beginner	16 weeks to 6 months old	$149	6-week classes that reinforces the basics, plus includes tricks, loose-leash walking, etc.
Fundamentals	6+ months old	$149	6-week classes that reinforces the basic skills mentioned above, plus managing unwanted behavior
Advanced	6+ months old	$149	6-week classes that includes more advanced tricks/cues, distraction training, etc.

B. In-Store Private

Level	Age	Price	Inclusions
Private Lesson 101	All Ages	$39	45-minute intro class to discuss your dog's unique needs, custom recommendations, etc., for new customers only
Private Lessons (I)	All Ages	$249	4 sessions of customized training plan
Private Lessons (II)	All Ages	$329	6 sessions of customized training plan

C. Online Classes

Level	Price	Inclusions
Puppy Basics	$129	4 sessions of group class (up to 6 participants) of basic cues and behaviors, such as potty training and recall
Adult Basics	$129	4 sessions of group class (up to 6 participants) of reinforcing cues and behaviors, such as leash training and enrichment activities

D. AKC Training Package

Level	Age	Price	Inclusions
AKC Essentials Package	8 weeks to 6 months old	$249	6-week puppy group class, 6-week beginner group class, AKC Star Puppy Test
AKC Complete Package	6 months old	$249	6-week fundamentals group class, 6-weeks advanced group class or AKC Canine Good Citizen Group Class, AKC Canine Good Citizen Test

Petsmart Dog Training

Another pet retail giant, Petsmart has over 1,660 locations in North America with its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. Many of these locations offer dog training services. According to their website, Petsmart provides a whopping 420,000 dog training sessions annually.

Petsmart offers a variety of dog training packages ranging from puppy training to advanced classes. As of 2025, Petsmart dog training classes range from a $20 mini session featuring a potty training seminar to an $355 premium package which includes pretty much everything from basic to advanced skills.

Petsmart Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for specific answers to your questions? Here are some fast FAQs about Petsmart’s dog training classes:

How Long Are Petsmart Group Training Classes?

Petsmart offers a variety of dog training programs, ranging from one-time, 1 hour-long group workshops up to 18-week classes. They even offer specialty long-term courses on various topics you may want or need to pursue with your dog!

They also offer a 30-minute virtual dog training session. You can choose from their one-time intro class up to an 8-session program.

Petsmart Group Training Classes Cost How Much?

Petsmart currently offers the least expensive group classes in retail stores, ranging from approximately $20-25 for a 1 hour group class to $149 for a 6-week training course.

Petsmart also provide packages that lets you select 2-3 types of dog group training classes. Their most complete package is at $355, which is an 18-week training program that teaches everything from potty training to advanced skills.

Which Petsmart Classes Are For Puppies?

There is only one 6-week puppy obedience course offered at Petsmart, but after completion, puppies can continue to the adult dog training classes like the ones I mentioned above.

Petsmart Puppy Training classes are for puppies between 10 weeks and 5 months old, focusing on basic obedience skills, as well as socialization and handling common puppy behaviors. There are also 1-hour group classes like Potty Training and StartSmart^TM Training Workshops where you can learn about potty training, crate training, socialization and vet / groomer visit tips.

What Do Petsmart Group Dog Training Classes Teach?

The puppy course is similar to Petsmart’s beginner adult training class for dogs over 5 months old, but the adult beginner course focuses more on impulse control and other behaviors an older, untrained dog may have developed.

After completing one of these 6-week beginner courses, owners can move on to intermediate classes, then advanced training courses.

These courses focus on increasing the speed and reliability of the learned behaviors and commands.

What Additional Group Training Classes Does Petsmart Offer?

Petsmart also offers focused group classes to meet a variety of needs. The only focused course without a prerequisite is the Stress Less^TM Training to help dogs with separation anxiety and other anxious behaviors. Petsmart’s Stress Less^TM Training is also the only 3-week long training–the rest of the focused training programs are 6 weeks long.

Dogs who have completed Puppy or Beginner training can move on to Trick Training to continue building a bond between humans and their dogs. Once they have completed the Intermediate training class, dogs can complete Brain Games^TM Training, a 6-week program teaching humans various games to play with their dogs that increases mental stimulation and helps with hyperactive and bored dogs. Finally, dogs who have completed Advanced training can continue with Therapy Dog training and learn the skills necessary to complete Therapy Dog Evaluation.

To learn more about each Petsmart class (and current pricing), check out Which Training Class is Right for My Dog?

Petsmart Dog Training Classes and Packages 2025

Here’s a breakdown of all Petsmart dog training services as of 2025:

A: Core Classes

Level	Age	Price	Inclusions
Puppy Training	10 weeks to 5 months old	$149	6-week intro class that teaches basic skills, communication, socialization, etc.
Beginner Training	5+ months	$149	6-week class that includes communication skills and addressing common unwanted behaviors
Intermediate Training	5+ months	$149	6-week class that reinforces foundational behaviors and teaches more advanced skills
Advanced Training	5+ months	$149	6-week class that teaches more complex skills and helps dogs become more reliable in real-life situations

B. Petsmart Dog Training Packages

Level	Age	Price	Inclusions
Fundamental Package	Puppy to Early Adulthood	$249	2-class, 12-week package. Choose between Puppy or Beginner + Intermediate Class. Teaches basic skills, communication, and socialization.
Advanced Package	Early Adulthood	$249	2-class, 12-week package Intermediate Class. Teaches basic skills, communication, and socialization.
Premium Package	Puppy to Early Adulthood	$355	6 sessions of customized training plan

D. AKC Training Package

Level	Age	Price	Inclusions
AKC Essentials Package	8 weeks to 6 months old	$249	6-week puppy group class, 6-week beginner group class, AKC Star Puppy Test
AKC Complete Package	6 months old	$249	6-week fundamentals group class, 6-weeks advanced group class or AKC Canine Good Citizen Group Class, AKC Canine Good Citizen Test

So, Which is Better for Group Classes? Petco or Petsmart?

The ideal dog training classes for your pup will ultimately depend on the dog’s needs.

Are they an adult dog needing to work on obedience? Have they recently developed separation anxiety from a change in schedule or routine? Did you just get a new puppy who needs work on socialization and the basics?

Considering these questions, as well as your budget, how much time you can realistically dedicate to training (as well as the cost if you DON’T train), and desired trainer certifications, will determine the best group dog training classes for you and your favorite pet.

Petco and Petsmart Dog Training Classes Comparison

Dog Training Class	Cost	Petco or Petsmart?	Dog Age	Time Commitment	Required Classes	What You Will Learn
Puppy Level 1	$149	Petco	2-4 months	6 weeks	None	Typical puppy behavior problems and how to handle them, the importance of socialization and routine
Puppy Level 2	$149	Petco	2-4 months	6 weeks	Puppy Level 1	More typical puppy behavior problems and how to handle them, the importance of socialization and routine
Adult Level 1	$149	Petco	6 months and older	6 weeks	None	Mainly obedience, but also includes tips on handling common behavior issues and fun games to help entertain your dog
Adult Level 2	$149	Petco	6 months and older	6 weeks	Adult Level 1	More obedience, but also includes tips on handling common behavior issues and fun games to help entertain your dog
Separation Anxiety	$99	Petco	6 months and older	4 weeks	None	Proactive solutions to address separation anxiety and teach your dog how to be home alone and relax. Your dog will learn how to: – Relax when left alone – Calm themselves when stressed – Develop healthy routines
Puppy Essentials Package	$249	Petco	2-4 months	12 weeks	None	Includes any 2 classes, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test
Puppy Complete Package	$379	Petco	2-4 months	18 weeks	None	Includes Puppy Level 1, Puppy Level 2, and any 1 Adult class, 45 minute private session, and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test
Adult Essentials Package	$249	Petco	6 months and older	12 weeks	None	Includes Adult Level 1 and choice between Adult Level 2 or AKC Canine Good Citizen Class, and Adult AKC Canine Good Citizen Test
Adult Complete Package	$379	Petco	6 months and older	18 weeks	None	Includes Adult Level 1, Adult Level 2, AKC Canine Good Citizen Class, 45 minute private session, and AKC Canine Good Citizen Test
Puppy Beginner Training	$139	Petsmart	10 weeks-5 months	6 weeks	None	Basic obedience skills, as well as socialization and handling common puppy behaviors
Adult Beginner Training	$139	Petsmart	5 months and up	6 weeks	None	Impulse control and other behaviors an older, untrained dog may have developed
Potty Training Seminar	$20	Petsmart	All	1 hour	None	Potty training tips & techniques
StartSmart^TM Training Workshop	$25	Petsmart	All	1 hour	None	Crate training, potty training, socialization and vet / groomer visit tips
Stress Less^TM Training (Separation Anxiety)	$79	Petsmart	10 weeks and up	3 weeks	None	Ways to comfort your dog & get tips to help them feel more confident & secure
Trick Training	$139	Petsmart	All	6 weeks	Puppy or Adult Beginner Class	Fun tricks that continue building a bond between humans and their dogs
Intermediate Training	$139	Petsmart	All	6 weeks	Puppy or Adult Beginner Class	Reinforces and builds on foundational behaviors
Advanced Training	$139	Petsmart	All	6 weeks	Intermediate Training	Strengthens behaviors to provide faster and more consistent responses and reliability
Brain Games^TM	$139	Petsmart	All	6 weeks	Intermediate Training	Teaches humans various games to play with their dogs that increase mental stimulation and help with hyperactive and bored dogs

Petco vs PetSmart Beginner Group Dog Classes Comparison

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Is Petco or Petsmart Better for Dog Training?

Table of Contents

Petco Dog Training

Petco Frequently Asked Questions

Does Petco Train Puppies? Do They Train Older Dogs?