Pet Smart chains are rather autonomous in their training programmes. One might have very good trainers, another not. I visited my local one and was appalled at what I saw teenagers doing for training, Yes, they were the trainers. But my friend went to that very same one, got a different trainer and was very happy.
Ask questions of your potential trainer - what dog training theory do they employ? Do they like Operant Conditioning? Do they belong to
http://www.cappdt.ca/public/jpage/1/p/Home/content.do ? Can you go and observe a class before committing yourself? Are they experienced in working with a dog starting training at an older age? Do they like clickers? I'm not suggesting that all of these are musts but some would be nice and it gives you a chance to assess their background and training a bit.
And just to highlight the differences you can find in these stores.....
I definitely WOULD BUY a pet at my local store because they are all animals from local rescues that the store generously provides a venue for.