Exceptional Pet Dog Training Center
Service area: Serves Northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, including Newtown and Danbury, with classes held at their facility on Route 25 and at Wags Doggie Daycamp in Danbury.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
- Day Training
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Terriers
- Doodles
- Brachycephalic
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Training programs include private lessons and group classes structured in levels: Puppy Kindergarten (12–5 months), Elementary (beginners), Middle (public manners), High School (advanced skills). Specialty classes include Reactive Rover, Scaredy Dog, Therapy Dog 101/102, Crazy Canine 101/102, Agility, Tricks, Rally, and Dogs Around Town. Programs combine private and group sessions with unlimited email/text support. Graduation goals include AKC CGC or APDT C.L.A.S.S. certification. Board & Train and Day Training options available for intensive needs.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing is structured through packages: Pup Preschool (2 private + 6 group classes), Gifted Program (3 private + 3 group classes), Ivy League Program (7 private + 3 group classes). Group classes are available in packages with $50 savings. Private lessons and group classes require preregistration. Specific pricing not listed publicly; contact for details.
Policies
Preregistration required for all group classes and drop-in sessions. Dogs must be approved by instructors for Reactive Rover and Scaredy Dog classes to ensure safety. Classes are held in a controlled environment with structured protocols. No explicit cancellation policy stated, but registration is managed via online portal.
Testimonials
We have taken both of our dogs to The Exceptional Pet and it’s been wonderful. We (our dogs included) really like their training method, heavily focused on positive reinforcement. I also really love that their trainers adapt based on your dog’s personality and breed traits and work with you to make sure your dog is successful with their program. We’ve taken classes with Donna and Sandy – they have both been absolutely fantastic, and truly have a gift for working with and understanding dogs!
– Client
German Shepherds have a naturally protective nature — it’s part of their DNA. Our Misha, a white German Shepherd, was no exception, and it was very important for us to help him develop positive social skills and friendliness toward people and different environments. Since he was 2.5 months old, we enrolled him in Exception Pets’ Socialization Class… Donna and Sandy provide great insights into dog behavior and help both pets and owners understand each other better. Thanks to their guidance, Misha is growing up to be a very well-socialized and happy dog.
– Client
We have been working with The Exceptional Pet/Sandy to train our Black Labrador Luna for 3 years now!… Sandy is wonderful.. she is patient, loves Luna like her own, and incredibly approachable about training, tips, and the overall wellbeing of your dog. I can’t say enough about the different training opportunities we have had from basic obedience, loose leash walking, dogs around town, tricks, and therapy work.
– Client
About the Trainer
Exceptional Pet Dog Training Center is a certified dog training facility serving Northern Fairfield County for 25 years, offering private behavioral consultations and group obedience classes for puppies, adolescents, adults, and senior dogs. Their trainers are CPDT-certified, ensuring ethical and science-based training methods focused on positive reinforcement. The center features a fully matted, temperature-controlled 3,000+ square foot facility with Max 2000 equipment, and also offers classes at a second location in Danbury. They provide a wide range of programs including Puppy Kindergarten, Obedience levels (Elementary to High School), Reactive Rover, Scaredy Dog, Therapy Dog, Agility, Tricks, Rally, and Dogs Around Town. They also offer Day Training and Board & Train options. The business supports local charities and partners with The Exceptional Sidekick for service dog programs. Clients praise the trainers’ adaptability, patience, and ability to tailor training to breed and personality traits.
They emphasize lifelong learning for both dogs and owners, with goals including AKC Canine Good Citizen and APDT C.L.A.S.S. certification. Their programs include unlimited text/email support, in-home and facility-based lessons, and real-world practice in public settings. They also offer a New Puppy Shopping List resource and host special events like holiday parties and obstacle courses.
The center is proud to be Fairfield County’s only dedicated dog training facility and has won the 2017 Philanthropy Award for community support.
Accomplishments
CPDT-certified trainers; 25 years in business; Fairfield County’s only dedicated dog training facility; 2017 Philanthropy Award recipient for community donations to NewArts, Newtown High School programs, Newtown Animal Control, Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, Because4Paws, Danbury Animal Welfare Society, and ROAR.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients can review class schedules and register via the online portal. For private lessons or program packages, contact by phone or email to discuss needs and begin placement. Dogs requiring behavior modification (e.g., reactivity, fear) must first be approved by an instructor.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
Associations
- AKC
- APDT
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Dog day care center
- Pet supply store
Location
3 Simm Ln, Newtown, CT 06470Listing Tools for Trainers
For Exceptional Pet Dog Training Center Only
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