Exercise Finished Dog Training

Programs include 6–7 week group classes in Beginner Obedience (Level 1 & 2), Puppy Training (7 weeks, puppies start at 4 months), Canine Good Citizenship Prep, Rally Obedience Intro, Agility Foundation, Trick Training, and K9 Nose Work® (Intro 1, Intro 2, Odor 1, Odor 2). Prerequisites are required for advanced levels. Drop-in options available for obedience and rally. All classes require pre-registration via mailed application and deposit. CGC test is administered during the final week of prep class.

Pricing Summary

Class fees range from $150 to $170 for 5–7 week programs. Drop-in classes cost $15 per session. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required for pre-registration, refundable only if canceled with at least one week’s notice and a spot is filled. K9 Nose Work® includes free odor for enrolled students.

Policies

Pre-registration requires a $50 deposit, refundable only if cancellation occurs at least one week before class start and a replacement student fills the spot. If less than one week’s notice, deposit is forfeited unless the spot is filled. Weather-related cancellations are posted on Facebook and the answering machine. Refunds for checks may take weeks to process. No mention of rescheduling policies.

Exercise Finished Dog Training Center has been training people and their dogs since 1990, offering group classes in obedience, puppy training, rally obedience, agility, conformation, and K9 Nose Work®. Located in Chicopee, MA, the center provides structured, pre-registered classes with a motivational approach, using tools like clickers and homework booklets. They specialize in foundational and competitive training, with K9 Nose Work® taught by a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) with a BSc in Veterinary and Animal Science. Classes are held in a dedicated facility with separate areas for agility and obedience, and they maintain strict COVID-19 protocols including controlled access and social distancing. The center serves dogs of all ages and breeds, with programs tailored for family pets, competition preparation, and behavior confidence-building.

Their K9 Nose Work® program is particularly unique, offering a progressive curriculum from Intro 1 through Odor 2, with odor kits provided and no prior training required for beginners. They also offer Canine Good Citizenship prep and drop-in sessions for ongoing practice. The facility is on the second floor with no elevator, which may pose accessibility challenges.

While most reviews praise the trainers’ knowledge and effectiveness, some note inconsistent communication, slow refund processing, and loud environments that may not suit anxious dogs or owners with mobility or sensory sensitivities.

Accomplishments

Trainer Jennifer Brown, who teaches K9 Nose Work®, is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) through NACSW, holds a BSc in Veterinary and Animal Science from UMass, is working toward KPA-CTP and CBATI certifications, and has competed in K9 Nose Work® and Barn Hunt across 19 U.S. states and 3 countries. The business has been operating since 1990.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must download and mail a training application with a $50 deposit to the center’s address. Classes are limited and require pre-registration. For more information, callers must leave a message on the answering machine with class interest, dog’s age and breed, name, and phone number. Email inquiries are accepted at EFDTCInfo@aol.com.