Business Details
19 Years
experience
Professional Dog Training in Newtown, CT
Founded in 2007, we are a premier dog training facility dedicated to fostering harmonious relationships between dogs and their owners through science-based, positive reinforcement training. Our team of certified professionals holds the highest industry credentials, including the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and we remain the only facility in Northern Fairfield County with trainers who have passed this rigorous certification. We offer comprehensive programs tailored to individual needs, including private behavioral consultations, group obedience classes, and specialized service dog training.Our commitment to excellence extends beyond training through community initiatives like The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs, which supports local mental health advocacy. With decades of combined experience, we emphasize continuing education, attending workshops with leading experts, and refining techniques through hands-on practice with thousands of dogs. Our 3,000+ sq ft facility in Newtown, CT, provides a dedicated space for dogs to learn and thrive, while our structured programs ensure lasting results for puppies, advanced students, and dogs with behavioral challenges.
Services
Private Lessons
Group Classes
Service Dog Training
Behavioral Consultations
Puppy Training
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Our trainers hold the industry's highest certification through CCPDT.
- We offer personalized training programs for puppies, advanced dogs, and behavioral challenges.
- We pioneered Connecticut's first dedicated dog training facility.
- Our team includes AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluators and National Association of Canine Scent Work members.
- We founded The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs nonprofit for local mental health support.
Associations and certifications
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
What people say
Best trainer we've tried
Well-organized group classes
Dogs show remarkable progress
Expertise in behavioral issues
Lifelong training skills
Services
Private Lessons
Customized training sessions conducted in your home or our facility to address specific behavioral challenges. Our certified trainers develop personalized plans for issues like leash pulling, reactivity, or housebreaking. Sessions include hands-on guidance and follow-up support to ensure long-term success.
Group Classes
Structured classes for puppies and dogs of all skill levels, focusing on socialization and foundational commands. Programs include Puppy Kindergarten, Beginner Obedience, and Advanced Training to prepare dogs for the Canine Good Citizen certification. Classes promote consistency and confidence in real-world environments.
Service Dog Training
Specialized training for service dogs and support animals under The Exceptional Sidekick nonprofit. We prepare dogs to assist individuals with disabilities, following ADA guidelines. Services include task-specific training, public access preparation, and owner education for long-term partnership success.
Behavioral Consultations
Expert evaluations for dogs with severe anxiety, aggression, or fear-based behaviors. Our certified trainers identify root causes and implement science-based modification plans. Consultations include home environment analysis and ongoing support to improve safety and quality of life for pets and owners.
Puppy Training
Foundational training for puppies under five months, focusing on housebreaking, bite inhibition, and basic commands. Programs include Pup Preschool with home visits and group classes to establish lifelong learning habits. Early intervention prevents future behavioral issues through positive reinforcement techniques.
People
Abby Hill
Owner & Director
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and founder of The Exceptional Pet. Pioneer of Connecticut's first Rally competition achievements. AKC evaluator and National Association of Canine Scent Work member. Advocate for continuing education and service dog initiatives.
Donna McNerney
Service Dog Trainer
CCPDT-certified trainer specializing in reactive dogs and puppy socialization. Former daycare supervisor at Wags Doggie Daycare. Rescue advocate with experience in aggression management and owner education through hands-on training programs.
Sandy Lee
Obedience Instructor
CPDT-certified trainer with expertise in positive reinforcement methods. AKC CGC evaluator and Fit Dog instructor. Focuses on building lasting bonds through adventure-based training. Graduate of CATCH Canine Academy's professional program.
Kristen Alesevich
Behavior Specialist
CPDT-KA certified trainer with experience from Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Specializes in puppy development and service dog training. AKC evaluator committed to lifelong learning and community-based mental health support through The Exceptional Sidekick.
Questions
What certifications do your trainers hold?
All trainers are certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). We also have AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluators and members of the National Association of Canine Scent Work.
Do you offer service dog training?
Yes, we train service dogs through The Exceptional Sidekick nonprofit. Our programs follow ADA guidelines and include task-specific training for individuals with diagnosed disabilities.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, with in-home training available in Newtown and surrounding towns. Our facility is located at 3 Simm Lane, Newtown, CT 06470.
How do group classes work?
Our group classes focus on socialization and obedience training for puppies and adult dogs. Programs run in 6-week sessions and prepare dogs for the Canine Good Citizen certification test.
What training methods do you use?
We exclusively use positive reinforcement techniques based on scientific research. Our methods emphasize reward-based learning to build trust and long-term behavioral changes without fear or intimidation.
Can you help with aggressive dogs?
Yes, our certified trainers specialize in behavioral modification for aggression, fearfulness, and anxiety. We develop customized plans using science-based approaches to improve safety and quality of life.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Judy Jackson
Mar 22, 2022
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Best! I am so lucky to live so close to this facility. I could not have found a better training facility anywhere. Staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Both my dogs love their trainers! I'm a lifer!
Glenn Schietinger
Apr 20, 2021
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They are great here. Always able to answer your questions and give great advice. Very friendly. Made a big difference with my puppy Bear.
Sandra Lee
Jun 01, 2020
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Excellent trainers, friendly atmosphere, caring staff. Clean facility with parking. Trained my puppy through their High School program - and loved, loved their extra fun classes like pups around town and agility! Highly recommend.
Theresa Roy
Nov 18, 2018
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Abby has been a wealth of knowledge and very compassionate. As owner/trainer working with us (humans and dogs) she has an exceptional knowledge on what/how to train. Every Dog/ human can lean a new trick! The facility is huge, clean and set up well. I recommend her!
