About Exceptional Pet Dog Training Center

A dedicated training center

The Exceptional Pet Dog Training, LLC runs a fully matted training facility of 3000+ square feet at 3 Simm Lane on Route 25 in Newtown. It offers private behavioral consultations and training throughout northern Fairfield County, plus group obedience classes for puppies, beginners and advanced students. Owner Abby Hill, CPDT-KA, has competed and placed nationally in AKC Rally and Obedience and founded The Exceptional Sidekick, a nonprofit that provides psychiatric service dogs to teens and young adults.

Trainers

The team includes Donna McNerney (CPDT-KA, CATCH Certified Dog Trainer), Sandy Lee (CPDT-KA, AKC Fit Dog instructor, who practices only positive reinforcement) and Kristen Alesevich (CPDT-KA, formerly a regional coordinator at Guiding Eyes for the Blind).

Programs

Packages combine private lessons with group classes. Pup Preschool includes 2 private lessons and a 6-week group class; the Gifted Program includes 3 private lessons and three 6-week sessions; the Ivy League Program includes 7 private lessons and three 6-week sessions, with graduates learning 10-12 commands. Group classes run from Puppy Kindergarten (under 5 months) and Elementary School through Middle School and High School, preparing many dogs for the Canine Good Citizen test. Private lesson packs of 3, 7 or 10 cover issues such as reactivity, leash pulling, fearfulness and anxiety. Day training, board and train and service dog training are also offered.

What to ask

Ask for package pricing and the current class schedule.