Group Classes

COVID-19 UPDATE: We are working hard to keep everyone safe. In the event of a local increase of cases we have the right to implement a mask requirement for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation keeping everyone safe. Here is the latest information from the CGC in regards to your pets and COVID-19.

Signing up for group classes means that you are wanting to do the training and build a special bond with your dog. We will give you the skills to last a lifetime. You will learn how to train, how to read your dog’s body language, how to be an advocate for your dog, and how to have fun in the process!

Our hope is that we inspire you enough to training your dog until it can pass either the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test (well known) or the APDT C.L.A.S.S. Test (more suited for the real world) so that you will have a lifetime of fun with your dog. We as humans never stop learning and neither should your dog.


How to Sign Up

1) Create an account

2) Click here for our class schedule

3) If you are unsure about which class to sign up for email us at info@theexceptionalpet.com for guidance

4) Start having fun with your dog!


Obedience Classes:

Runs 50 minutes, once a week, for 6 weeks

Puppy Kindergarten

Your puppy will learn basic obedience and manners as well as complete the AKC Star Puppy Program. Open to all puppies 12 weeks – 5 months.

Are you overwhelmed with what to buy for your new puppy? We have some great suggestions for books, crates, toys, and all things puppy. Check out our New Puppy Shopping List

Elementary School

Do you have a new dog in your home? How about a dog who’s been there a while but could use a refresher course? Well then we have the class for you! Our Elementary School is a class for both dogs who need a beginner course in manners, and for dogs who have been around the block and might need some help remembering.

Middle School

Once you and your dog have learned the basics it’s time to put these skills into real life situations.  This class will get you on the right track to having your dog well behaved in public.  The opportunity to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen test is available after this class is completed.

High School

For an Exceptional Pet, a High School diploma is a must.
We will teach Rally skills as well as advanced behaviors such as: Moving Sit, Moving Down, Recall through Distractions, Heel passed Distractions, Stand for Exam/Grooming, Heel through Crowd, Reverse Heeling, Finish Heels and Extended Stays. All of these behaviors are useful in everyday life. The opportunity to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen or the AKC Canine Good Citizen Advanced test is available after this class is completed.


Drop in Classes

Reliable Recall

A Reliable Recall is the most important skill you can teach your dog. One in three pets will become lost at some point during their life.  Don’t let your dog become a statistic.  Join us for fun and games to teach a Reliable Recall to your dog.  All students and dogs should go through this class before finishing your dogs schooling. Preregistration Required

Loose Leash Walking

Don’t be the passenger on your dogs journey through the neighborhood.  Take back your walks with a special class just for loose leash walking. Preregistration Required

Obstacle Course

This obstacle course class will provide physical and mental exercise, as well as build confidence. Includes creative ideas to do at home when the weather isn’t appropriate for that daily walk. Preregistration Required


Confidence Building Classes

Reactive Rover

Does your dog loose their cool when there is another dog around?  Get stressed out easily?  Do you get embarrassed by your dogs behavior and feel judged by everyone you meet?  Welcome to the Reactive Dog Support Group.  Everyone will know exactly what the other person is going through as we work through your handling skills and your dogs stressors. All dogs MUST be approved by one of our instructors before signing up.  This is set up to keep a safe, encouraging and productive environment. We will follow much of Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed Program.

Scaredy Dog

Does your dog get stressed out easily?  Is he scared of everything that moves?  Are there Boogeymen around every corner.  Welcome to the Scaredy Dog Support Group.  All dogs MUST be approved by one of our instructors before signing up.  This is to keep a safe, encouraging and productive environment.


Specialty Classes

Crazy Canine 101

Want to train your dog while they are having the time of their lives?  Agility is a fantastic mental and physical exercise for just about every dog.  Prerequisite:  Sit, Down, Stay, Polite Leash Skills and Reliable Recall. Reactive dogs or dogs that bark frequently in a group session are not appropriate for this session.

Therapy Dog 101

For more information on our therapy dog classes click here.

Therapy dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and their most important characteristic is their temperament. They are friendly, patient, confident, gentle, and at ease with strangers. They provide unconditional acceptance and never fail to put smiles on the faces of children and adults.
Therapy Dog 101 will help you to get started in your therapy dog training. We will use these 6 weeks to teach useful skills needed for therapy dog visits. This includes exposing your dog to medical equipment and training behaviors like a “go visit” command.

Frolic with Fido

Games, tricks, obstacle course & more. Play fun training games while gaining a reliable focus and settle in a distracted environment. Increase confidence while playing on our obstacle courses. Win your team relay race while improving your loose leash walking and recall skills. Learn new tricks and fitness exercises to increase your dogs brain and physical activity. Each session and week will be unique. Designed to increase socialization, work comfortably around other dogs, advance your obedience skills, all while building a strong relationship and connection with Fido. All skills learned transfer into real life situations helping you and your dog live more harmoniously.

Crazy Canine 102

Enjoyed your first session of Crazy Canines? Would you like to continue to bond with your dog and build their confidence while learning new tricks and improving your agility skills? This session is for you! Participants will work towards their AKC Beginner and/or Intermediate Trick titles and expand their knowledge and speed in agility.

Therapy Dog 102

For more information on our therapy dog classes click here.

Therapy Dog 102 is a continuation from Therapy Dog 101. In this class we will take the skilled taught previously and apply them to real life scenarios. This class meets at different locations in and around Newtown. Please read through the prerequisites needed for this class.

Dogs Around Town

Take your skills on the road! Join our small group class at local dog friendly businesses and parks each week and put the skills you have learned in the center into real life situations. Work as a team to expand your skills with higher level distractions, socialization, and fun! 

Trick-Tastic

Tricks, Tricks, and more Tricks! Tricks are great ways to expand your dog’s repertoire and have fun learning! Fun will be had while we explore trick training. Our trainer is also an AKC Trick evaluator so you could earn some titles too!

AKC Rally

Sharpen your dogs obedience skills and behavior in public and at home! Have fun while you and your dog navigate a course of signs, like agility, but with obedience. Each sign provides instructions for the skills to be performed that transfer into real life situations. Spend time bonding with your dog, while increasing attention, focus, and impulse control.