Group Dog Training
Group dog training in Newtown
Benefits of Group Dog Training: For the Dogs
- Dogs experience controlled exposure to new people, dogs, environments, sounds, surfaces, etc., under the guidance of a highly trained facilitator.
- Dogs learn how to be comfortable around other dogs without having to interact with them.
- Dogs practice responding to their person while other dogs, people, sounds, and activity are nearby.
- Dogs learn to adapt to changing environments and experiences with greater confidence.
- Dogs learn that cues such as sit, stay, recall, and loose-leash walking apply in various settings.
Benefits of Group Dog Training: For Their People
- Dog parents learn to better understand their dog’s body language, behavior, and individual needs.
- Dog parents receive hands-on coaching and immediate feedback.
- Dog parents gain valuable insights by watching other dogs and pet parents learn, practice, and work through common training challenges.
- Dog parents develop practical training techniques they can confidently use at home and in everyday situations.
- Dog parents benefit from the structure and accountability of regular classes, helping them stay consistent with training and practice between sessions.
- Dog parents enjoy flexible class offerings on weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
Our Most Popular Group Training Classes
Puppy Kindergarten
he perfect way to build confidence and socialization skills, Puppy Kindergarten lays important foundations for good manners and everyday behavior, including play etiquette, bite inhibition, and basic obedience such as sit, down, and stay.
Puppy kindergarten classes meet once per week. Because the class is designed for puppies during key developmental periods, puppies must be between 12 weeks and 5 months old at the start of the class to participate. Older dogs are encouraged to enroll in our Elementary School class.
Elementary School
Designed to boost confidence and teach manners and important skills, our Elementary School class is similar to our Puppy Kindergarten class but designed for dogs over 6 months old, taking their development to the next level.
Elementary School classes meet once a week and cover key basic commands, including sit, down, stay, focus, and leave-it. The class addresses common behaviors such as pulling on the leash, jumping, and mouthing, while dogs and their people continue building confidence and communication.
Middle School
The dogs that participate in our Middle School classes have a strong foundation in manners and everyday behaviors. Now, they are ready to practice their skills in more challenging real-life situations.
Middle School classes meet once per week and focus on skills dogs can apply when in public, including being petted by a stranger, walking through crowds, watching from a distance, and going to bed or settling. Many dogs can pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test after completing this class.
High School
Because we are so passionate about learning and education, we believe that dogs who put in the effort to complete earlier classes deserve to earn a high school diploma; our High School class gives them that opportunity and more.
High School classes meet once per week and allow dogs and their humans to master their skills while taking on additional challenges, including greater distractions, increased distance and duration, and more complex exercises, all while working toward that well-earned diploma.
Group & Private Training Packages
Pup Preschool
- One 6-week group class
- Two private lessons
- Unlimited text and email support
Gifted Program
- Three 6-week group classes
- Three private lessons
- Unlimited text and email support
Ivy League
- Three 6-week group classes
- Four private lessons in your home
- Three private lessons outside your home
- Unlimited text and email support
Group Dog Training Success Story
"I cannot say enough great things about our experience with The Exceptional Pet in Newtown. Cash and I have been training here for over a year and a half, and the transformation has been incredible. Thanks to the specialized classes we took—specifically the Impulse Control and Recall classes—Cash has become so obedient and such a beautiful, well-behaved part of our family. One of our biggest wins has been Cash's behavior at home; he has learned how to be calm and respectful around our kids, which has made our whole house so much more peaceful. Working with Sandy is the absolute highlight of our journey. The way she walks you through each step and gives personalized feedback is done really well and is so helpful. She has an amazing way of teaching that really resonates with both the dogs and their owners. Cash and I love working with her—her expertise and support have truly helped us build a deep connection and a level of trust I didn’t know was possible. If you’re looking for a place that makes training enjoyable while getting real results, I highly recommend The Exceptional Pet. Thank you, Sandy, for helping us become such a team!"
Teresa K | Kash