All dogs are welcome to participate in the
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program
including purebreds and mixed breeds.
AKC Star Puppy Certification
When you complete this basic training class (taught by one of our AKC Approved CGC Evaluator) your puppy is eligible to be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.
Your puppy must have attended a prior puppy or basic course and be less than 1 year old.
AKC S.T.A.R.
PUPPY PROGRAM
S OCIALIZATION
T RAINING
A CTIVITY
R ESPONSIBILITY
OWNER BEHAVIORS:
- Maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)
- Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge
- Owner describes adequate daily play and exercise plan
- Owner and puppy attend at least 6 classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator
- Owner brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy
6. Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy-collar tag, etc.
PUPPY BEHAVIORS:
- Free of aggression toward people
- Free of aggression toward other puppies in class
- Tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice
- Owner can hug or hold puppy (depending on size)
- Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy
PRE-CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® TEST BEHAVIORS:
- Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner
- Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)
- Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line
- Walks by other people-Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away
- Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure
- Down on command-Owner may use a food lure
- Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called
- Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away
- Stay quietly on leash with another person
If your dog is over 1 year old and has attended prior training classes, our Canine Good Citizen course will prepare you for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
Your instructor will administer the AKC S.T.A.R.Puppy test at the end of the course. Upon passing the test, you'll get an application to send to AKC® for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.
