AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Course
6 weeks, Once a Week, ~60 minute sessions
Only for puppies under 12 months
This 6-week course introduces the basics of training to you and your puppy and focuses on all the things every puppy and owner need to have a great start together.
S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible owner.
You’ll be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions and “mastery” of each item is not a requirement.
At the end of the course, the instructor will administer the American Kennel Club S.T.A.R. Puppy test.
For additional information, please visit the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy website.
Training and testing is broken into three categories:
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
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 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 (15 steps)
Walks by other people - Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away
Sits on command
Down on command
Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called
Reaction to Distractions - Distractions are presented 15-ft away
Stay on leash with another person