AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY

Who may participate?

All puppies, both purebred and mixed breed up to a year of age.   

Puppies must have had necessary immunizations, and owner will sign Responsible Dog Owners Pledge attesting to having the dog under the routine care of a Veterinarian.   

AKC Registered or PAL Numbers are acceptable.

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is a program developed by the American Kennel Club to help owners and their puppies to get a good start on their training.  It also helps promote responsible dog ownership.  Training classes will give good information on housetraining, practical skills and chewing among many others. After six weeks of classes, you and your puppy will participate in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test.  When you pass the test, you’ll be able to enroll in the AKC STAR Puppy Program.

This program will assist you in training your new puppy, helping make him/her a more successful member of your family.  It will also assist you in becoming a better more responsible pet owner.

Owner are required to maintain their puppy's health including vaccines and exams, and take the Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge.  They also plan for adequate exercise and play time, attend at least 6 CGC Classes, clean up after their puppy (have poop bags available), and have proper identification on their puppy.

The puppy must not show signs of aggression toward people or other dogs, accept a collar or harness, allow the owner to take away a toy or treat, and be held or hugged by the owner in a calm manner.

The puppy must also demonstrate that they will allow petting by someone other than the owner, allow grooming or brief exam, walk on a leash, walk past other people, sit and down when asked, come when called (on leash), react appropriately when distracted and stay calmly on leash while being held by someone other than the owner.

The S.T.A.R. Puppy Program prepares puppies to move on to CGC training.  “The skills in AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes are practical and functional. Teaching puppies to tolerate grooming, handling, and basic exams of the ears, feet, and mouth will result in well-mannered puppies that veterinarians are happy to see.”

There is complete information on the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy on the American Kennel Club Website at www.akc.org.