The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy^SM is an exciting new program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy^SM Program is an incentive program for loving dog owners who have taken the time to take their puppies through a basic training class.

Training classes teach you how to best communicate with your puppy. Organized training classes also provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs. In classes aimed at earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction, you’ll be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including housetraining, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training is a natural lead in to the AKC^® Canine Good Citizen^® Program.

When you complete a basic training class (Puppy K) with your puppy (up to 1 year old) your puppy is eligible to be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.

You'll attend PuppyK at least 6 weeks. 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. All dogs are welcome to participate in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program including purebreds and mixed breeds.

Your puppy will receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medal (for display or memento purposes; not suitable as a collar tag). You and your puppy will be listed in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records. In addition, so that you can continue learning, you’ll receive our AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package that includes:

A key component of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy^sm Program is a responsible owner. Our Canine Good Citizen^sm Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge is for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy^sm Program too. Responsibility should start the moment you decide to add a new dog or puppy to your family.

Basic Good Manners (Age 4 months - 1 year) - This class is designed for the beginner dog/handler with little or no formal obedience training. The goal is to give each handler a foundation in the basic principles of animal learning. This class will stress those commands that are necessary for a dog to be a great companion, in addition to common problems such as jumping up, pulling on their leash and coming when called. Strong dog attention will be stressed. Commands covered include: sit, down, stay, wait, watch me, let’s go, and off/leave it. Walking politely on leash using a “Let’s Go” command is taught instead of a strict heel.

Tricks- Must have completed Basic Obedience training and have some off leash/voice control of dog. Tricks to include, Play Dead, Roll Over, Jumping Through Hula-Hoop, Crawl, Hi Five, Wave, Go To Bed, Say Your Prayers, Dance and others. These tricks will be taken "on the road" at the end of class session to perform at local extended patient care facilities.

Rally - Rally is a sport in which the dog/handler team has to successfully complete a timed course of 12-22 stations which involve basic obedience commands. The object is to demonstrate a strong dog/handler bond and the dog’s willingness to work. The Basic level is on leash and the Advanced and Excellent levels are off leash.

Pet Therapy - There are many types of pet therapy and animal assisted therapy. This class will acquaint owners with these various types of therapy and the training necessary for both dog and handler. Successful completion of basic obedience training is a prerequisite. Completion of the Basic skills necessary to complete the Canine Good Citizen test are also helpful. Requirements to pass the Delta Pet Partners test will also be covered. Familiarization with scenarios encountered in pet therapy visits will be covered as well. Pet therapy is an excellent way for you and your dog to give to those who are lonely, aged or needing the comfort of unconditional love and acceptance.

Conformation Handling - If you want to learn the elements that will help you show your dog to their best in the conformation ring, this class is for you. Topics covered include:

Critiquing your dog's physical conformation, Understanding proper canine anatomy, Keeping your dog's attention, The stand for examination, Mental and Physical Conditioning of your dog, Ring procedure and protocol, Proper gaiting speed for your dog, Show ring gaiting patterns; the down and back; the triangle and the L, Courtesy turns, Free baiting and standing naturally.

Dog Training for Children - This class is offered for Children 6-12 years of age who want to train their dog or learn to interact and play with dogs appropriately. If the children do not own a dog, we will provide a well behaved, trained dog for them to work with. Parents are required to be in attendance.

Canine Good Citizen - This class is designed for those dogs that have completed an introductory course in obedience and know the material covered in the Basic Good Manners Class. Building on the lessons taught in Basic, this class will emphasize: performance of all commands with multiple distractions, stronger dog attention skills in the presence of distractions, interaction with other dog/handler teams, and longer stays with multiple distractions. AKC Canine Good Citizen Test will be administered during the final class.