10/12/2026
***AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY CLASS***
Who’s In?
I could start the 6 week class Tuesday evenings 10/20 through 11/22 6:30-7:30PM. The last class would need to be on Monday night 11/23.
Age Limit: Dogs must be under 1 year old to participate and take the test.
What is AKC S.T.A.R. puppy classes?
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is a foundational training and socialization program created by the American Kennel Club to help new dog owners and their puppies get off to a great start.
The acronym S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility.
Program Overview
• Eligibility: Open to puppies up to one year old, including both purebreds and mixed breeds.
* Format: A six-week basic training course led by an AKC-Approved Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator.
* The Test: At the end of the course, puppies are evaluated on a 20-step test covering basic manners (such as coming when called, sitting, and walking on a leash) and comfort with handling.
* Rewards & Title: Upon passing, owners receive a certificate, a medal, and the option to record S.T.A.R. Puppy as an official title on the dog's AKC record.
1. Owner Behaviors (Responsibility)
• Health and Care: Maintaining proper vaccinations, regular veterinary exams, and overall puppy wellness.
• Pledge: Signing and committing to the AKC Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge.
• Exercise Plan: Designing and describing an adequate daily play and exercise routine.
• Identification & Cleanup: Obtaining proper puppy identification (collar tag/microchip) and bringing waste cleanup bags to every class.
• Attendance: Completing at least 6 instructor-led class sessions.
2. Puppy Behaviors (Temperament & Handling)
• Non-Aggression: Remaining free of any aggression toward people or other puppies throughout the course.
• Handling & Tolerance:
• Tolerating a collar or body harness.
• Allowing the owner to hug or hold the puppy.
• Permitting the owner to take away a toy or treat without snapping or growling.
• Allowing basic handling of ears and feet (such as during nail-clipping demos).
3. Pre-CGC Training Skills (Obedience & Manners)
• Socialization: Safely exposing the puppy to new people, other dogs, and novel environments.
• Petting by Strangers: Allowing a friendly stranger to pet and examine the puppy.
• Leash Walking: Walking on a leash in a straight line and passing other people smoothly.
• Core Commands:
• Sit on command.
• Lie down on command.
• Come when called (recall from a distance of about 5 feet).
• Distraction & Stay: Remaining calm around a sudden distraction (like a dropped chair) and staying on leash with another person while the owner walks a short distance away.
4. Owner Guidance & Problem-Solving
In addition to hands-on obedience, classes provide direct coaching from an AKC-Approved Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator on common puppy challenges, including:
• Housebreaking (housetraining)
• Nipping and chewing
• Managing energy and mental stimulation
• Preparing for the full AKC Canine Good Citizen Program.
Cost $175
