AKC S.T.A.R Puppy
The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a great start and is open to all dogs, purebred or mixed, that are old enough to have completed necessary vaccinations. It is an award (not a title) and therefore it will not show up on an AKC registered dog's title record. However, all dogs who earn the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction will be listed in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records at AKC.
Goals of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program include:
Provide socialization to puppies
Provide basic training to puppies
Teach owners about the appropriate amount of exercise (or activity) for their puppy
Teach owners how to be responsible dog owners
Registration not open or available classes or times don’t work for you? Get on the wait list to be notified of future offerings.
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 during at least 6 weeks of class
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 (15 steps)
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 on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)