The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an exciting new program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start.
The Puppy Star program is apart of the Basic Manners classes held at Lil' Nell's Pet Salon in Walled Lake, Michigan and at the Westland Veterinary Hospital in Westland, Michigan. For the next start date, see the Basic Manners class.
20 Steps to Success
A STAR Puppy
S ocialization
T raining
A ctivity
R esponsibility
OWNER BEHAVIORS:
1. Maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy) 2. Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge 3. Owner describes adequate daily play and exercise plan 4. Owner and puppy attend at least 6 classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator 5. Owner brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy 6. Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy-collar tag, etc.
PUPPY BEHAVIORS:
7. Free of aggression toward people during at least 6 weeks of class 8. Free of aggression toward other puppies in class 9. Tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice 10. Owner can hug or hold puppy (depending on size) 11. Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy
PRE-CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® TEST BEHAVIORS:
12. Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner 13. Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet) 14. Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps) 15. Walks by other people-Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away 16. Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure 17. Down on command-Owner may use a food lure 18. Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called 19. Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away 20. Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)
How to Get Started
You and your puppy will attend the Basic Dog Manners class.Michael will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test at the end of the course (testing is free for students & will be held on the last night of class).
Upon passing the test, you'll receive an application to send to AKC® for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. All dogs (up to 1 year of age) 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 the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package that includes:
A beautiful, framable certificate designating your puppy is in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records at AKC
AKC Puppy Handbook, a valuable resource
Discount to enroll in AKC Companion Animal Recovery Corporation, a 24-hour recovery service
Ongoing Monthly Email Newsletter: Your AKC. This includes training tips and up-to-date information every dog owner needs to know. We want you and your puppy to continue learning beyond puppy classes.
So let's get started on your puppy's education to becoming a STAR Puppy. Register below.
