AKC S.T.A.R. Program for Puppies

First Puppy S.T.A.R. Class in 2024.

Puppy S.T.A.R. Graduates 2024

AHHH PUPPIES…..

No matter what they look like or where they came from they all have two things in common; they all are cute, and they all have their monster moments.  But you are not alone! Puppy Kindergarten can help you begin taming that wild beast.

Puppy Kindergarten is the most important class you could ever take with your dog.  This class focuses on positive play sessions that will help socialize your dog during this most impressionable age.  Socialization now will help keep your dog from becoming timid or aggressive towards other dogs or people and gives them self confidence.  Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone took their new puppy to Kindergarten?

As well as focusing on socialization, Puppy Kindergarten begins basic obedience: sit, down, stay come, no bite and heel.  Topics such as house training and crate training are covered.  the instructor will work with you individually to help you solve problems specific to your puppy.

STAR Puppy Graduates
STAR Puppy Graduates
STAR Puppy Graduates
STAR Puppy Graduates
STAR Puppy Graduates May 2015
STAR Puppy Graduates May 2015

Puppies age is 10 weeks-5 months.

Up-to-date vaccinations are required for this class.

The cost for this class is $100 for the first dog, and $90 if you’ve taken a class with us before.

At the American Kennel Club®, we’re not just champion dogs. We’re the dogs’ champion—all dogs. We believe that all dogs deserve training and a responsible owner and our goal is to reward responsible dog ownership.

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 AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Program is an incentive program for loving dog owners who have taken the time to take their puppies through a basic training class.

The Benefits of Training

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.

How It Works

When you complete a basic training class (taught by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator) 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 any puppy or basic training class 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 beautiful, frameable 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.


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