STAR Puppy has arrived!

I wanted to provide details about the AKC's newest Canine Good Citizen Program: STAR Puppy. As a Canine Good Citizen evaluator, I offer these classes as a precursor to the Canine Good Citizen exam as a way of getting Pet Parents off to the right start with my classes. STAR stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, Resposibility. If you and your pet fulfill all 20requirements of the program, in addition to your certificate of completion, I will provide you with and application to be submitted to the AKC. You will receive a medal and a certificate from the AKC as well as many other resources to help you continue on your course of responsible pet ownership and training. This information is directly from the AKC STAR Puppy website where you can get more details. 20 STEPS To Success: The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test 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) I look forward to training all of your future Canine Good Citizens.