Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility (S.T.A.R.) - The American Kennel Club recently designed a program for puppies (purebred or mixed breed) up to the age of one year. The program consists of a mandatory six weeks of training for pups and their owners. It is a fun program, and there are some obvious benefits to participation. Puppies that attend the program become well-socialized and learn skills that become the foundation for all other learning.

Our class at GPCDFA is for six weeks with one makeup session. The club offers one makeup session because one absence per team (puppy and human) due to health issues or emergencies can be allowed. This class helps puppy owners to communicate with their puppies. It concentrates on modifying puppy behavior with treats and toys to teach all the elements in the S.T.A.R. Program, and the handlers are encourage to praise and interact positively with their dogs.

The class incorporates all 20 test items into the class’ framework. The 20 items are separated into three categories: Owner Behaviors, Puppy Behaviors, and Pre-Canine Good Citizen Test Behaviors.  The first sets of tests are for our puppy owners. They encourage the first-time puppy owner or those who have not had a puppy in a long time to be responsible dog owners.

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 items:

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 5ft 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).

In our classes, owners regularly brag about and chat about their puppies to others in the class, and many arrange play dates with other dogs in the class. It’s great to see people being proud of and bonding with their puppies. Developing this magical bond that will last a lifetime is the goal of our class.

The puppy and owner who pass all of these criteria are awarded a medal and certificate, both suitable for display.

For more information on the AKC STAR Puppy program, visit AKC at http://www.akc.org/starpuppy/