AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy: 20 Steps for Success

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program focuses on all the things every puppy and owner needs to have a great start together.

STAR stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible owner, and in five weeks of STAR puppy classes, puppies and dogs learn the following behaviors and skills:

OWNER BEHAVIORS:

1. Maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)

2. Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge

3. Owner describes an 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 the puppy

6. Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy-collar tag, etc.

Irish Setter puppy sitting

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 the owner from 5-ft when the 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)

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy prepares pups to move on to Canine Good Citizen training. For example, in STAR, puppies must walk on a leash in a straight line. In CGC, the task becomes more advanced with dogs walking in a pattern that includes right and left turns and stops.

The skills in AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes are practical and functional. Teaching puppies to tolerate grooming, handling, and basic exams of the ears, feet, and mouth will result in well-mannered puppies that veterinarians are happy to see.

Click the “Buy Star Puppy Class” button below to register for our 5-week Star Puppy Class held on Sundays from 1:30 – 2:30 beginning on Sunday, January 11th and ending on Sunday, February 8th.

Location: 5175 45th St N St. Petersburg, FL 33714

🐶 Basic Obedience Training Class

Our Basic Obedience Class is designed to help dogs and their handlers build a strong foundation of communication, trust, and good manners in a positive, supportive environment.

This class focuses on essential skills every dog needs to succeed at home and in the community, using positive reinforcement–based training methods that strengthen the human–animal bond.

In this class, you and your dog will work on:

  • Sit, Down, Stay, and Come

  • Loose-leash walking

  • Focus and attention around distractions

  • Polite greetings and impulse control

  • Confidence-building and social skills

  • Problem-solving common behavior challenges

This course is ideal for:

  • Puppies who have completed vaccinations

  • Adult dogs needing a refresher or stronger foundation

  • Families looking to improve everyday manners and communication

Basic Obedience is also a great first step for teams interested in:

  • Canine Good Citizen (CGC) preparation

  • Therapy dog training pathways

  • Building confidence for public settings

Classes are taught by experienced instructors who emphasize kindness, consistency, and real-world success—helping dogs learn not just what to do, but how to succeed.

🐾 A well-trained dog is a happier, more confident dog—and a stronger partner for life.

Click the “Buy Basic Obedience Class” button to register for our 7-week Basic Obedience Class held on Sundays from 1:30 – 2:30 beginning on Sunday, February 15th and ending on Sunday, March 29th.

Location: 5175 45th St N St. Petersburg, FL 33714