(puppies up to 1 year of age)

       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.

      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 and people in a safe, structured and secure environment to help build your puppy’s confidence. 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.The final class will allow the opportunity to earn the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® distinction. The puppy training is a natural lead in to the AKC® Canine Good Citizen® Program.

      Some of the things our puppy classes will address are:

Name recognition
Basic manners
Loose lead walking
Handling & grooming exercises
Fun recalls
Confidence building exercises
House breaking
Responsible dog ownership
Practical socialization with people and other dogs
Importance of play & exercise in your dog’s routine
Behavior modification such as chewing, mouthing, bite inhibition
Exposure to exercises from the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test
Introduction to simple obedience commands, such as “sit,” “come” and “stay”

      The puppy training class is 8 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.