Logo of the American Kennel Club featuring a dog silhouette holding a star in its mouth, with a blue and yellow color scheme and the words 'A.K.C. S.T.A.R. PUPPY'.

American Kennel Club (AKC) S.T.A.R. Puppy Program

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class is a 6-week group program focused on building strong communication between you and your puppy. These organized sessions also give your pup valuable socialization time with other dogs.

Designed to help you work toward the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction, the class covers essential topics like crate training, housebreaking, chewing, and teaching practical skills such as recall. It’s an ideal starting point for a well-rounded training journey and a great lead-in to the AKC® Canine Good Citizen® Program.

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is now an Official Title of the American Kennel Club!

Socialization. Training. Activity. Responsibility.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

OPEN TO ALL BREEDS-REGARDLESS OF A.K.C. REGISTRATION OR BREED STATUS

The 6-week course covers the following topics:

  • Stages of development

  • 50 ideas for Socializing Your Puppy

  • Basics of Behavior

  • Behavioral Procedures and Concepts

  • Exercise for Puppies

  • How to be a Responsible Owner

  • Choosing the Right Dog for You

  • Advice from Experts

  • Housetraining & crate training

  • Preventing aggression

  • Training Equipment-Leashes, Collars

And teaches the following Pre-Canine Good Citizen behaviors:

  • Allows petting

  • Grooming

  • Walking on a Leash

  • Sit

  • Down

  • Stay

  • Come

  • Reactions to Distractions

  • Stay with Another Person on Leash

  • After S.T.A.R.-What Comes Next

At the end of the course, your trainer will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test. Upon passing, you and your pup will receive:

  • A frameable certificate

  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy medal

  • AKC Puppy Handbook

  • Discount enrollment in AKC Companion Animal Recovery

  • Subscription to monthly e-mail newsletter that includes training tips

Blue and yellow circular emblem of the AKC, featuring a sitting dog with a star and a wand in its mouth, and the text 'AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY' around the top and 'AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB' at the bottom.