Due to the risk of Parvo... if your puppy is less than 16 weeks old, I only offer private lessons.

To obtain the AKC STAR Puppy status, the puppy must attend group classes for 6 weeeks. If between 16 weeks and 11 months, (must be younger than 12 months before the class ends to qualify for AKC STAR Puppy status), and fully vaccinated against Parvo, then you would want to join in the Family Manners class.

Here is a link to an article about the Parvo virus http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/04/18/canine-parvovirus.aspx

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy^smProgram...

If your puppy is less than 1 year old, you can earn your STAR Puppy status by attending 6 weeks of the Beginner Obedience for Family Manners class!  You must let me know that you want to do this when signing up for that class. 

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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)