Canine Good Citizen, Well-Behaved Dogs, CGC, AKC

Training Basics

AKC Star Puppy!

Can your dog do it?

The AKC S.T.A.R. PuppyTM is a program that encourages new dog owners to give their puppies a good start in life. If dog owners complete the class and the dog passes a basic manners test, they'll get a special reward. S.T.A.R stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and Responsibility.

If you and your dog earn the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy award, you’ll be able to get information about puppy-raising, housetraining, chewing, and training. Once you've completed the Star Puppy program, you may want to take the next step and train your dog to be an AKC® Canine Good Citizen®. If your dog is a Star Puppy already, then it won't be too difficult for him to become a Canine Good Citizen®.

When you complete a basic training class (taught by a specially trained teacher) with your puppy (up to 1 year old) for at least six weeks, your puppy is eligible to be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.

Your instructor will give you and your dog the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test at the end of the course. If you both pass, you'll get an application to send to AKC® for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy ProgramTM. Both purebreds and mixed breeds can take the training, the test, and become an AKC Star Puppy.

Your puppy will receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medal to display. You and your puppy will be listed in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records. Also, you’ll receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package that includes:
• A cool certificate designating your puppy is in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records at AKC
• AKC Puppy Handbook
• Discount to enroll in AKC lost and found program
• Monthly email newsletter, which has training tips and current information for dog owners.

Does it sound like this program is for you? Then visit this link: AKC Star Puppy.

Taken directly from the AKC website:

A key component of the AKC S.T.A.R. PuppyTM Program is a responsible owner. Our Canine Good Citizen Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge is for the AKC S.T.A.R. PuppyTM Program too. Responsibility should start the moment you decide to add a new dog or puppy to your family.

AKC CGCTM Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge:

I will be responsible for my dog’s health needs. These include:

• routine veterinary care including check-ups and vaccines
• adequate nutrition through proper diet; clean water at all times
• daily exercise and regular bathing and grooming

I will be responsible for my dog’s safety.

• I will properly control my dog by providing fencing where appropriate, not letting my dog run loose, and using a leash in public.
• I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification when appropriate (which may include collar tags, tattoos, or microchip ID).
• I will provide adequate supervision when my dog and children are together.

I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.

• I will not allow my dog to run loose in the neighborhood.
• I will not allow my dog to be a nuisance to others by barking while in the yard, in a hotel room, etc.
• I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in all public areas such as on the grounds of hotels, on sidewalks, parks, etc.
• I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in wilderness areas, on hiking trails, campgrounds and in off-leash parks.

I will be responsible for my dog’s quality of life.

• I understand that basic training is beneficial to all dogs.
• I will give my dog attention and playtime.
• I understand that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring.

Does it sound like this program is for you?

For more information, visit the AKC Star Puppy website.
When you are finished just close the window and you will be back on this page.

Star Puppies get a head start on life!

To learn how to train your dog, click on the

This book can help your parents train your dog:

The Canine Good Citizen: Every Dog Can Be One, by Jack and Wendy Volhard

Terrific book explaining the CGC and great training ideas to prepare for the test.

Training Basics

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Well-Behaved Dogs

Socializing Your Dog

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Cody's Tour	Kelly's Tour	Trouper's Tour
Your New Dog	Well-Behaved Dog	Special Topics
A New Dog	Your Best Friend	Too Many Dogs
I'll Love You Forever	Training Basics	Following the Rules
What Dogs Cost	Obedience Lessons	Keeping Safe
What Dogs Need	Behavior Problems	Older Dogs
Puppy Basics	Learning Tricks	Losing Your Dog