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AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy

Watch and learn what the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program can offer you and your pup.

Welcome to the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program!

At the American Kennel Club®, we’re not just champion dogs. We’re the dogs’ champion — all dogs. We believe that all dogs deserve training and a responsible owner and our goal is to reward responsible dog ownership.

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an exciting program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an excellent first in-person training class for puppies. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy provides a good lead-in to earning the Canine Good Citizen title.

The Benefits of Training

S.T.A.R. Puppy

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. In classes aimed at earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction, 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. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training is a natural lead in to the AKC® Canine Good Citizen® Program.

How It Works

Attend an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class for at least 6 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 program including purebreds and mixed breeds.

Your puppy will receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medal (for display or memento purposes; not suitable as a collar tag). You and your puppy will be listed in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records. In addition, so that you can continue learning, you’ll receive our AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package that includes:

  • A beautiful, frameable certificate designating your puppy is in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records at AKC
  • Ongoing Monthly Email Newsletter: Your AKC. This includes training tips and up-to-date information every dog owner needs to know. We want you and your puppy to continue learning beyond puppy classes.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel running outdoors.

How to Get Your Puppy in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program

So that you can get started in your AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training, here are our AKC CGC Approved Evaluators.

For more information on AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®, contact starpuppy@akc.org.

Resources

For Owners: Training Classes, Earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Award

After AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®

Products (for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®-patches, etc.)

For Evaluators/instructors of AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®

Customer Service