The first AKC STAR PUPPY CLASS participants to complete the course at the Bella Vista Training Center.

Bella Vista Training Center now offers the  AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program!

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. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy  Program is an incentive program for loving dog owners who have taken the time to take their puppies through a basic training class.

The Benefits of Training

The training classes teach you how to best communicate with your puppy. The training classes also provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs. The puppy class is aimed at earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction, so 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.

All dogs are welcome to participate in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program including purebreds and mixed breeds.

20 STEPS To Success: The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy^sm 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: