So put your Paws down and Come to Class!
MOVIN ON UP K9 Training

You'll work together with your Instructor to build a lifetime bond with your dog through fun and positive classes!
Nancy Creal/Auburn California
(Owner and Director of Instructors)
(530.457.7086)
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AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy

What Is It?

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. 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

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.

Test Items and Pledge

20 Steps To Success:
The AKC S.T.A.R. PuppyTest
  • Socialization
  • Training
  • Activity
  • Responsibility

How It Works

When you complete the S.T.A.R. puppy program with your puppy (up to 1 year old), your puppy is eligible for the S.T.A.R distinction from AKC.

AKC CGC 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\n
  • 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.

You'll attend any puppy or basic training class 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 AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy℠ Program including purebreds and mixed breeds.

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:
  1. Free of aggression toward people during at least 6 weeks of class
  2. Free of aggression toward other puppies in class
  3. Tolerates collar or body harness of owner's choice
  4. Owner can hug or hold puppy (depending on size)
  5. Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy
Pre-Canine Good Citizen® Test Behaviors:
  1. Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner
  2. Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)
  3. Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)
  4. Walks by other people-Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away
  5. Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure
  6. Down on command-Owner may use a food lure
  7. Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called
  8. Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away
  9. Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)
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