When a puppy is going to face a lifetime of grooming, it’s good to get started with safe and tasty grooming experiences as soon as possible. This is Cameron, our 13-week-old Cockapoo board-and-train client who’s in our puppy training program for Housetraining Plus. The plus part includes being in our puppy STAR program, which is an AKC designation and a good precursor to the Canine Good Citizen, which besides being a therapy dog, is another of Cameron’s goals. He’s got high aspirations that we’re sure he’ll meet.
The AKC puppy STAR certification test includes a section where the puppy accepts being brushed and allows his paws and ears to be examined. I added a quick look at the teeth during our training session below.
These are the twenty steps to success listed for the the AKC STAR puppy test on their website.
Socialization
Training
Activity
Responsibility
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)
Outsmarting Dogs board-and-train programs can include the AKC puppy STAR certification or the CGC certification. Let me know if you want this add-on when enrolling your dog.
Helen Verte Schwarzmann
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Certified in Training and Counseling
Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed
Certified Trick Dog Instructor
AKC Canine Good Citizen/CGC and STAR Puppy Trainer and Evaluator
Your Board-and-Train Dog Trainer for Fort Myers, Lee county, Naples, Collier county, and southwest Florida
