Puppy Classes

Based on the AKC S.T.A.R. Programme

We are now offering puppy classes for Chihuahuas and small dogs under 5kg.

Our program is based on the American Kennel Club S.T.A.R. program which promotes Socialisatoin, Training, Activity and Responsilbe ownership.

DISCLAIMER

DCC is not affiliated with the AKC, and this is not their official programme, nor are we representing it as such. We would love to provide the full accredited programme, but they no longer provide international evaluator accreditation, so we have been unable to do so.

Our programme is based on their sound, scientifically based training techniques, which are used by puppy trainers the world over. We wish to acknowledge their inspiration for this course, but our differs somewhat to allow for both local NZ conditions and Chihuahua specific behaviours that our trainers are

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy: 20 Steps for Success

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program focuses on all the things every puppy and owner need to have a great start together.

STAR stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner and in six weeks of STAR puppy classes, puppies and dogs learn the following behaviors and skills:

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)

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy prepares pups to move on to Canine Good Citizen training. For example, in STAR, puppies must walk on a leash in a straight line. In CGC, the task becomes more advanced with dogs walking in a pattern that includes right and left turns and stops.

The skills in AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes are practical and functional. Teaching puppies to tolerate grooming, handling, and basic exams of the ears, feet, and mouth will result in well-mannered puppies that veterinarians are happy to see.