AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy at Puppy Prep

Build your puppy's foundation for a lifetime of good manners—and earn their first AKC distinction along the way.

What is AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy?

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is a nationally recognized beginner program that helps puppies and their people get off to a great start. S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible owner. Over the course of classes taught by our AKC Approved CGC Evaluator, you'll learn essential puppy skills and master 20 real-world essentials to qualify for your puppy's S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction.

What your puppy & family will learn

Calm greetings: accepting friendly handling and basic grooming checks

Leash manners: walking on a loose leash; following your lead around people and other dogs

Focus & basics: sit, down, come when called, polite behavior around distractions

Responsible ownership habits: having ID, bringing clean-up bags, daily exercise/play plan, and more

Why Choose Puppy Prep’s Program?

Puppy Prep's Puppy Preschool delivers the structure and coaching needed to meet AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy requirements—and then some.

Why us:

AKC Approved CGC Evaluator on staff to teach, coach, and administer the S.T.A.R. test.
Weekly coaching cadence with at-home and local practice for "real-life" proofing.
Two touch-points each week (a Pet Parent Check-In + 1:1 puppy session) tailored to your goals.
We train where your pup actually lives, walks, and meets people/dogs.

FAQ

How old should my puppy be?

Any puppy under 1 year can test; many begin as soon as their vet clears them for class.

Where do sessions happen?

We start in your home and, as your pup advances, train locally to proof skills around real-life distractions—exactly where good manners matter.

Is this a pass/fail exam?

It's a supportive skills check. Your evaluator helps you practice each item; when you and your pup are ready, you'll complete the 20-item S.T.A.R. test together.

What comes after S.T.A.R. Puppy?

Most teams roll right into AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) which is our K9 k-12 Program.

Elementary School: focusing on socialization and developing their impulse control
Middle School: focusing on real-world obedience skills
High School: focusing on combining their real-world obedience, socialization, and impulse control through “proofing” these skills out in public!

At the end of High School, your pup takes the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) exam as their graduation!

I’m getting a puppy from Rodner German Shepherds, how does that work?

For those registering under our S.T.A.R. Puppy program with Rodner German Shepherds, your puppy completes their 1:1 sessions with us daily. Your puppy will get both 1:1 sessions with our in-house trainer, and special group socialization outings with their litter mates and mature well-balanced dogs who act as their role models in new environments.

Throughout your puppy's training, we set up Pet Parent Check-in sessions with you in-person or virtually to bond with your puppy, update you on their training, and prepare you for your new puppy's arrival!

AKC S.T.A.R Puppy