They be Stars!

The puppy princesses have been attending Puppy K at K9 Funworks and this Saturday Einie and Mandy B passed their AKC Star puppy test http://www.akc.org/starpuppy/test_items_pledge.cfm.  These two girls will soon be traveling to their new homes, Einie in Houston, TX and Mandy B in West Chester, PA and I hope that with completing their puppy class it gives them a good start in their new homes.  The STAR puppy program is a good start towards their AKC CGC later in life.  FiFi will take her test on another day, we ran out of time and I wanted to make sure the two girls who are moving on finished their course.  FiFi will get lots of opportunities to visit with Dina at K9 Funworks, she would have passed on Saturday too if we had the time.

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:

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)