NEW FROM AKC:

the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppysm Program

*Socialization*Training*Activity*Responsibility*

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppysm is an exciting new program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppysm 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.

  

How It Works

When you complete a basic training class (taught by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator) with your puppy (up to 1 year old) your puppy is eligible to be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.

You'll attend our 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.

Your puppy will receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medal (for display or memento purposes; not suitable as a collar tag). You and your puppy will be listed in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records. In addition, so that you can continue learning, you’ll receive an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package that includes:

  • A beautiful, frameable certificate designating your puppy is in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records at AKC
  • AKC Puppy Handbook, a valuable resource
  • Discount to enroll in AKC Companion Animal Recovery Corporation, a 24-hour recovery service
  • Ongoing Monthly Email Newsletter: Your AKC. This includes training tips and up-to-date information every dog owner needs to know. We want you and your puppy to continue learning beyond puppy classes.

  

  

  

Your Dog Deserves to be Recognized

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as a Canine Good Citizen

A friendly, well-behaved dog that we can take virtually anywhere without risk or bother to others -- a dog who behaves well in a crowd, has good manners when guests visit our home, is reliable around children, and who doesn't lunge, bark at, or threaten other dogs or passersby is a Canine Good Citizen. The American Kennel Club urges that all dog owners participate in their CGC program, stressing responsible ownership of all dogs whether they be purebred or mixed breeds. The AKC developed the Canine Good Citizen program in 1989 to evaluate whether a dog is well-behaved and has good manners in public and in 1999 it created a database of CGC certified dogs and began including a frameable certificate of achievement for the owner. This test of your dog's manners and training is not a competition, and does not require that you and your dog perform with precision. To pass the CGC test, the dog must be socialized around other people and dogs. He must allow other people to touch him without jumping on them or trying to bite. The dog must also know basic commands such as sit, down, stay and come, as well as walking politely on a leash. The CGC test is composed of 10 different tests, which are meant to simulate day to day life. The purpose of the CGC Test is to ensure that the dog can be an accepted member of the community because it has been taught to behave well in the home, in public places, and around other dogs.

Red River Obedience Club’s Beginner class includes all the exercises to equip you and your canine companion with the necessary skills to pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test. We also have on hand a Certified tester and the test is given twice yearly at the RROTC facility located in Shreveport, usually in April and October.  The most recent test was held April 25, 2009.  We plan to test again in late summer.  Please check back here for updates.  Along with the CGC testing, we whill have Therapy Dogs International evaluations available for those interested in pet therapy.  Please see the Therapy Dogs International web site for details on that program. 

Elements of the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test

Part One: Allowing a friendly stranger to approach

Part Two: Sitting calmly and politely to be petted

Part Three: Allowing handling for grooming and physical examination

Part Four: Heeling politely on a loose lead

Part Five: Walking calmly through crowded areas

Part Six: Sit on command, and down on command

Part Seven: Coming when called

Part Eight: Greeting another well-behaved dog without aggression or excitement

Part Nine: Handling distractions and distracting environments

Part Ten: Behaving well when in the care of another and the owner or trusted handler is out of sight

Owners are permitted to use praise and encouragement during testing, but toys and treats are not allowed. Also prohibited are special training collars, such as choke chains, prong collars and head halters. A standard buckle collar and regular leash are all that is permitted.

All dogs, whether mixed or purebred, can take the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen test.  For a more in-depth description of the test, visit the AKC web site by clicking here.

 

Red River Obedience Training Club

1213 Texas Street     Shreveport, LA  71101   Phone:  (318) 221-9429