The 2018 STAR Puppy Challenge

Are you ready to commit to the training and socialization your puppy deserves?

Join our AKC STAR Puppy Challenge! Any puppy under 1 year of age can participate. Read more about the test here.

The STAR Puppy test makes a fabulous training goal for new puppy owners. It will set you & your puppy up for a lifetime of teamwork, solid communication, & fun! By meeting the criteria for the test, you’ll provide your puppy with a foundation of basic manners and age-appropriate socialization.

Preparing for […]

By Katherine Ostiguy, KPA CTP CPDT-KA|2022-08-09T21:51:22-04:00January 10, 2018|Uncategorized|Comments Off

Summer Trick Training Challenge

Trick training grows your bond with your dog and builds your training and communication skills. It’s a great way to burn off some of your dog’s energy when it’s too hot or rainy to play outside. Plus, it’s a ton of fun!

The American Kennel Club recently added a Trick Dog program to their catalog of events, which means your dog can earn official AKC titles for passing four different levels of tests.

For all of these reasons, we’re always trying to find […]

By Katherine Ostiguy, KPA CTP CPDT-KA|2022-08-09T21:52:15-04:00July 13, 2017|Uncategorized|Comments Off

AKC STAR Puppy Program

Are you a responsible puppy owner? The American Kennel Club’s STAR Puppy program is designed to reward owners who take their puppies to training classes. “STAR” is an acronym for the four critical parts of puppy raising: Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility.

The AKC recognizes that well-trained puppies make better companions and are less likely to be relinquished to shelters. In fact, behavior problems are the #1 reason for giving up a dog to a rescue. The STAR Puppy program is an incentive program for […]

By Katherine Ostiguy, KPA CTP CPDT-KA|2016-12-29T22:14:30-05:00December 29, 2016|Training, Puppies|Comments Off

5 Skills Your Dog Needs to Pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test

Loose leash walking is one of the most important skills to master before taking the CGC test, because it is a part of several test items.

In last week’s blog post, An Overview of the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test, I described the ten elements of the CGC test. Preparing for this test is key. There are a few specific behaviors that not all “well behaved” dogs know.

Preparing for the CGC Test

The CGC test is designed to reward well-mannered dogs […]

By Katherine Ostiguy, KPA CTP CPDT-KA|2022-05-09T22:07:19-04:00October 3, 2016|Training, Canine Good Citizen|Comments Off

An Overview of the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test

Every September, the American Kennel Club sponsors Responsible Dog Ownership Days. On that note, I would like to discuss the Canine Good Citizen program, which rewards responsible dog owners across the country. As an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, I am often asked about the requirements for passing the test. What does it take to become a Canine Good Citizen?

Eligibility

First, the CGC test is open to dogs of any breed or mix of breeds. One of the most common […]

By Katherine Ostiguy, KPA CTP CPDT-KA|2022-05-09T22:09:11-04:00September 29, 2016|Canine Good Citizen, Training|Comments Off