AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY IS AN OFFICIAL TITLE NOW!
Get your puppy’s first official training title!
AKC will begin processing titles on January 15, 2025
**NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your S.T.A.R. Puppy Title Application! Try the new –Title Application Portal (TAP) System.
Since AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy began, it has been an award. We are pleased to announce that dog owners who complete a 6-weeks AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class with their puppies can now choose the option of earning STAR as an official AKC title. The official title will be listed on the dog’s title record at AKC.
For dogs who have previously earned their AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certificate, the certificate may be converted to a title by submitting the Grandfather application with the $20 processing fee.
- Puppies and their owners may still earn the “certificate only” by attending a 6-weeks AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class.
- For the new official AKC title (includes a certificate), the dog must have an AKC, PAL, or AKC Canine Partners number.
- Newly printed AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test forms in the Evaluator test kits include both the “certificate only” and title options. The test form is given to the dog owner by the CGC Evaluator when the puppy passes the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class.
Grandfather form to convert a certificate to an official title
For questions about the new title, email cgc@akc.org
Welcome to the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program!
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an exciting program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an excellent first in-person training class for puppies. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy provides a good lead-in to earning the Canine Good Citizen title.
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
Attend an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class for 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 the certificate or title (includes certificate). All dogs are welcome to participate in the program including purebreds and mixed breeds.
First time STAR puppies 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 our 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
How to Get Your Puppy in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program
So that you can get started in your AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training, here are our AKC CGC Approved Evaluators.
For more information on AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®, contact starpuppy@akc.org.
Resources
For Owners: Training Classes, Earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Award
After AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®
Products (for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®-patches, etc.)
For Evaluators/instructors of AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®
- Evaluator Guide (AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®) (PDF)
- 6 Weeks AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® (PDF)
- 6 Weeks AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Class Record Form (SMOTC) (PDF)
- 6 Weeks AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Class Curriculum (SMOTC) (PDF)
- 6 Weeks AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Class Record Form (Obedience Club of Daytona) (PDF)
- 6 Weeks AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Class Record Form (PDF)
