S.T.A.R. Puppy (3-7 months):  STAR stands for socialization, training, activity and responsibility. The program is based on the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program but is geared especially towards puppies. The STAR puppy program consists of a set of tests that you and your puppy must pass throughout the session (there are owner responsibilities, puppy behaviors and pre-CGC skills) including basic obedience commands and socialization requirements. At the completion of the program, your puppy can earn an AKC STAR puppy award.

Pet Beginner:  This is a basic class for handlers and dogs to learn skills that will make the dog easier to live with. Skills such as sit, down, come, and controlled walking on a leash will be taught as well as exercises necessary for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.

CGC/Intro to Therapy:  Dogs with some previous training can brush up on basic obedience skills, controlled walking on a leash, walking through a crowd, reaction to distraction and supervised separation. The exercises necessary for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test will be practiced in preparation for testing as well as the skills necessary to pass testing for therapy work (dogs must be at least 1 yr old to test for therapy work, although dogs can be younger than 1 to attend the class).

Advanced Beginner:  This class will strengthen the skills learned in the Pet Beginner class and add new ones including the introduction of AKC novice exercises such as heeling, stand for examination, and stays. There will be a test for this class during orientation, so bring your dog. (Dogs must be over 1 yr old)

Novice:  This class follows advanced beginner. For those who are interested in showing in the obedience ring, it is an introduction to novice ring procedure and will nail down the dogs’ and handlers’ ability to do each novice obedience exercise. For those who are getting ready to show, the novice exercises will be perfected with distractions and proofing. There will be a test for this class during orientation, so bring your dog (this requirement is waived for dogs who have already been enrolled in a Novice I or II class at CDTC).