🐾 What Happens During the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test?

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is a fun and rewarding way to give your puppy a great start in life. “S.T.A.R.” stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible owner—the building blocks of a well-rounded, happy dog.

The program is open to puppies up to 1 year old and is designed to help them become confident, well-behaved companions while also guiding owners to build positive habits early.

⭐ What’s Included in the S.T.A.R. Puppy Test?

The test is typically given at the end of a 6-week puppy training class taught by an AKC-approved instructor. It consists of 20 items broken into 3 categories:

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Puppy Behaviors (10 Items)

These assess your puppy’s basic manners and socialization skills:

1. Greets a friendly stranger politely

2. Sits on command

3. Comes when called

4. Tolerates a collar or harness

5. Walks on a leash

6. Follows the owner through a door or gate

7. Tolerates handling and petting

8. Allows owner to check ears and feet

9. Recovers well from distractions (like a dropped object)

10. Interacts politely with other puppies and people

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Owner Behaviors (10 Items)

These show your commitment as a responsible pet parent:

1. Maintains a clean, safe environment

2. Provides proper ID for the puppy

3. Has a regular vet relationship

4. Provides daily play and exercise

5. Attends puppy classes

6. Brings puppy to class with appropriate equipment

7. Uses positive training methods

8. Monitors the puppy’s health

9. Cleans up after the puppy in public

10. Understands basic dog care and responsibilities

🎉 What Happens After Passing?

After passing the test, you and your puppy are eligible to receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy medal and certificate, and your puppy will be listed in the AKC registry as an official S.T.A.R. Puppy!

This program is a great first step toward more advanced AKC titles like Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Trick Dog, and Obedience.