Training

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What is it?

• “S.T.A.R.” stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible owner.  
• It’s a program offered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) designed to help puppies and their owners get off to a good start — building good habits, socialization, and basic training.  
• It’s open to all dogs, purebred or mixed breed, as long as they meet program age and vaccination requirements.  
• As of January 2025, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy has become an official title (not just a certificate/award).  

Purpose an

This program is designed to teach and test basic good manners and responsible dog ownership. 

Below are the levels:

1. CGC (Basic)

• A 10-skill test (on leash) that covers behaviors such as: accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, walking on loose leash, coming when called, reacting to distractions, etc.  
• Open to all dogs (purebred or mixed) and there’s no minimum age (though you’ll want immunizations done).  
• Pass this level and you earn the CGC certificate/title.

CGC Advanced (also known as Community Canine, “CGCA”)

• This is a more challenging / real-world version of the CGC test.  
• Requirements include: the dog already has the basic CGC on record; the dog must have an AKC number (or PAL or Canine Partners number).  
• The 10 test items are similar in number but happen in more realistic settings, with real crowds, distractions, passing other dogs, and walking on leash in everyday environments.  
• Passing this level gives the official CGCA title

What is CGCU?

• CGC

• Your dog must perform 10 tricks from the Novice list.  
• If your dog already has a CGC certificate/title on record, you may count that as 5 of the 10 required tricks (i.e., “CGC + 5”).  
• Tricks in this list include: balance beam (walk on board a few inches off floor), bark on cue, crawl, fetch & give, find it, etc.  
• Minimum age: dogs must be at least 4 months old for a title to be awarded.  

• Prerequisite: dog must hold the Novice Trick Dog title.  
• The dog must perform 10 Intermediate-level tricks (tricks of greater difficulty than Novice).  
• At this level, the use of lures is typically reduced/faded in many of the trick definitions.  

• Prerequisites: Intermediate Trick Dog title plus Novice.  
• The dog must perform 10 tricks from the Advanced list (which must not have been submitted for previous titles).  
• At this level, lures (food/toys) generally are not allowed (or are very restricted) in performing the trick.

• Prerequisites: must have earned the Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Trick Dog titles.  
• The dog must perform 10 tricks, with at least 3 tricks at the Performer level, and at least 3 tricks must use props (non-agility/obedience equipment; handler-designed props are allowed).  
• The tricks may be performed as a routine, possibly with a theme or story.  

• This is the highest level of the Trick Dog program. Prerequisites: all previous four titles (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Performer).  
• Requirements: perform 10 tricks from the Advanced or Performer levels; at least 5 of the tricks must be from Performer level; at least 5 tricks must include props.  
• Must have a script or story/routine that could be used for audience or public performance (though actual audiences may not always be required). No agility or obedience equipment may be used; no lur

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