AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program

AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY PROGRAM

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Step 1: Building the foundation for real-world behavior

A Canine Understanding’s AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is designed to give your puppy the essential skills needed to succeed in everyday life.

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Most puppies can learn in quiet, controlled environments—but struggle when real-world distractions appear. This class focuses on building confidence, focus, and early communication skills in real environments from the start.

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Why We Train in Real Environments

All classes are held in local parks and real-world settings throughout the Vancouver area.

This helps your puppy learn to:

• Stay engaged around distractions

• Build confidence in new places

• Remain calm in active environments

• Focus on you outside the home

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What Your Puppy Will Learn (6 Weeks)

• Sit

• Down

• Loose leash walking

• Beginning recall

• Socialization with people and dogs

• Calm, polite greetings

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Foundational Life Skills We Cover

• Crate training basics

• Housebreaking guidance

• Car safety

• Impulse control

• Confidence building

• Establishing structure at home

• Providing proper physical and mental exercise

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What You’ll See by the End Your puppy will begin to:

• Respond more reliably in distracting environments

• Show calmer behavior in public spaces

• Build stronger focus on you

• Develop early leash manners

• Be prepared for the next stage of training

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Next Step in Training

After completing Puppy Class, most dogs progress into:

• 🟡 Beginning Obedience (real-world manners & leash skills)

• 🔵 Rally (optional engagement training)

• 🔴 Urban Class (advanced real-world reliability)

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Class Details

• Best for puppies 8 weeks to 6 months

• Puppies 7–12 months may be better suited for Beginning Obedience

• All breeds and mixes welcome (AKC registration not required)

• Limited to 4 puppies per class to ensure individualized attention

• Classes are 45 minutes long to keep training fun and ensure the puppies do not get overwhelmed and disengage

• $250 for 6-week course

• AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test conducted at week 6

• Age-appropriate vaccinations required

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Not Sure If This Is the Right Fit?

• Most puppies start here—but if you’re unsure, I’ll help you choose the right level for your dog.

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                               Ready to start your puppy’s journey with confidence? Enroll online below!