On May 17, 2014 three dogs passed the American Kennel Club’s S.T.A.R. (Socialization, Training, Activity and Responsibility) Puppy evaluation after having completed an Puppy Manners class at Michigan Dog Training in Plymouth, Michigan. The S.T.A.R. program evaluates the Owner’s Behaviors as to responsible dog ownership, the Puppy’s Behaviors and Pre-Canine Good Citizen Behaviors.
The Puppy Behaviors include: free of aggression toward people during the puppy classes, free of aggression toward other puppies in the class, tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice, owner can hug or hold the puppy, and puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy.
The Pre-Canine Good Citizen Behaviors include: Allows petting by a person other than the owner, allows owner handling and brief exam by owner of ears and feet during a grooming session, walks on a leash for fifteen steps in a straight line, walks by other people, sits on command, downs on command, comes to owner from five feet away when puppy’s name is called, copes well with distractions presented fifteen feet away and stays on leash with another person while the owner walks ten steps away.
The next step for these pups will be the Canine Good Citizen test. That ten step evaluation tests a dog team’s performance in obedience and good behaviors such as:Â sit, down, come when called, stay, walk on a loose leash, meet another dog team and not jump on them or go nose to nose, remain sitting when a person approaches them, greet friendly strangers appropriately, remain clam with a friendly stranger while their handler goes out of sight for three minutes and allow a friendly stranger to examine their ears, mouth and feet.
Congratulations to the below listed new Puppy STARS:
1. Sheri Nye and her dog Bismarck a German Shepherd of Ottawa Lake, Michigan
2. Kathryn Bushor and her dog Ralphie, an All American breed of Plymouth, Michigan
3. Jerry Smith and Ammo, a German Shepherd of Pinckney, Michigan
Michigan Dog Training offers classes to help owners train their puppy and adult dog the right way, the first time and to pass the American Kennel Club’s Puppy S.T.A.R., Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Advanced Canine Good Citizen (ACGC) tests. For more information, contact MDT at 734-634-4152.
