Puppy Socialization, Manners, Parenting and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class

When: Friday, January 9th, 2026,- Friday, February 20th, 2026 (no class on February 6th, 2026) from 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm.

Where: Woodland Elementary School Gymnasium, Alexandria, MN

What: This class is for puppies between 8 weeks to 11 months old and their parent(s).  This class focuses on basic socialization with humans, other dogs/puppies and novel human things, positive relationship building, house training, crate training, introduction to a leash and loose leash training, basic grooming, body handling, impulse control, coming when called, attentive cooperation, brain development and how to engage the mind to drain mental energy and so much more. Common problems such as chewing, jumping, digging, and barking also will be addressed. Dog parents will learn positive leadership skills and gain confidence in how to provide enough physical and mental exercise for their young pup as well as teaching their puppy life skills and be solidly on the road to building a positive relationship with their puppy that will set the tone for an amazing bond and partnership. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test will be administered during the final class. This class meets Tuesdays, for 1 hour and 15 minutes per week for 6 weeks.  Space is limited to 10 puppies and their parents(s).

What is AKC STAR Puppy?AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an exciting program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an excellent first in-person training class for puppies and their humans, and provides a good lead-in experience for you and your puppy to work towards earning the AKC Canine Good Citizen title. In order to be eligible to take the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test: 1. you must attend all 6 of the Puppy Socialization, Manners, Parenting & AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes and 2. your puppy must be less than 1 year old on the day of the test.

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test will be administered during class 6. Upon passing the test, you’ll get an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy award ribbon to take home that evening and an application to send to AKC® for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.

Your puppy will receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medal (for display or memento purposes; not suitable as a collar tag). You and your puppy will be listed in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records. In addition, so that you can continue learning, you’ll receive our AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package that includes:

• A beautiful, frameable certificate designating your puppy is in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records at AKC

• Ongoing Monthly Email Newsletter: Your AKC. This includes training tips and up-to-date information every dog owner needs to know. We want you and your puppy to continue learning beyond puppy classes.

What should you bring? A positive attitude, a calm demeanor, small high value training treats, a flat or buckle collar or harness that fits your puppy, a 5’-8’ light weight leash (not the retractible kind), poop bags (in case of accidents), water for your pup and most of all a willingness to learn and have fun.

Access to your portal: Once you have completed the registration and purchase for the class, you will be sent an email invitation to connect to your individual portal. This is your space where you will be able to upload all the necessary vet records for your puppy, and I will be able to share resources with you as we journey through the class.

Registration is limited and closes January 2nd, 2026. All registration materials must be completed by that date to hold your spot in class and all vet records and clean fecal screen results must be uploaded to your portal by Thursday, January 8th to attend the class.

Required registration materials include:

• Completed online Class Registration

• Paid $200 class fee

• Proof of vaccinations to date as well as clean fecal screen including testing for Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms and Giardia from your Veterinarian uploaded to your portal.

• Completed Release, Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement, and Group Class Contract (Which you will complete and sign in your portal as well.)