AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is a beginner-level training program that stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility. It is designed for puppies under 1 year old and provides a structured way to build good behavior early in life. Dogs qualify by attending a 6-week class with an AKC-approved CGC Evaluator and passing a final evaluation that looks at both puppy behavior and owner responsibility.

 This program matters because it helps puppies learn basic manners, build confidence around other dogs and people, and lay a strong foundation for future training, such as the Canine Good Citizen test. It also helps owners learn to properly guide, socialize, and care for their puppy so the dog grows into a well-behaved, safe, and reliable adult. 

Skills required to pass the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy evaluation includes both owner and puppy behaviors. To pass, the following must be demonstrated:

Owner Behaviors:

1. Maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)

2. Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge

3. The owner describes an adequate daily play and exercise plan

4. The owner and puppy attend at least 6 classes with an AKC-approved CGC Evaluator

5. The owner brings bags to class for cleanup after the puppy. 

6. The owner has obtained some form of ID for a puppy-collar tag, etc.

Puppy Behaviors:

7. Free of aggression toward people for at least 6 weeks of class

8. Free of aggression toward other puppies in class

9. Tolerates collar or body harness of the owner’s choice

10. The owner can hug or hold the puppy (depending on size)

11. Puppy allows the owner to take away a treat or toy

Pre–Canine Good Citizen Test Behaviors:

12. Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner

13. Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)

14. Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)

15. Walks by other people-Walks on leash past other people 5 ft away

16. Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure

17. Down on command-Owner may use a food lure

18. Comes to the owner from 5 ft when the name is called

19. Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15 ft away

20. Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is a nationally recognized training program created by the American Kennel Club that focuses on teaching dogs good manners and responsible behavior in everyday situations. Unlike S.T.A.R. Puppy, this program is open to dogs of all ages, both purebred and mixed breed. Dogs earn their CGC title by passing a 10-skill evaluation conducted by an AKC-approved evaluator. 

This test measures real-world behaviors that show a dog can be a polite, well-controlled member of the community. This program matters because it builds a reliable, well-mannered dog that can confidently handle public environments, other dogs, and everyday distractions. It also helps owners develop strong handling skills and reinforces responsible dog ownership. CGC is often considered the foundation for more advanced training, therapy work, or public-access expectations.

Skills Required to Pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test

To earn the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen title, dogs must successfully complete all 10 test items during an evaluation with an approved CGC evaluator.

Canine Good Citizen Test Items

1. Accepting a friendly stranger

2. Sitting politely for petting

3. Appearance and grooming

4. Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

5. Walking through a crowd

6. Sit and down on cue and stay in place 

7. Coming when called

8. Reaction to another dog

9. Reaction to distraction

10. Supervised separation

AKC Community Canine (CGCA) is the advanced level of the Canine Good Citizen program created by the American Kennel Club. This program focuses on real-world skills, testing a dog’s ability to remain well-mannered and under control in everyday public environments.

To earn the CGCA title, dogs must already have their Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification and pass a 10-skill evaluation administered by an AKC-approved evaluator. Unlike CGC, which is often performed in a controlled setting, the Community Canine test takes place in real-life situations such as parks, sidewalks, stores, or training facilities.

This program matters because it takes basic obedience a step further, ensuring dogs can confidently and safely navigate busy, distracting environments. It builds advanced reliability, strengthens handler communication, and prepares dogs for higher-level training, public access expectations, or therapy work.

Skills Required to Pass the AKC Community Canine (CGCA) Test

To earn the AKC Community Canine title, dogs must successfully complete all 10 test items in a real-world environment while remaining under control and responsive to their handler.

1. The dog waits under control while the owner is occupied
   The dog remains calm while the handler is seated or interacting with someone else.

2. Walks on a loose leash in a natural setting (turns, stops, pace changes)
   The dog walks politely beside the handler without pulling during normal movement.

3. Walks on a loose leash through a crowd
   The dog stays under control as it moves through people in a real-world setting.

4. Walks past other dogs without pulling
   The dog remains neutral and focused when passing nearby dogs.

5. Sit-stay in a small group
   The dog holds position calmly with other dogs and handlers nearby.

6. Allows a person carrying an item to approach and pet
   The dog stays relaxed when approached by someone holding objects.

7. “Leave it” (ignores food on the ground)
   The dog ignores food distractions when instructed by the handler.

8. Stay at a distance while the owner moves away and returns
   The dog maintains its position while the handler walks away, then returns carrying an item.

9. Recall with distractions present (20 ft)
   The dog comes when called, even with distractions nearby.

10. Controlled behavior at a doorway or narrow passage
    The dog moves through entrances calmly without pulling or rushing.

AKC Urban CGC (CGCU) is the most advanced level of the Canine Good Citizen program created by the American Kennel Club. This program focuses on real-world urban skills, testing a dog’s ability to remain calm, controlled, and well-mannered in busy city or public environments.

To earn the CGCU title, dogs must demonstrate strong obedience and confidence in highly distracting settings and pass a 10-skill evaluation administered by an AKC-approved evaluator. This test takes place in real urban environments, including sidewalks, public buildings, and streets.

This program matters because it prepares dogs for true everyday life in public spaces, ensuring they can safely and reliably handle crowds, noise, movement, and complex environments.

Skills Required to Pass the AKC Urban CGC (CGCU) Test

To earn the CGCU title, dogs must successfully complete all 10 test items.

AKC Urban CGC Test Items

1. Exit/enter doorway with no pulling in dog-friendly buildings
   The dog enters and exits buildings calmly without pulling on the leash.

2. Walk through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk
   The dog moves under control through a busy sidewalk environment.

3. Appropriate reaction to city distractions
   The dog remains composed around noises, moving objects, and different surfaces.

4. Crossing the street under control
   The dog waits, then crosses the street calmly without pulling.

5. Ignore the food on the sidewalk
   The dog does not attempt to eat or investigate food on the ground.

6. A person approaches and pets the dog while carrying an item
   The dog remains calm when approached and handled by a person with objects.

7. Public building skills (walking under control and down-stay)
   The dog behaves appropriately indoors and settles calmly.

8. Stairs, elevator, housetraining, and transportation under control
   The dog navigates urban features and transportation calmly and appropriately.

9. Housetrained for apartment, condo, city living.

10. Transport. Owner's choice depending on transportation needs.

AKC Trick Dog is a fun and engaging training program created by the American Kennel Club that focuses on teaching dogs entertaining and creative skills. Unlike obedience-based programs, Trick Dog emphasizes building confidence, strengthening the bond between dog and handler, and making training enjoyable.

Dogs can earn multiple Trick Dog titles by performing a set number of skills appropriate to each level, evaluated by an AKC-approved CGC evaluator. Training can be done at home, in classes, or through virtual evaluations.

This program matters because it builds focus, improves communication, and keeps dogs mentally stimulated while giving owners a fun way to showcase their dog’s abilities.

AKC Trick Dog Levels

1. Novice Trick Dog (TKN)
   The dog performs 10 beginner-level tricks from the approved list, such as simple positions, targeting, or basic behaviors. If the dog already has a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title, only 5 tricks are required.

2. Intermediate Trick Dog (TKI)
   The dog must have the Novice title and perform 10 intermediate tricks that require more control and less reliance on food lures, showing improved responsiveness and understanding.

3. Advanced Trick Dog (TKA)
   The dog must have Novice and Intermediate titles and perform 10 advanced tricks that involve more complex behaviors, longer durations, or chaining multiple actions together.

4. Trick Dog Performer (TKP)
   The dog performs a short routine that includes at least 10 tricks, a mix of Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced skills, and incorporates at least 3 tricks using props.

5. Trick Dog Elite Performer (TKE)
   The dog performs a themed routine with a clear story or script, using at least 5 props and incorporating advanced-level tricks, demonstrating creativity, precision, and teamwork.

AKC Registration is the official process created by the American Kennel Club that records your dog and assigns it a permanent identification number and title record. Registration is what makes titles, awards, and official AKC recognition possible, but dogs do not need to be registered to participate in training classes or programs such as CGC, Trick Dog, or S.T.A.R. Puppy.

Registering your dog is optional for training, but it allows you to earn official titles, access AKC records, and take advantage of additional services like insurance offers, recovery tools, and educational resources. It also helps connect you to the broader AKC community and keeps your dog’s achievements officially documented.

Types of AKC registration

1. AKC Dog Registration
   For purebred dogs with official AKC registration papers from a breeder or previous owner. This is the standard full registration for purebred dogs.

2. AKC Canine Partners Enrollment
   For mixed-breed dogs or dogs without registration papers. This allows dogs to participate in AKC performance events and earn titles.

3. Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL)
   For purebred dogs without registration papers. This option allows them to compete in AKC events and earn titles like registered dogs.

You can click below to learn more about each option or to get started with the program that best fits you and your dog.