S.T.A.R. Puppy Program

The Humane Society of Calloway County is administering a new American Kennel Club^® (AKC) training program geared towards puppies and their owners. The AKC S.T.A.R.^sm Puppy Program rewards responsible owners who take the time to train and socialize their new puppies.

The program is the puppy level of the AKC’s well-known Canine Good Citizen^® program.  “S.T.A.R.” stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner, all of the things a puppy needs to have a good life.

To get started, owners enroll in the S.T.A.R. Puppy Training Class instructed by Humane Society trainers. Classes include valuable training tips for puppy owners - such as how to housetrain - and lessons on practical skills for puppies - such as coming when called.  The program is open to all dogs. Puppies can begin training as soon as they have the necessary vaccines and they can enroll in AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training at any point up until their six or seven month birthday.

Early training and socialization are key to having a well behaved dog. You will learn how to start you pup off on the right paw from the very beginning.

At the end of the training course, the instructors will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. Upon passing, you and your puppy will be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program and will receive an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package which includes:

• A frameable certificate
• AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy medal
• AKC Puppy Handbook
• Discount enrollment in AKC Companion Animal Recovery, a 24 hour recovery service if the puppy gets lost
• Subscription to monthly e-mail newsletter that includes training tips

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy graduates will be encouraged to continue working towards the next step in training, AKC’s Canine Good Citizen award. Canine Good Citizen training emphasizes responsible owners and well-mannered dogs and is also offered by the Humane Society.

Date & Time
Winter class – begins Wed., Feb. 17, 2010
Summer class – begins Thurs., June 10, 2010; no class July 1
Fall class – begins Wed., Sept. 8, 2010  

There are seven weekly sessions with graduation and the STAR Puppy test on the seventh week. Puppies do not attend the first class.

Class begins at 6 p.m. and usually last 60 minutes and no longer than 90 minutes.

Location
All classes are held at Murray State University’s Carmen Animal Health Technology Building on College Farm Road across from Calloway County High School.

Cost
$50 for Humane Society members
$70 for non-members (includes membership for one year)

Register TODAY
Registration is limited and the classes fill quickly. If you want us to hold a place for you in a future class, please complete the registration form and register today!

Mail the following information to Humane Society of Calloway County, P.O. Box 764, Murray, KY 42071 or bring it to the office at the Weaks Community Center at 607 Poplar St. Suite A-1 on first floor Mon. - Thurs. between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. or register online and pay via PayPal

(1) Completed Registration Form

(2) Check made payable to Humane Society of Calloway County

(3) A copy of your pet's vaccination record must be at the Humane Society prior to the beginning of the course but does not have to accompany the registration and payment.

ACT NOW! Registration is first come, first served.

Please direct questions or comments about the site to humanesociety@murray-ky.net.