
Andover Dog Training Center and grooming salon
STAR Puppy Program at
Andover Dog Training Center
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What Is the STAR Puppy Program?
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The AKC STAR Puppy Program is a nationally recognized initiative that stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility. This program is ideal for puppies that are 12 weeks to 1 year old, providing a structured, fun, and positive training experience.
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When puppies are brought to their forever homes, they need much more than just food, cuddles, and house-training—they also need to learn how to confidently interact with people, other animals, and the world around them. This is where puppy socialization comes in, and our 10 week Star Puppy Class at Andover Dog Training Center is designed to set your puppy up for a lifetime of success.
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What Is Puppy Socialization?
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The socialization period is the critical time in a puppy’s development, typically from 8 to 16 weeks old, when they are most receptive to learning about the world. During this period, puppies form lifelong associations with sights, sounds, surfaces, and social interactions. Positive experiences now can help prevent fear, anxiety, and behavioral issues in adulthood.
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At Andover Dog Training Center, our 10 week Star Puppy Class focuses on exposing your puppy to age-appropriate experiences in a safe, structured, and fun environment. By the end of the course, your puppy will gain confidence with:
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New sights, sounds, and smells
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Different objects and surfaces (stairs, crates, grooming tools, etc.)
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People of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds
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Other puppies and dogs
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Real-world distractions, like loud noises and moving objects​
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What to Expect in Our
10-Week Curriculum
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Our structured curriculum includes hands-on, interactive activities to build your dog’s confidence and social skills each week focuses on key training concepts that set your puppy up for success:
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Basic Commands: Sit, down, stay, and recall (come when called).
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Leash Manners: Teaching puppies to walk politely on a leash without pulling.
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Impulse Control: Learning to wait patiently, focus on their handler, and respond to cues despite distractions.
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Social Skills: Positive interactions with people and other puppies to encourage appropriate play and polite greetings.
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Introduction to Grooming Tools: Gentle exposure to brushes, nail clippers, and blow dryers to prepare puppies for future grooming sessions.
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Confidence Building: Navigating different surfaces (stairs, ramps, mats, wobbly boards) and interacting with real-world objects like shopping carts and wheelchairs.
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Positive Human Interaction: Meeting people of various ages, sizes, and with different attire (hats, sunglasses, umbrellas) to reduce fear and hesitation.
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Playtime with Other Puppies: Supervised, age-appropriate social play to teach proper play manners and dog-to-dog communication.
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Exposure to Sounds and Movement: Safe introductions to common noises (vacuums, doorbells, traffic sounds) and moving objects (bikes, strollers).
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Basic Handling and Training Foundations: Teaching your puppy to be comfortable with handling, such as checking ears, paws, and mouths.
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K9 First Aid: Learn the basics of canine first aid, including handling minor injuries, recognizing emergencies, and how to act quickly to keep your puppy safe.
By the end of the course, your pup will be well-prepared to confidently handle everyday situations and real-world challenges.
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Why Is Puppy Socialization So Important?
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In today’s world, dogs are expected to navigate busy streets, loud vehicles, and unpredictable situations like cyclists, joggers, and strangers approaching to pet them. Without proper early socialization, puppies are more likely to grow into fearful or anxious adult dogs that may struggle in these environments.
Our Puppy Socialization Class provides:
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Safe social play with other puppies
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Exposure to new stimuli in a controlled setting
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Positive reinforcement techniques to help your puppy build confidence
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Expert guidance on supporting your puppy’s emotional development
Early socialization ensures your puppy will be comfortable and well-behaved when faced with real-world situations, such as walks, car rides, trips to the groomer, or even visiting outdoor cafes with you.
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Why Choose the
STAR Puppy Program?
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The STAR Puppy Program lays the foundation for a well-behaved, confident, and socialized dog. Training during this stage helps prevent behavioral issues later in life and strengthens the bond between you and your puppy. Key benefits include:
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Building a strong obedience foundation
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Preventing common behavior problems like jumping, nipping, and pulling
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Improving socialization with people, dogs, and real-world environments
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Preparing your puppy for more advanced training, such as the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program
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Who Can Join?
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Our 10-week STAR Puppy Class is open to puppies 12 weeks to 1 year old that meet the following requirements:
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Up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations
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Under the care of a veterinarian
Classes are structured to be age-appropriate and designed to accommodate puppies at different developmental stages, ensuring a positive and effective learning environment.
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Cost & Enrollment Details
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10-Week STAR Puppy Program: $325
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Classes are fun, educational, and provide essential tools for your puppy’s future success.
Give your puppy the foundation they need to become a well-mannered, confident companion. Spaces in our STAR Puppy Program are limited, so contact us today to reserve your spot!