STAR Puppy Program at Andover Dog Training Center
Building Brave, Polite Puppies.
DOG TRAINING
DoG BOARDING
DOG GROOMING
DOG TRAINING
DoG BOARDING
DOG GROOMING
DOG TRAINING
DoG BOARDING
DOG GROOMING
DoG Grooming
DOG GROOMING
DOG
TRAINING
DoG BOARDING
DOG GROOMING
DOG
BOARDING
DOG
GROOMING
DoG BOARDING
DOG GROOMING
The AKC STAR Puppy Program stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility. This nationally recognized program is designed for puppies ages 12 weeks to 1 year and provides a structured, positive introduction to training and real-world experiences.
Our 10-week STAR Puppy Class helps puppies learn how to interact confidently with people, other dogs, and their environment—setting the foundation for lifelong good behavior.
What Is Puppy Socialization?
The socialization period, typically between 8 and 16 weeks of age, is when puppies are most receptive to learning about the world. Positive exposure during this stage helps prevent fear, anxiety, and behavior problems later in life.
At ADTC, puppies are introduced to new experiences in a safe, structured environment so they can build confidence and emotional stability.
Puppies gain valuable experience with new sights, sounds, and smells, as well as different surfaces and objects such as stairs, crates, and grooming tools. They are introduced to people of various ages and appearances, other puppies and dogs, and common real-world distractions including noise and movement to build confidence and stability.
What will Your Puppy Will Learn
(10-Week Curriculum)?
Each week, puppies work on age-appropriate skills designed to build confidence and strong foundations. Training includes basic commands such as sit, down, stay, and recall, along with an introduction to loose-leash walking. Puppies develop impulse control by learning to wait, focus, and respond to cues around distractions. Social skills are emphasized through polite greetings and appropriate play with other puppies.
The program also includes handling and grooming preparation to build comfort with paws, ears, mouth checks, and grooming tools. Confidence-building exercises expose puppies to ramps, mats, and real-world objects. Structured people exposure includes varied appearances such as hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas, while sound and movement exposure introduces vacuums, doorbells, traffic noises, bikes, strollers, and carts. Puppies also receive basic K9 First Aid awareness to support safety and emergency preparedness.
By the end of the course, puppies are better prepared for everyday environments and future training.
Why does Puppy
Socialization Matter?
Modern dogs must navigate busy streets, loud noises, and frequent interactions with strangers and other animals. Without early socialization, puppies are more likely to develop fear-based or reactive behavior.
Our program provides safe, supervised puppy play along with controlled exposure to new environments and experiences. We use positive reinforcement methods to build confidence and stability, while offering professional guidance to support your puppy’s emotional development during critical growth stages.
Early training helps puppies succeed in daily life, including walks, car rides, vet visits, grooming, and public outings.
Why Choose th
STAR Puppy Program?
The STAR Puppy Program helps build a strong obedience foundation while reducing common behavior problems such as jumping, nipping, and pulling. It improves confidence and focus, strengthens the bond between owner and puppy, and prepares young dogs for advanced training opportunities such as the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program.
Who Can Enroll?
To participate in the program, puppies must be between 12 weeks and 1 year old, up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, and under the regular care of a veterinarian.
Classes are designed to be developmentally appropriate for puppies at different growth stages.
Program Cost & LENGTH
10-Week STAR Puppy Program: $325
Space is limited to ensure quality instruction and safe interaction.
Ready to Get Started?
Give your puppy the structure and socialization they need to become a calm, confident companion.
Contact Andover Dog Training Center to reserve your spot today.
The AKC STAR Puppy Program stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility. This nationally recognized program is designed for puppies ages 12 weeks to 1 year and provides a structured, positive introduction to training and real-world experiences.
Our 10-week STAR Puppy Class helps puppies learn how to interact confidently with people, other dogs, and their environment—setting the foundation for lifelong good behavior.
What Is Puppy Socialization?
The socialization period, typically between 8 and 16 weeks of age, is when puppies are most receptive to learning about the world. Positive exposure during this stage helps prevent fear, anxiety, and behavior problems later in life.
At ADTC, puppies are introduced to new experiences in a safe, structured environment so they can build confidence and emotional stability.
Puppies gain experience with:
- New sights, sounds, and smells
- Different surfaces and objects (stairs, crates, grooming tools)
- People of different ages and appearances
- Other puppies and dogs
- Common distractions such as noise and movement
What will Your Puppy Will Learn (10-Week Curriculum)?
Puppies work on age-appropriate skills each week, including:
- Basic commands: Sit, down, stay, and recall
- Leash manners: Introduction to loose-leash walking
- Impulse control: Waiting, focusing, and responding to cues
- Social skills: Polite greetings and appropriate play
- Handling and grooming prep: Comfort with paws, ears, mouth, and tools
- Confidence building: Navigating ramps, mats, and real-world objects
- People exposure: Hats, sunglasses, umbrellas, and varied appearances
- Sound exposure: Vacuums, doorbells, traffic noises
- Movement exposure: Bikes, strollers, and carts
- K9 First Aid: Basic safety awareness and emergency response
By the end of the course, puppies are better prepared for everyday environments and future training.
Why does Puppy Socialization Matter?
Modern dogs must navigate busy streets, loud noises, and frequent interactions with strangers and other animals. Without early socialization, puppies are more likely to develop fear-based or reactive behavior.
Our program provides:
- Safe, supervised puppy play
- Controlled exposure to new experiences
- Positive reinforcement methods
- Professional guidance for emotional development
Early training helps puppies succeed in daily life, including walks, car rides, vet visits, grooming, and public outings.
Why Choose the STAR Puppy Program?
The STAR Puppy Program helps:
- Build a strong obedience foundation
- Reduce common behavior problems (jumping, nipping, pulling)
- Improve confidence and focus
- Strengthen the bond between owner and puppy
- Prepare puppies for advanced training, such as the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program
Who Can Enroll?
Puppies must:
- Be 12 weeks to 1 year old
- Be up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations
- Be under veterinary care
Classes are designed to be developmentally appropriate for puppies at different growth stages.
Program Cost & LENGTH
10-Week STAR Puppy Program: $325
Space is limited to ensure quality instruction and safe interaction.
Ready to Get Started?
Give your puppy the structure and socialization they need to become a calm, confident companion.
Contact Andover Dog Training Center to reserve your spot today.
FINANCING OPTIONS
We understand that dog training is sometimes needed before it fits into your budget. Andover Dog Training Center offers flexible financing for our Board & Train and private lesson programs through PayPal Credit, allowing you to start training right away without financial strain.
PayPal Credit offers a quick application process with fast approval for many applicants and no interest when paid in full within six months. Monthly payments are handled directly through PayPal.
To use financing, simply let us know during booking and our team will help guide you through the setup process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AKC STAR Puppy Program?
It is a nationally recognized puppy training program focused on socialization, basic training, activity, and responsible ownership.
What age puppies can attend?
Puppies between 12 weeks and 1 year old, pending vaccination status.
Does this help with behavior problems?
Yes. Early training helps prevent issues such as fear, reactivity, jumping, and poor leash manners.
Is this a group class?
Yes. Puppies train in a structured group environment with professional supervision.
Does my puppy need prior training?
No. This program is designed for beginners.
Are owners involved?
Yes. Owners attend class and learn how to continue training at home.
Is an evaluation required?
Vaccination records and an initial assessment are required before enrollment.
What happens after this program?
Graduates are prepared for basic obedience classes and advanced programs such as CGC training.
