AKC S.T.A.R. Program

[Smudge]

I just got an email back. I am sending the money to Atlanta, TX, but the actual classes are going to be held in Texarkana. So that means Smudge can go after all! It's so confusing. Why would you send the money to one town, but then have the classes in another? I'm very glad we will get to go after all. I was so upset, because when you live in the middle of nowhere it's hard to find certain things. I'm still going to ask about agility too!

 

[mcguiregirl2248]

That is great that they are going to have the class in a location where you can attend. As for sending the money to another town, it may be where they are headquartered. They maybe headquartered in one town but see the need to have classes in other towns if they are the only local organization doing it. It's a win/win for everyone. Have fun with it!

 

[Chris]

I just got an email back. I am sending the money to Atlanta, TX, but the actual classes are going to be held in Texarkana. So that means Smudge can go after all! It's so confusing. Why would you send the money to one town, but then have the classes in another? I'm very glad we will get to go after all. I was so upset, because when you live in the middle of nowhere it's hard to find certain things. I'm still going to ask about agility too!

That's great news!!!!!

 

[Smudge]

Now I'm just waiting on a "school supply list". I'm pretty sure I have most everything I could need though. I just have to wait for September. It's going to be a long wait. I'm excited! Expect pictures. Lots and lots of pictures and video.

 

[Calliesmom]

I just got an email back. I am sending the money to Atlanta, TX, but the actual classes are going to be held in Texarkana. So that means Smudge can go after all! It's so confusing. Why would you send the money to one town, but then have the classes in another? I'm very glad we will get to go after all. I was so upset, because when you live in the middle of nowhere it's hard to find certain things. I'm still going to ask about agility too!

could be that the treasurer for the club lives in Atlanta and the club itself operates in Texarkana. My dog club is in Mobile, AL but the members live in various towns nearby including Mississippi since we are right near the border. just glad that you'll be able to take the class

 

[granite]

Now I'm just waiting on a "school supply list". I'm pretty sure I have most everything I could need though. I just have to wait for September. It's going to be a long wait. I'm excited! Expect pictures. Lots and lots of pictures and video.

Yeah! More sheltie TV.

So where are the videos of NOW? NOW is a good time for a video!!

 

[emmygirl]

Now I'm just waiting on a "school supply list". I'm pretty sure I have most everything I could need though. I just have to wait for September. It's going to be a long wait. I'm excited! Expect pictures. Lots and lots of pictures and video.[/QUOT

Smudge, See if you can find anyone that is certified to the the Good Citizen Certification. That person can also do the STAR Test as well. That is what I am doing. I found out that my instructor herself can do it (I did not expect that!) Here is the website that has what you will need to do in order to get the STAR PUPPY certificate.

www.akc.org/starpuppy/test_items_pledge.cfm


Good luck. And have fun (I know I am!)

 

[Smudge]

Here is the website that has what you will need to do in order to get the STAR PUPPY certificate.

www.akc.org/starpuppy/test_items_pledge.cfm

That list makes me nervous. Smudge can't do any of those things (numbers 14-20 but # 13 is also iffy)! I can't even get him to walk when I take him for a walk! On my next days off we will start training for that. I don't want to look like an idiot in front of everybody. He acts nervous when other people are around him. My dad travels a lot and is rarely home. Smudge went bouncing into the living room, and saw my dad sitting down in the chair and freaked out. My dad has never done anything bad to Smudge, so I don't understand why he is afraid of him. I can't get him to go outside or anything when dad is around! I think he has "evil vet syndrome". I was afraid to take Smudge out until he had all of his shots, so the only new people he's met have been from the vet's office. So maybe he thinks my dad is going to give him a shot?

In a few weeks I'm taking him to the groomer's for the first time. No hair cut, only a bath. It's going to be his "before school groom".

Does anybody know what the Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away means? I'm not sure I get that.

 

[Chris]

It means that if something "interesting" is happening (like another dog, for example) 15 feet away, the puppy will still pay attention to the handler.

 

[Silaria]

That list makes me nervous. Smudge can't do any of those things (numbers 14-20 but # 13 is also iffy)!

First and foremost don't panic! Don't worry about "looking like and idiot" or anything else. It will all translate down the leash to Smudge and make him more nervous and anxious.

I'm sure there will be people in the class at all different levels of experience with their dogs. You are taking the class to learn how to do these things and won't be taking the test the very day you walk into the door. Yes, it's going to take, practice and patience on your part - it took me nearly 6 months to get a good "sit" out of Edan because he was show dog trained and show dogs DO NOT sit.

Remember, you are doing this to learn and bond with your dog. Relax and you'll be amazed at how fast he learns what he doesn't know with a little guidance from an experience instructor.