Metro K9 Academy offers AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and STAR Puppy training programs designed to help dogs develop calm manners, confidence, and reliability in everyday life.
These programs focus on foundation behaviors that support family living, public neutrality, and clear communication between dogs and owners. Whether you’re starting with a puppy or refining skills with an adult dog, our goal is simple: dogs that are easy to live with and owners who feel confident handling them.
What Are AKC CGC and STAR Puppy Programs?
The AKC STAR Puppy and Canine Good Citizen programs are nationally recognized standards that evaluate a dog’s behavior, temperament, and ability to function calmly in real-world environments.
At Metro K9, these programs are taught with structure and clarity—not chaos—so dogs learn how to:
- Focus around distractions
- Respond predictably to their handler
- Remain calm around people, dogs, and new environments
These certifications are often a stepping stone for families, therapy dog candidates, and owners who want a strong behavioral foundation.
What Dogs Learn
STAR Puppy Foundations
- Name recognition and engagement
- Loose leash walking
- Sit, down, and recall basics
- Handling and grooming tolerance
- Confidence around new people and environments
Canine Good Citizen Skills
- Polite greetings
- Reliable loose-leash walking
- Calm behavior around distractions
- Supervised separation
- Response to basic commands
Training emphasizes neutrality and control, not excitement or force.
Who These Programs Are For
These classes are ideal for:
- Puppies starting their training journey
- Families with young or newly adopted dogs
- Owners who want clear structure and guidance
- Dogs preparing for therapy work or advanced training
These programs are appropriate for most breeds and mixes, not just working dogs.
Our Training Approach
Metro K9’s CGC and STAR Puppy programs are taught by experienced trainers who prioritize:
- Clear communication
- Fair, consistent expectations
- Calm learning environments
- Real-life application beyond the classroom
Owners are coached alongside their dogs so progress continues at home.
Certification & Next Steps
Dogs who meet AKC requirements will be evaluated for:
- AKC STAR Puppy certification
- AKC Canine Good Citizen certification
Many families use these programs as a foundation before continuing into:
- Advanced obedience
- Board & Train programs
- Family personal protection (by evaluation, when appropriate)
Add-Ons That Help You Pas
- Group Training
- Private Lesson bundle for targeted fixes (recall, neutrality, down-stays)
- Field trips to proof cues in busy environments
Enroll or Learn More
Call or text Bobby at 201-230-2285 to ask about upcoming classes, schedules, and whether CGC or STAR Puppy training is the right fit for your dog.