AKC
Refund/Missed Class Policy for Group Classes
- We do not provide refunds for group classes once a client has registered and secured a spot in a class.
- We do not provide refunds or make up sessions for missed group classes.
- To protect all participants, Building Bonds reserves the right to decline to work with any pet who presents behavior issues that may be dangerous, disruptive, or exacerbated by participation in a group training session. If behavior issues are discovered during the training class, and the trainer determines that it is in everyone’s best interest to discontinue training sessions, you will be provided a refund (less an administration fee of $50) of the balance of unused classes, or credit will be applied toward private lessons.
Current Class Options
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy - Using Games to Teach Structure $225
For fully vaccinated puppies up to 12 months old
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an incentive program to get you and your puppy off to a strong start to demonstrate that you have taken the time to take your puppy through basic training. Combining Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility in a humane, fun games-based format, this version is unique to many S.T.A.R. Puppy courses. After at least six weeks of attending class, you and your puppy are eligible to take the test and then become enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. This class is for purebred and mixed breed puppies. This class is often taken as a prerequisite for the AKC Canine Good Citizen.
With our open enrollment format, you can begin the class on any available Monday.
OWNER BEHAVIORS:
1. Maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)
2. Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge
3. Owner describes adequate daily play and exercise plan
4. Owner and puppy attend at least six classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator
5. Owner brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy
6. Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy-collar tag, etc.
PUPPY BEHAVIORS:
7. Free of aggression toward people during at least six weeks of class
8. Free of aggression toward other puppies in class
9. Tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice
10. Owner can hug or hold puppy (depending on size)
11. Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy
PRE-CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® TEST BEHAVIORS:
12. Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner
13. Grooming – allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)
14. Walks On a Leash – follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)
15. Walks by other people – walks on leash past other people five feet away
16. Sits on command – owner may use a food lure
17. Down on command – owner may use a food lure
18. Comes to owner from five feet when name is called
19. Reaction to Distractions – distractions are presented 15 feet away
20. Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)
Class Instructor: Susan Sparks
Class Length: Six 45 - 60 minutes classroom sessions
Requirements:
- Documentation from a veterinary clinic that your dog is fully vaccinated for rabies, DHPP, and bordetella (kennel cough). You may upload this documentation to the registration form or email it to us.
- We ask that you please give your newly acquired dog 14 days to settle in before coming to a group class. Many illnesses will present themselves in the first 14 days.
- Your dog must be comfortable and able to work around other dogs. If your dog has a history of barking at dogs on leash, growling or has bitten another dog, please contact us about private training.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Preparation Class
Prerequisite: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy or other manners class, for fully vaccinated puppies and dogs age 6 months and older
Is your dog ready to be a true ambassador of good behavior? Join our Canine Good Citizen Test Preparation Class, designed to help you and your dog build the skills needed to pass the prestigious AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. This course focuses on key behaviors that promote a well-mannered dog in public and at home, ensuring your pup is confident, polite, and ready for the test.
What to Expect:
- Positive Reinforcement Training: Using game based methods to teach your dog desirable behaviors.
- Focus on Socialization: Exercises to help your dog remain calm and confident around distractions, other dogs, and new environments.
Key CGC Skills:
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Sitting politely for petting
- Loose-leash walking
- Reaction to distraction
- Recall (coming when called)
- And more!
Class Features:
- Small group sizes for personalized attention.
- Fun, interactive lessons with real-life scenarios.
- Guidance on how to prepare for the CGC test day.
- Ongoing support for both dog and handler to build trust and confidence.
Whether you’re aiming for the CGC certification or simply want a well-behaved dog, this class is the perfect opportunity to achieve your training goals in a positive and supportive environment. Students will have the opportunity to be evaluated by the class instructor on week six for an additional $10.
Get your dog on the path to becoming a Canine Good Citizen today!
Class Instructor: Ana Mendoza or Susan Sparks
Class Length: Six 45-60 minute classroom sessions
Requirements:
- Prerequisite: Enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class or other manners class prior to taking this class.
- Documentation from a veterinary clinic that your dog is fully vaccinated for rabies, DHPP, and bordetella (kennel cough). You may upload this documentation to the registration form or email it to us.
- We ask that you please give your newly acquired dog 14 days to settle in before coming to a group class. Many illnesses will present themselves in the first 14 days.
- Your dog must be comfortable and able to work around other dogs. If your dog has a history of barking at dogs on leash, growling or has bitten another dog, please contact us about private training.
