Training classes offered for puppy owners

A Dogs View owner Stacey K. McLaughlin and the Pocono Family YMCA announced recently that they will join together to hold a new American Kennel Club (AKC) training program geared toward puppies and their owners.

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program rewards responsible owners who take the time to train and socialize their puppies. The program is the puppy level of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program. S.T.A.R. stands for socialization, training, activity and a responsible owner, all of the things a puppy needs to have a good life.

“The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program teaches dogs and their owners the first important steps to becoming responsible members of the community,” McLaughlin said in a press release. “It is our hope to diminish the number of dogs relinquished to shelters through the education offered by the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.”

Owners can enroll in the class at the Stroudsburg YMCA instructed by McLaughlin. Classes will include training tips for puppy owners, such as how to housetrain, and lessons on practical skills for puppies. The program is open to all dogs. Puppies can begin training as soon as they have the necessary vaccines, and they can enroll in AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy at any point up until their first birthday.

At the end of the training course, McLaughlin will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. Upon passing, owners and their puppies will be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.

To sign up for classes visit the YMCA at 809 Main St. in Stroudsburg, or visit www.poconoymca.org. For more information on AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, visit www.akc.org/starpuppy.

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