OUR MISSION

AKC  S.T.A.R. Puppy is the puppy level of the CGC program. "S.T.A.R." stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible owner, all the things a puppy needs.

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an exciting program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is an incentive program for loving dog owners who have taken the time to take their puppies through a basic training class.

Puppies between the ages of 4 months and 1 year of age may be a part of this program.

The Benefits of Training

Training classes teach you how to best communicate with your puppy. Organized training classes also provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs. In classes aimed at earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction, you’ll be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including house training, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training is a natural lead in to the AKC® Canine Good Citizen® Program.

You will receive:

• A beautiful, frameable certificate designating your puppy is in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records at AKC.
• New Puppy Guide – Digital Edition:  AKC’s comprehensive resource about caring for your puppy.
• Ongoing Monthly Email Newsletter: Your AKC. This includes training tips and up-to-date information every dog owner needs to know. We want you and your puppy to continue learning beyond puppy classes.

The 10-Steps of the evaluation include:

1) Allows petting by a person other than the owner.

2) Grooming - Allows handling and brief exam (ears, feet, teeth)

3) Walks on a Leash-Follow owner on  lead in a straight line (15 steps)

4) Walks by other people- Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away.

5) Sits on command

6) Down on command

7) Comes to owner from 5-ft when called

8) Reaction to Distractions- distractions are presented 15-ft away

9) Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps & returns)

10) Free of aggression toward people & other puppies in class

Evaluation is included in the class.  All six sessions MUST have been attended to qualify for the evaluation.

 The cost is $150 + tax AND INCLUDES the AKC evaluation at the end of the class.   A $25 deposit is required to hold your position with the balance due 7 days PRIOR to the start of the class (cash, check, or credit card).    
 

The class is limited to 6 dogs and the handlers.  

 The first day of class, bring proof of current rabies vaccination and if you live in the Waco city limits, bring proof of  microchip.  

New class starts:

Jun 28th ~ Jul 15th, 2021   6-7 pm

Mon & Thu evenings - 3 weeks

 ***CLASS IN SESSION *** 

Aug 2nd-Aug 19th, 2021   6-7 pm

Mon & Thu evenings - 3 weeks

*** CLASS FULL *** 

Sep 13th - Sep 30th, 2021   6-7 pm

Mon & Thu evenings - 3 weeks

*** CLASS FULL *** 

  Oct 9th - Nov 13th      9-10 am

Saturdays - 6 weeks

*** 1 OPENING *** https://form.jotform.com/WhiteHaven/new-client--dog-information  

 The CANINE GOOD CITIZEN program is a 2-part program that is designed to 1) Teach responsible dog ownership to owners and,  2) Certify dogs that have the training and behaviors needed to be reliable, well-behaved members of their families and communities.

The purpose of the CGC Program is to ensure that our favorite companions can be a respected member of the community because it has been trained to be well behaved in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. Dogs must pass all 10-steps of the CGC tests to receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.   

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN (CGC): This basic obedience test’s 10-Steps include: 

1) Accepting a friendly stranger, 

2) Sitting politely for petting, 

3) Appearance & grooming, 

4) Out for a walk (walking on a loose leash), 

5) Walking through a crowd, 

6) Sit & Down on command & Staying in place, 

7) Coming when called, 

8) Reaction to distraction, 

9) Reaction to another dog, and 

10) Supervised separation.

This is a 6-class program for 1-hour per training session, training the dog & the owner together to learn the skills they need for the CGC. 

The cost is $150 + tax AND INCLUDES the AKC evaluation at the end of the class.   A $25 deposit is required to hold your position with the balance due 7 days PRIOR to the start of the class (cash, check, or credit card).    

 The class is limited to 6 dogs and the handlers. 

The first day of class, bring proof of current rabies vaccination and if you live in the Waco city limits, bring proof of  microchip. 

New classes start:

June 28th - July 15th, 2021  7:30-8:30pm

Mon & Thu evenings - 3 weeks 

  *** CLASS IN SESSION ***

July 20th - Aug 6th   7-8 pm 

Tue & Fri evenings - 3 weeks

Humane Society of Central Texas

*** CLASS FULL ***

 Aug 2nd - 19th,  2021  7:30-8:30 pm 

Mon & Thu evenings - 3 weeks 

*** CLASS FULL ***

 Sep 13th - 30th, 2021   7:30-8:30 pm Mon & Thu evenings - 3 weeks

*** CLASS FULL ***

Oct 9th - Nov 13th  10:15-11:15 am

Saturdays - 6 weeks

*** CLASS FULL ***  

Oct 9th - Nov 13th  11:30am-12:30pm

Saturdays - 6 weeks

*** CLASS FULL*** 

 AKC Community Canine℠ is the advanced level of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program. Dogs that pass the AKC Community Canine test earn the official AKC Community Canine title that is designated by the letters “CGCA” (Advanced CGC) on the dog’s title record. 

Whereas Canine Good Citizen tests are most often tested in a ring and situations are simulated (e.g., 3 helpers serve as a “crowd”), the AKC Community Canine test is done in real situations including at shows, classes, and in the community. 

The 10-Steps in the CGCA test include: 

1) Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control, 

2) Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring) — does not pull, 

3) Walks on loose leash through a crowd, 

4) Dog walks past distraction dogs present; does not pull, 

5) Sit — stay in small group (3 other people with dogs), 

6) Dog allows person who is carrying something (backpack, computer bag, etc.) to approach and pet it, 

7) “Leave it.” Dog walks by food and follows owner instructions, “Leave it.”, 

8) Down or sit stay — distance (owner’s choice), 

9) Recall with distractions present (coming when called). Handler goes out 20–ft. (off center) and calls dog, and 

10) Dog will sit or stand stay (owner’s choice) while owner enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway. Owner calls dog through door when ready. 

This will be a 6-class program held for 1 hour each lesson period. Training will be conducted in public areas, such as parks, city sidewalks, buildings, etc. 

Cost of the class is $150 + tax including the AKC evaluation at the end of the class. A $25 deposit is required to hold your position with the balance due 7 days PRIOR to the start of the class (cash, check, or credit card). 

The class is limited to 6 dogs and the handlers.

 The first day of class, bring proof of current rabies vaccination and if you live in the Waco city limits, bring proof of  microchip. 

 Your dog MUST have the CGC on file w/ the AKC BEFORE  testing for the CGCA!

New class starts:

Aug 18th ~ Sep 22nd  6:00-7:00pm

Wednesday evenings (We will NOT meet on 09/15 but instead, we will  meet on Saturday morning, 09/18 at 10am)

***REGISTRATION Open*** https://form.jotform.com/WhiteHaven/new-client--dog-information
 

  AKC URBAN CANINE GOOD CITIZEN  

is a title in the Canine Good Citizen family of awards and titles.

AKC Urban CGC requires that the dog demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in a setting that includes traffic, crowds, noises, smells and other distractions that are present in a city or town.  As with Canine Good Citizen, AKC Urban CGC is a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title. 

Urban CGC is a public access test that demonstrates dogs are well-behaved and well-trained when in public settings. The Urban CGC test can be used by dog- friendly business (e.g., lodging, retail, transportation, public facilities) to recognize and accept dogs with good manners.

Test Items

1.  Exit/enter doorway with no pulling in dog-friendly buildings. Exit building to start test, additional Public buildings items are below. 

2.  Walk through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk.

• People come toward the dog from 1-ft. away
• Tolerate distractions (people wearing hats, coats, men, women, etc).

3.  Appropriate reaction to city distractions. This includes movement, noises, and walking on a variety of surfaces. Examples:

• Noises: horns, sirens, construction noise, etc.
• Moving objects: skateboard, bike, carts, person running
• Surfaces: concrete, grass, grates, plastic tarp, wet sidewalk

4.  Crossing street: Stop at corner, stand or sit to wait and cross with no pulling (on leash, with owner). Crosses street under control.

5.  Ignore food on sidewalk. (Dropped food, or cups, bags, cans, in which food was wrapped).

6.  Person walks up and pets the dog. May be carrying an item such as a small dog in a bag, a computer bag, etc. Person does not put the bag down to pet the dog.

7.  Public Building (that is dog friendly). Walks under control in building (slick surface, carpeted floor). Down stay (3 min) in lobby or outdoor area, or waits while owner has a meal or snack.

8.  Stairs, steps, or elevator under control.

• Steps (at least 3 – up and down)
• Elevator (Enters under control, exits, rides under control)

9.  Housetrained for apartment, condo, city living. Owner may verify this item. Evaluator may also observe in public buildings, or have observed in training classes.

10.  Transportation. Owner’s choice depending on transportation needs.

• Car. Enters/exits, remains under control during the ride. (Crate? Seatbelt?)
• Subway. Small dog in bag for ride. (large dogs are not always permitted; know and abide by the Transit Policies in your area).

The course is a two (2) to six (6) class program of one (1) hour each class.  Cost of the training is $60 and up depending on the dog's current trained level and it includes the AKC evaluation at the end of the training.  A $25 deposit is required to hold your position. 

 The first day of class, bring proof of current rabies vaccination and if you live in the Waco city limits, bring proof of  microchip. 

Your dog MUST have the CGC on file with the AKC BEFORE testing for the CGCU!

*** This does NOT Certify your dog as a Service Dog and does NOT allow for any special privileges for your dog. ***

New class starts:

AS NEEDED

EVALUATIONS for the Canine Good Citizen Program: Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Community Canine (CGCA), and Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU) titles.

These are Evaluations for your ALREADY TRAINED dog for title ONLY.  NO INSTRUCTION given.

Locations will be set depending on the level of evaluation being given and are conducted as needed.  Phone for an appointment.

CGC, CGCA & CGCU ~ $20 (pass or fail) for each dog & each evaluation.

ASSESSMENTS

WhiteHaven Canine Evaluators conducts assessments of your dog to determine issues that need to be addressed; the level of training that would be best to start your dog and other needs that may concern you.

Assessments ~ $30

WhiteHaven Canine offers training for your dog as a Therapy Dog.

 This class is strictly geared toward teaching your dog the skills they will need to pass a Therapy Dog Certification Test. 

They will need to show obedience towards their handlers commands, no aggression towards other prospective therapy dogs or people. 

Specific drills and socialization will be exercised in each session. It will include training around wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, and other obstacles  that they would encounter in a Therapy Dog service situation along with actual visits to different locations.

Once they are ready to be tested, the dog must be 1 year of age and must have lived with their handler for at least 6 months. 

Training times and costs on this will be dependent on an assessment of the animal's current training level.

WhiteHaven Canine is a Certified Therapy Dog Evaluator for The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. organization to qualify you & your dog as a Certified Therapy Dog Team. 

Evaluations (NO TRAINING) are $20; Pass or Fail.

Therapy Dog Evaluations:

As Needed

There are many people that need the services of a 'Task performing' Service Dog due to disabilities while others may only require an Emotional Support Animal.

WhiteHaven Canine is pleased to be offering training for ESAs.  We obtain dogs from local shelters or donated from individuals, train them in obedience & service as an ESA, then donate the animals to Disabled Veterans at no cost to the Veteran.

We can also train your dog for you, the general public, or a dog we obtain through shelters for a fee.  The fees charged to the general public go to the expenses we have for the dogs donated to Veterans.

Each Dog Scheduled

As Needed:

AKC TEMPERAMENT TEST (ATT)

WhiteHaven Canine is an approved Evaluator for the AKC Temperament Test (ATT).

This program is considered a Title and can be added to your dog's record. 

It will test the dog in six (6) categories of stimuli that include:

1) Social, 2) Auditory, 3) Visual, 

4) Tactile, 5) Proprioceptive (motion), and 6) Unexpected stimulus

The AKC Temperament Test (ATT) was developed to bring focus and provide a meaningful evaluation to assess the temperament of our canine companions.

The ATT tests how a dog reacts to a variety of stimuli. Desirable traits are that the dog will be emotionally stable, inquisitive, cooperative, appropriately social for its breed, biddable and demonstrates the ability to recover from a startling situation in a reasonable amount of time.

Undesirable traits are fear, shyness, lack of cooperation and an inability to recover from unfamiliar or unexpected situations. Examples of undesirable behaviors include being afraid of friendly strangers or unfamiliar stimuli, obsessive barking, and aggression.

To qualify for the title of ATT, the dog must be tested twice by two different evaluators and make application to the AKC.  As of right now, you will only find these test offered at AKC Sanctioned clubs, shows, or trials.

Who Can Participate?   All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program.  

Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines or a titer test and show proof that they are current.  Written proof will be required to show current immunizations.

Owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge attesting to having the dog under the routine care of a veterinarian who will work with the owner to determine an appropriate plan and schedule for vaccines, proper diet, exercise plan and other health care procedures. 

NO EXTENDABLE LEASHES  will be permitted in class or for the evaluation.  

You will need a 4', 5' or 6' Solid leash.  It is suggested that your buckle have a "metal" hasp/connector; NOT a "plastic" one.  

Chain or choke collars and prong collars are allowed for training purposes but not the evaluations.  A harness may be used, provided it does NOT hamper the dogs movements and ability to perform required tasks.

~ ~ ~

For the Community Canine, Urban Canine, or Therapy Dog Courses, you MUST have an AKC number & have a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) award ON FILE with the AKC PRIOR to testing for these titles..

One of these 3 types will be needed:  AKC registration number, Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL), or AKC Canine Partners.  

All dogs, including mixed breeds, can get an AKC number. The reason for the AKC number requirement is that this is how the AKC creates titles; they attach the titles to the dog’s number. 

To get a number, if you do not already have one, you may go to:

www.akc.org/reg/ilpex.cfm for purebred dogs or: 

www.akc.org/register/information/purebred-alternative-listing-pal/ 

for Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) 

or to:

www.akc.org/canine_partners/ for mixed breed dogs.