Kyon | Bernedoodle | Rancho Cucamonga | In Training
- Chelsea Benz
- 6 days ago
- 11 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
Please welcome Kyon!
Kyon is an 18-week-old Bernedoodle from Rancho Cucamonga, California, who has joined us for our Three-Week Board and Train Program. He's a fun-loving, energetic pup with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Full of curiosity and enthusiasm, Kyon is always ready to jump into whatever life has to offer; sometimes a little too quickly!
While Kyon is a sweet boy, he has developed a habit of relying heavily on his mom or dad whenever he feels uncertain. When something startles him or doesn't go his way, his first instinct is often to run back for comfort and be picked up. While this comes from a place of love, being consistently removed from situations can sometimes prevent a dog from learning how to work through mild stress and build confidence on their own. Over time, this can create a cycle where the world feels increasingly overwhelming because the dog never gets the opportunity to realize they can successfully handle it.
Like many young dogs, Kyon's perception of the world can be a little inconsistent. One moment he's confidently exploring his surroundings, and the next a sudden noise, unfamiliar object, or flock of birds can have him questioning all of life's decisions. That's perfectly okay, Kyon! Confidence isn't something dogs are born with; it's something they develop through guidance, structure, and positive experiences.
Over the next three weeks, we'll be helping Kyon build that confidence from the ground up. Through obedience, exposure training, and clear communication, he'll learn that while the world can be full of distractions and surprises, looking to his handler for direction is far more rewarding than reacting to every little thing around him.
We can't wait to watch this handsome boy grow into a calmer, more confident version of himself!
Pupdate 5/31
Today we decided to keep things simple and start our training journey right here in the backyard. Whenever a dog enters a new environment, especially one away from home, there is an adjustment period as they learn new routines, new expectations, and begin building trust with their trainer. After spending some time with Kyon, it became clear that he is still learning how to understand and respond to leash pressure, which is one of the foundational communication tools we'll use throughout his training.
As a trainer, part of my job is setting a dog up for success. While it can be tempting to immediately jump into busy parks and highly distracting environments, doing so before a dog has the necessary skills can often create frustration and confusion. By working in a quieter, more controlled setting, Kyon is able to focus on learning without becoming overwhelmed by the world around him. Building confidence and understanding in these easier environments creates a much stronger foundation for success when we eventually begin tackling more challenging locations.
Today was all about introducing concepts, creating clarity, and allowing Kyon to start understanding that leash pressure isn't something to fight against, but rather a form of communication that can help guide him toward the correct decision. Every confident, reliable dog starts with these small building blocks, and Kyon showed some promising signs that he's ready to learn.
As you can see in the video, I'd dare say it was a pretty good first day, Kyon! We took things at your pace, started laying the groundwork for future success, and most importantly, began building a relationship based on trust and communication. Not bad for Day One, buddy!
Pupdate 6/1
Today we took a trip to Whittier Park to meet up with some fellow trainers and their dogs for a training session in a more active environment. This provided Kyon with an excellent opportunity to practice his developing skills around new sights, sounds, people, and distractions while continuing to build confidence outside of the home.
One of the biggest improvements we noticed today was Kyon's understanding of leash pressure. Compared to our first day, he appeared much more relaxed and responsive when guided on leash. This is an important step in his training journey, as leash pressure serves as one of the primary ways we communicate with our dogs. When a dog understands how to follow that guidance instead of resisting it, the training process becomes much clearer and less stressful for everyone involved. Rather than feeling confused or frustrated, Kyon was beginning to recognize that the leash is there to provide direction and support.
Being around other trainers and dogs also gave Kyon valuable exposure in a controlled setting. While there were certainly plenty of interesting things competing for his attention, he did a nice job working through the environment and settling into the training session. Every successful outing helps reinforce that the world isn't quite as overwhelming as it may first seem.
After all the excitement and learning, we returned home where Kyon enjoyed a well-deserved nap. Rest is just as important as training, as it gives dogs the opportunity to process everything they've learned and recharge for the next adventure.
Well done today, Kyon! You're starting to put the pieces together, and we're excited to see what tomorrow brings.
Pupdate 6/2
Today we took our training out into the neighborhood to continue working on leash pressure and introducing the fundamentals of a proper heel. While this may seem like a simple exercise, neighborhood walks provide an excellent opportunity to practice obedience in a real-world environment filled with distractions such as passing cars, barking dogs, unfamiliar sounds, and all the interesting smells a curious dog could ask for.
One of the most exciting parts of today's session was seeing just how much progress Kyon has already made. Comparing his work today to how he looked in the backyard when he first arrived, the difference is remarkable. Rather than feeling unsure and resisting guidance on the leash, Kyon is beginning to understand the conversation taking place between us. He is learning that leash pressure isn't something to pull against or be concerned about; it's simply information that helps guide him toward the correct choice.
His body language reflected this growing understanding as well. Throughout much of the walk, Kyon appeared noticeably more relaxed and comfortable. His movements were smoother, his focus was better, and he spent less time worrying about what was happening around him and more time paying attention to where we were going together. Confidence often shows itself in small ways, and today Kyon gave us plenty of those moments. Even his "Sit", while needing encouragement, was drastically better today because he was relaxed.
The heel position is about much more than simply walking beside a handler. It teaches a dog to check in, stay engaged, and look to their person for direction when navigating the world. For a dog like Kyon, who can sometimes be uncertain about his surroundings, this skill is especially valuable because it helps replace anxiety with clarity and purpose.
Overall, Kyon did a fantastic job today. Every walk is becoming a little smoother, every lesson a little clearer, and every success a little bigger than the last.
You could say Kyon is really starting to Kyon-nect the dots! Terrible pun but well earned. Good job, Kyon!
Pupdate 6/3
Today we took a trip to Lake Balboa, and what a difference a few days of training can make!
If you remember our first visit, I mentioned how Lake Balboa proved to be quite the challenge for Kyon. The environment was full of distractions, unfamiliar sights, sounds, people, and wildlife, and at the time he was still trying to understand the concept of leash pressure. Rather than seeing the leash as a source of guidance, he was often uncertain about what was being asked of him, making it difficult for him to relax and navigate such a stimulating environment.
Fast forward to today, and the improvement was remarkable. Kyon showed a much greater understanding of leash communication and was able to move through the environment with significantly more confidence and clarity. Instead of reacting to every distraction around him, he spent more time focused on the task at hand and looking to his handler for direction.
His body language told the story just as much as his actions. Today we saw a dog who was carrying himself with more confidence, moving more fluidly, and appearing far less concerned about everything happening around him. Rather than the uncertainty we saw during our first outing, Kyon was able to settle into the walk, process his surroundings, and make thoughtful decisions instead of emotional reactions. These may seem like small details, but they are huge indicators that a dog is beginning to feel more comfortable and secure in the world around them.
Experiences like this are incredibly important because they allow us to measure true progress. Training isn't just about learning commands; it's about developing confidence, building trust, and teaching a dog how to successfully navigate new environments without becoming overwhelmed. Today, Kyon showed us exactly that.
All in all, an absolutely fantastic day, Kyon! Watching you return to a place that once felt challenging and handle it with such improvement is something to be proud of. Keep it up, buddy; you're really starting to come into your own!
Pupdate 6/4
Today we headed back out to Lake Balboa for another day of training and exposure work, and Kyon put together a very nice session. Lake Balboa provides an excellent training environment because it naturally offers a steady flow of distractions, from people walking, jogging, and riding bikes to dogs passing by on trails and gathering around the park. These types of environments allow us to practice real-world obedience while teaching dogs how to remain calm and neutral around the many things that compete for their attention. And again, since he's already been here, it's a desensitizing effort as well as a chance to train.
One area where Kyon really shined today was around passing people. Rather than becoming overly interested in every person who walked by, he showed much better restraint and focus. He was able to acknowledge the distractions around him without feeling the need to engage with them, which is exactly what we want to see. A well-mannered dog doesn't need to greet every person they encounter; instead, they learn that remaining calm and attentive to their handler is the expectation.
Kyon also did an excellent job around other dogs today. With so many canine distractions throughout the park, there were plenty of opportunities to practice maintaining composure. He showed significantly more self-control when dogs passed by, displaying a calmer mindset and a greater willingness to stay engaged in his work rather than fixating on what was happening around him. This type of neutrality is an important part of developing a reliable companion, as it helps prevent excitement, frustration, or reactivity from taking over in stimulating environments.
Throughout the outing, Kyon continued practicing his leash manners and obedience commands while navigating the busy park. Exposure sessions like these are incredibly valuable because they teach a dog that the same expectations apply everywhere, not just at home or in a quiet training setting. Every successful repetition helps build confidence and reinforces the idea that he can remain calm, focused, and responsive regardless of what is happening around him.
Overall, Kyon had a fantastic day at Lake Balboa. He continues to make steady progress with his impulse control, focus, and ability to work around both people and dogs. It's great to see him becoming more comfortable and confident in busy public environments while maintaining a level-headed attitude throughout his training.
You could say Kyon is making quite a splash when it comes to handling distractions at Lake Balboa!
Pupdate 6/5
Today Kyon joined me for a training outing at the Oaks Mall, giving us an excellent opportunity to practice his obedience and manners in a highly distracting environment. Malls are fantastic training locations because they expose dogs to a constant flow of people, shopping carts, automatic doors, unfamiliar sounds, food smells, and changing foot traffic patterns. Working in an environment like this helps teach a dog that obedience isn't just something we practice in quiet places; it's something we carry with us everywhere we go.
One of the biggest goals for today's session was continuing to build Kyon's confidence and reliability around distractions. Throughout our outing, he did a great job remaining engaged and working through the busy atmosphere. We saw nice moments of focus as people passed by, groups gathered nearby, and new sights and sounds presented themselves. Rather than becoming overwhelmed or fixated, Kyon showed an increasing ability to process his surroundings and return his attention back to the task at hand.
Today we also made an important adjustment by transitioning from the slip lead to a flat collar and leash. This was done intentionally to see whether the change in pressure and communication would affect his understanding of the commands we've been teaching. The ultimate goal of training is for the dog to understand the behavior itself rather than relying on a specific piece of equipment, so testing those skills with different tools is an important step in the process.
Kyon handled the transition exceptionally well. His understanding of what was being asked of him remained consistent, and he continued to work with confidence despite the change. This is a great indication that he's beginning to truly understand the behaviors rather than simply responding to a particular training setup. Seeing that level of consistency tells us that the foundation we're building is becoming stronger and more reliable.
His body language throughout the outing was another highlight. Kyon appeared noticeably more relaxed and comfortable navigating the busy environment. We saw a calmer posture, softer movements, and an increased willingness to settle into his commands rather than questioning them. These subtle signs of confidence are often just as important as the obedience itself because they show a dog is beginning to understand the world around them and how to successfully work through it.
Overall, Kyon did a fantastic job today. Between handling the distractions of the Oaks Mall and smoothly transitioning to a flat collar and leash, he showed us just how much progress he's making. Every outing continues to build on the last and today was another great step toward creating a confident, reliable companion.
Kyon really malled over his options today and decided being a good boy was the best one! Again, terrible pun but worth it.
Pupdate 6/6
Today we took another trip back to the Oaks Mall for continued exposure and obedience work. We've also introduced Come To Sit, which is still a work in progress but you can see in the video he's slowly but surely getting it!
Returning to the same environment is a very important part of the training process. While visiting a new location can be a great learning experience, true progress comes from revisiting those environments and helping a dog become more comfortable and confident through repetition. Each trip allows Kyon to build upon his previous experiences, turning unfamiliar and overwhelming situations into something much more predictable and manageable.
The Oaks Mall remains a challenging environment for Kyon and today was a good reminder of that. With the constant movement of shoppers, changing noises, food smells, and busy walkways, there was a lot for him to process. He was definitely still feeling overwhelmed at times, which showed in moments where his attention drifted away from the task at hand as he tried to take in everything happening around him. This is completely normal and is exactly why we continue bringing him back to these types of environments.
His body language told a lot of the story today. There were moments where he appeared alert and somewhat tense as he observed everything happening around him, but what was encouraging was his ability to recover. Instead of remaining stuck on distractions, he was increasingly able to relax, re-engage, and continue working. That recovery is often where the real growth happens. Confidence isn't built by avoiding stressful situations; it's built by successfully navigating them.
Overall, today wasn't about having a flawless session; it was about building resilience. Kyon faced an environment that still challenges him, worked through moments of uncertainty, and came out the other side with another positive experience under his belt. That's exactly the kind of progress we're looking for, and it's something to be proud of.
On a side note, the fact he is still very young means his bladder control is only as strong as his resilience and over excitement can sometimes cause "happy pee" which is him unable to retain his bladder properly. We did have one incident yesterday that resulted in this so to combat this from further on I am approaching his crate with a more calm, relaxed tone. He's just a happy little guy who likes to get attention so while it can be hard to dissuade excitement of that level, consistency is key to avoiding that.
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