Kyon | Bernedoodle | Rancho Cucamonga | In Training

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!

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Pupdate 5/31

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFwoSjURNCI

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!

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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.