Although you will be teaching your puppy the Stand, Sit and Down as separate exercises when you first start training, you will find that they easily combine into a three-in-one routine as the puppy gets the hang of things. Therefore, although each exercise will be described in detail separately, once learned you can vary them in any combination. Variety prevents boredom and keeps the puppy’s attention. Initially, if the puppy holds each position steadily for three to five seconds, you’re doing well.
A suggested training schedule is five to ten minutes twice a day. Your goal at the end of KPT is, minimally, to have your puppy hold the three positions steadily for fifteen to thirty seconds. In addition your dog should be able to walk on-lead and do the KPT recall.

To begin teaching the Stand exercise, set the dog up in front of you, with the head toward your right elbow and the tail to your left. The first time you set the puppy up, expect to find yourself dealing with a bundle of playful energy. Work calmly to gain the pup’s attention. Keep a happy expression on your face and your voice light. If you suddenly start glaring, growling, and pulling the puppy around, your dog will think he’s done something wrong.

It is also important, from the start, to have a release word or phrase that you use when you are done with the lesson. When finished, remove the lead first, and then after a second or two give the release word. One phrase that is commonly used is “All done.” Once you give the release word, spend a few minutes playing with your dog.

You will find, as you train, that learning is not a matter of constant, steady improvement. The dog experiences a series of peaks and valleys as you both move along. This is simply the way the learning process works. Realize that, and you will be able to enjoy your training without feeling, from time to time, that you have the most backward dog in the universe!

Be prepared to be patient, gentle in the way you physically handle ilic puppy, and be soft spoken. Listen to yourself. This is important now and throughout all of your training. Whenever you are teaching ii new exercise, NEVER raise your voice or give a “tough” correction, You are not being fair to the dog. This is fundamental to my method of training.
You cannot allow yourself to lose your temper. Loud, angry or demanding tones will frighten the puppy and seriously inhibit any ability to learn. If you have problems with your training and you think n might be the way you give commands, use a tape recorder and listen to yourself as you train. You can learn a lot that way.

Work at the puppy’s level. Don’t tower over the dog, issue sharp commands and expect immediate results. This is interpreted by Ihe doc UN intimidation. This destroys any sense of confidence and ability to locus and learn.

Your goal is to help the puppy build confide!

Training a puppy is a labor of love that requires patience, discipline and dedication on the part of the handler. It takes energy and an upbeat attitude. Don’t work with your puppy if you’ve had a bad day that has left you tired, irritable and stressed. Wait until you can approach training in a calm, cheerful, controlled manner. Should you become stressed while training, stop and play with the puppy for a few minutes. Never intimidate or frighten your puppy with an angry sounding voice or abrupt, impatient handling. Have a few minutes of fun and relax. Then begin again.
Remember, you’re tugging and pushing and repeating words that are meaningless to the puppy. Without a doubt, your pup has other thoughts about fun things to do during the first few training sessions. If you are able to keep that point of view in mind, it will really help you to be patient and remain calm. Your dog will get the idea and cooperate—eventually!
When you start with a very young puppy, be satisfied if the dog can get the exercise right even once or twice. When that happens give lots of praise and then stop for a short while before going on. Also, it’s important to end training sessions on a high note that makes the puppy feel good. The pup will get the idea that training is fun and you’ll be able to use that natural enthusiasm to hold interest and build
confidence.
As you move along into more difficult exercises, always finish with something the dog already does well, then give plenty of praise. Your dog works for you to earn your smiles and approval.

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Lake Cumberland Kennel Club (LCKC) will offer two dog training classes.

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