Never allow your pup to come out until released by you. Repeat "kennel" as you hold pup back, then release with "okay."

Training basics are far more dynamic than sit and roll over; we're developing a working relationship, a learning mode, gaining a respect and understanding for each other…literally developing our foundation. Even at this point you should be able to see the importance and how a program without these fundamentals can't be strong.

Some good rules to follow are to never give a command you're not in a position to enforce and never fail to enforce the command once you've given it.

Caution: When reinforcing No, it's generally not a good idea to "pop" a young gun dog with a rolled newspaper as used to be recommended in many general training manuals. Your voice is sufficient; avoid the chance of your dog later associating the pop of a newspaper with the sound of a shotgun, which could result in gunshyness.

"Kennel," as we mentioned, is a command learned early. We begin by saying "kennel" when our new pup is put in his box for the night or after play, and we continue to overlay the command as he develops throughout life. As with any command, with understanding comes reinforcement to ensure obedience.

Kennel means to pass through, go into or get up on whatever is indicated by our hand or arm gesturing. Again, it's a command with several uses but a single clear meaning. It's totally unnecessary to have individual commands for getting up on a table or entering a boat, truck, door, kennel, etc.

In training the command, it's important to remember that our dogs read body language better than we do, so use this to your advantage. When you give the Kennel command, help the dog understand. Use a little pressure at first, overlay the command and praise his correct response.

Your dog's crate is a good place to start. Run a lead through the crate from the back and out the open door, and then attach the lead to your dog's collar as he sits near the opening. As you give the Kennel command, have a friend tighten the lead to direct the dog in, and at the same time you might give your dog a pinch or swat on the rump with your hand, then praise him for going in.

It won't be long before your pup understands the kennel command and responds correctly. Don't forget to reinforce with praise.

It's important the dog remains kenneled until a release command is given, like "Okay." Never let your dog come back out on his own volition. If he tries, bump his nose with the back of your hand and repeat "Kennel." Kennel means to go in and stay in until released. Do not say "Kennel-Stay"; rather, keep it clean with one command per action.

Another idea as we expand the meaning of Kennel to include getting up on something is to use an ottoman or similar low, flat-topped object. This idea works especially well with young dogs.

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Attach a short lead to his collar then call his name, command "Kennel" and pat the top of the low table or platform. A slight pull on the lead will not only direct your dog but will also help leverage his climb.

There's no problem with using an excited tone to help give your dog confidence, and don't forget the praise. Once he is on the table, reinforce with "Kennel" while being sure the dog remains in place until you release him with "Okay."

As always use your imagination to create other scenarios and opportunities to enhance training; be consistent and stick with it and you'll see results soon.

In following issues we'll continue our yard work with Heel, Sit, Come and a thorough discussion of the Whoa command.