Duke Ferguson

Building Confidence in Nervous Dogs: Tackling Food Bowl Anxiety

July 23, 2024 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Hey there, it’s your trainer and coach, Uncle Duke from Unleashed Potential. Today, I want to address a common issue many dog owners face: dogs being nervous of different tings and sounds. We normally think about loud sounds like guns and fireworks, but some dogs are nervous of metal food bowls or water dishes. You might not notice it, but it’s a reality for many dogs. Ive seen thirsty dogs who refused fresh drink from a dog bucket that was metal. The clinking noise of their collar hitting the bowl can cause hesitation and anxiety. If you have a dog who has weak nerves or is fearful then this video and post is FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG! This post will walk you through techniques to help your dog build confidence and become more courageous around their food bowl. This confidence will bleed out in other life things in a more positive way. Take what I teach and add it to different situations in life with your dog. Same principles apply on other areas and to other things. This is the food bowl confidence builder.

Understanding the Anxiety

Dogs can develop nervousness around food bowls due to the noise they make when their collar or leash hits the dish and they have never learned to overcome it. This is particularly true for dogs that are naturally timid or have had negative experiences in the past. WE the humans often feel bad for the dog and make things more comfortable for them by using a different bowl and avoiding the issue of the initial fear. This is unproductive for for making the dog more courageous and resilient to life and more anxiety increases becasue the dogs never learn to take on a challenge and struggle then win to become stronger and tougher and more confident in life.

Instead, anxiety increases in different areas of life over time. This affects overall health, performance and wellness of the dog in a negative way. It is the same in humans. There is a healthy way and an unhealthy way to look at things that effect our choices and outcomes in life. Often doig the hard things, taking on the challenge is what helps us grow and learn and become stronger mentally and physically. We won’t do it if we are not motivated and we wont be if others will do it for us. 😉 I cant say enough about having a good coach in your corner and as for the dogs, they need us humans as their coach whos in their corner, just like we need coaches in our life to grow and succeed. This is why I became a certified professional dog trainer and high performance coach.

I feel there are ”to many” humans and dogs who end up on anti anxiety medication when it is not required. Most often other things in combination work excellent to combat anxiety. To name a few examples for humans and dogs: Getting enough rest and exercise, proper nutrition, therapy or coaching, training and personal development for dogs and humans, breathwork and more hobby or play. By taking on challenges to learn to serve and grow and doing hard tings that is what is required fir growth and resilience to life and reduce anxiety.

In the video, the goal is to counter condition or desensitize them to the noise and make the eating experience positive and stress-free.

Desensitization Techniques

One effective way to build your dog’s confidence is through gradual desensitization. Here’s how I approach this training:

Introduce the Noise Gradually: Start by dropping food into the bowl while your dog is near it. If they’re hesitant or jumpy, it’s okay. The idea is to get them used to the sound bit by bit.
Observe and Adjust: Pay close attention to your dog’s reactions. If they show signs of stress, like jumping or backing away, take note. The key is to proceed slowly and not push them past their comfort zone to much to fast. Let the dog try harder then you do. It is healthy to let the dog struggle to figure out how to gain its advantage.
Positive Associations: Each time you drop food into the bowl, the experience and sound means something positive. Over time, they will start to associate the clinking noise with something good—food!!!! and the noise will be a desired sound when it was once a fear sound. Decreasing the anxiety. BUT the dog needs to want the reward bad enough to try hard. Letting the dog struggle so it can find its own advantages is POWERFUL!!

Step-by-Step Process

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

Initial Introduction: Place some food in the bowl and let your dog approach it. If they hesitate simply wait and just be there with them. If they jump at the noise, it’s a sign that they’re still nervous, but don’t worry—this is normal. This is a matter of time and patience. Just be! I call this waiting for the water to boil before we can get cooking potatoes and lobster. See that in a different youtube video. LOL!
Increasing the Challenge in small steps:: As your dog becomes more comfortable, start making a bit more challenging with noises and places with the bowl. Make it a game of growth and it will become fun as long as you dont make it to hard. For instance, you can tap the bowl lightly. Watch their reaction closely. If they remain calm, reward them with food. If at any point they seem too stressed, dial it back a bit. See the video for best example.
Incorporating Other Noises: To further build confidence, you can introduce other noises and distractions. For example, use a stick or another object to create sounds near the food bowl. This helps your dog become more resilient to various noises. Place the bowl on different surfaces and be creative and make it fun. Challenge build up idea: I set the bowl on a skate board and begin tapping on it as the dog eats. If you can do this post the video in UPX community if you are a member and we can celebrate! Besure to tage me and you could win a prize! . If you are not in UPX training and coaching community then I invite you to join me in UPX today.

Real-Life Application

During a training session, I noticed my dog was nervous about the noise of his food bowl. I began by dropping food into the bowl and observed his reaction. Initially, he startled at the noise, but with consistent practice “opening and closing the kitchen” and making positive reinforcement work, he became more comfortable.

One exercise I used was tapping the bowl while he was eating. At first,I took it slow since he was a little anxious,, but over time, he learned to associate the noise with food and became less anxious, mentally stronger and more confident. It’s similar to building muscle; you start with light weights and gradually increase the load as you get stronger. The same principle applies here—small steps lead to big improvements.

Final Thoughts

Training and dog and helping them to overcome their fears and build confidence takes time and patience and they need you as that coach. They cnt do it alone. Just like us humans, when we want to grow and transform and succeed we also need a good coach. Do you and your dog have a good coach?

It’s essential to give yourself patience and grace for you and your dog to learn and grow. Life, relationships and growth is a process and a struggle for dogs and humans. Honour the struggle is something I say in UPX, you should join us if you have not already.

By using these techniques, you can help your dog become more courageous and relaxed around their food bowl and other noises.

Dont go at life alone with your dog, find a like minded tribe and community. If you’re in to dog training, personal development, breathwork and outdoors and if you are looking for more guidance and support or more challenges and growth for you and your dog then join the Unleashed Potential Experience (UPX) community. In UPX, we offer live community group training and coaching sessions with me and my team. NePoPO® Dog Training and behaviour shaping, personalized coaching one to one live, recorded lives for viewing, supportive and inspiring community of extraordinary growth minded people to help you achieve your dog training goals easier and faster knowing your not alone. For more information and to sign up for my free video series on dog training, visit unleashpotential.ca or dukeferguson.com.

Remember, building a confident, well-adjusted, better version of you and your dog is a process and a journey to honour. With patience and the right approach, you can help your dog overcome their anxieties and thrive.

5 Factors That Will Predict Your Success With Your Dog

July 17, 2024 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Have you ever set a goal, dream, or challenge for yourself and either didn’t start it or gave up somewhere along the way? If you said yes, you’re not alone. Many of us face this struggle, and it’s often due to a few key factors that can predict our success or failure. Let me walk you through these factors, using some insights and analogies that have profoundly impacted me.

Ignition: The Spark to Get Started

One of the most important elements of success is ignition, or that initial spark that gets you started. I learned about ignition through an analogy involving cooking. Initially taught to me by Bart and Michael Bellen using spaghetti and boiling water. In the video,I’ve adapted it to lobsters, given my location on Prince Edward Island.

Imagine you’re trying to boil lobsters. You can’t cook them with cold water; you need to heat the water until it boils. Similarly, you need ignition—a spark of motivation and energy—to start working toward your goals. The more motivation the better.

Resource Availability: Tools and Support

Another predictor of success is resource availability. This includes having the right tools, finances, coaching, and support to pursue your dreams.

Tools: Whether it’s equipment for dog training or software for a business project, having the right tools is essential.
Finances: Sometimes, financial resources are necessary to move forward.
Support: Training, Coaching and mentorship can provide the guidance needed to stay on track. UPX community supports you. .

When resources are scarce, we tend to make excuses and either don’t start or give up.

Intrinsic Value: Internal Motivation

Intrinsic value refers to the internal satisfaction and fulfillment you get from pursuing a goal, beyond external rewards like money or recognition. It’s about asking yourself why your goal is important and what you’ll gain from it on a deeper, more personal level.

Delay Time: Patience and Persistence

Delay time is the period between starting a goal and seeing the rewards. Many people give up because the wait seems too long. This is where patience and persistence come into play.

Bandwidth Belief: Making Time for What Matters

Bandwidth belief is the misconception that you don’t have enough time to pursue your dreams.

“You have more time than you actually think. This bandwidth is a false belief unless you don’t have a schedule or you’re jammed full.”

To manage your time effectively, consider these tips:

Inventory Your Time: Assess where you’re spending your time each day.
Block Time: Use a calendar to block out time for your priorities.
Eliminate Distractions: Reduce time spent on non-essential activities like social media or TV.

Social Support: Building a Supportive Network

Lastly, social support is crucial for success. Whether it’s friends, family, or a professional community, having a support network can significantly boost your motivation and ability to achieve your goals.

“If you don’t feel that you have the support from your team, friends, family, or spouse, it’s going to be really hard to push the goal forward to get success and momentum.”

I created the Unleashed Potential Experience Community (UPX) for this very reason. It’s a safe, growth-minded environment where members support each other through wins and struggles.

“Join me and others like you, in UPX. It’s exactly why I started the Unleashed Potential Experience Community. We support each other, we share, we celebrate wins, we go through the struggles.”

Practical Steps to Apply These Factors

To make these factors work for you, here are some practical steps you can take:

Find Your Ignition: Identify what motivates you and use it to kickstart your journey. Dream more!
Gather Resources: List out the tools, finances, and support you need and start gathering them bit by bit.
Connect with Your Why: Reflect on why your goal matters to you and how it fulfills you on a personal level.
Be Patient: Recognize that success takes time and look for small wins along the way.
Manage Your Time: Take control of your schedule and prioritize your goals.
Build Your Network: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your growth and inspire you.

Remember, success isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the journey and the growth you experience along the way. By understanding and applying these five factors, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving your goals.

The Power of Food Rewards in Training

July 8, 2024 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Training a dog can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. One question that often sparks debate among dog trainers and pet owners alike is: Do you use food in training your dog? The responses are usually divided, with some embracing food as a valuable training tool and others shying away from it, believing it can cause overexcitement or simply doesn’t work for their dog. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of using food rewards in dog training and introduce you to two powerful reward systems that can transform your training sessions.

My name is Duke Ferguson, and I’ve dedicated my career to professional dog training and high-performance coaching. With nearly four decades of experience, I’ve worked with canine professionals worldwide, guiding them through the intricacies of the NePoPo® system and certified high-performance coaching®.

Why Use Food Rewards?

Using food in dog training is more than just a method; it’s a way to engage, motivate, and build a strong relationship with your dog. Many trainers and pet owners appreciate the engagement and enthusiasm that food rewards bring to training sessions. When used correctly, food can be a powerful tool to enhance learning and make training more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

However, some believe that using food can lead to dependency or that it creates a false sense of obedience. These concerns often stem from misunderstandings about how to effectively incorporate food into training. Let’s address these misconceptions and learn how to use food rewards properly to maximize their benefits.

If you’re not currently using food in your training, then you’re missing out. Big time on productivity and you’re putting too much effort into it. I’m almost going to guarantee that because I got almost four decades of dog training. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I came from the old world. I was anti food.

The Two Reward Systems

In dog training, there are two pri reward systems: indirect rewards and direct rewards. Each system serves a unique purpose and can be tailored to achieve specific training goals.

Indirect Rewards

Indirect rewards are not immediately visible to the dog. This method involves the dog working to hear a click or a release cue before receiving the reward. The food reward is not directly in front of the dog but is instead hidden, perhaps in your pocket or a cupboard. This system mirrors natural hunting behaviors, where animals work to find their food.

Using indirect rewards can create positive energy, increase dopamine levels, and foster heart-and-soul type behaviors where the dog is fully engaged and motivated. It’s particularly effective for building drive and enthusiasm in training. By keeping the reward unpredictable, you maintain the dog’s interest and focus, encouraging them to put forth their best effort.

Direct Rewards

Direct rewards are visible and predictable. The dog knows exactly where the reward is and works directly for it. This method is beneficial for creating calm and stable behaviors. When a dog sees the reward and works towards it, the training becomes more straightforward and focused.

Direct rewards are excellent for teaching new behaviors, particularly in the initial stages. They help in maintaining calmness and stability, especially in distracting environments. This system can also be used for behaviors that require precision and consistency, as it provides clear and immediate feedback to the dog.

How to Make Food Rewards Work

One common issue trainers face is that dogs sometimes refuse food rewards. This can happen for various reasons, such as the dog not being hungry enough or the environment being too distracting. Here are some tips to overcome these challenges and make food rewards effective:

Build Ignition: A term NePoPo® trainers often use. It means Ensure your dog is motivated and eager to work for the reward hard enough. This involves creating a bit of hunger and desire. Don’t give food for free in a bowl; instead, use training sessions as opportunities for your dog to earn their food.
Be Unpredictable: Especially with indirect rewards, keep the dog guessing. This unpredictability can heighten their interest and engagement in the training process. Quality and quantity unknown.
Phase It In: Start with high rates of reinforcement to build the behavior, then gradually phase out the frequency of rewards. This approach helps to maintain the behavior without constant reinforcement.

Choosing the Right System

The choice between direct and indirect rewards depends on your training goals and the specific behaviors you are working on. For creating calmness and stability, direct predictable rewards are your go-to. For building drive, enthusiasm, and active engagement, indirect rewards are more suitable. Often, a combination of both systems is necessary to achieve a well-rounded and balanced training program.

Conclusion

Food rewards, when used correctly, can significantly enhance your dog training efforts. By understanding and implementing the principles of direct and indirect rewards, you can unleash your dog’s full potential, making training sessions more productive, enjoyable, and effective. Whether you’re a professional trainer or a pet owner, these techniques offer valuable insights into building a strong, positive relationship with your dog.

For more in-depth dog training, 1:1 coaching, and support, join the Unleashed Potential Experience (UPX) community. Together, we can achieve greater clarity, productivity, and success in your dog training journey. Visit Duke Ferguson’s UPX Membership to learn more.

UPX – Unleashed Potential Experience NePoPo® Dog Training Workshops

November 25, 2023 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

UPX – Unleashed Potential Experience NePoPo® Workshops:

A Journey of Resilience and Learning

Hey, fellow dog trainers, aspiring dog trainers and pet dog owners! It’s Duke Ferguson from Unleashed Potential, and I’ve got some exciting news to share with you. Before we dive into the details of the upcoming UPX – Unleashed Potential K9 Experience NePoPo® workshop, let me take a moment to share a personal journey that has shaped the past few months for me and my family.

In a recent video message, I recently revealed the reason behind the pause in our workshops this summer. My wife’s battle with inflammatory breast cancer became a focal point in our lives. The unexpected diagnosis led us to focus on treatments, prompting a temporary pause from offering workshops. Despite the challenges, we’re resilient, optimistic, and ready to embrace what lies ahead.

Now, let’s shift gears and talk about what’s on the horizon for Unleashed Potential. I’m thrilled to announce that I’m actively planning workshops and shadow programs for the remainder of 2023 and throughout 2024. It’s time to fill your calendars with transformative experiences and unleash your potential!

The Return of UPX Unleashed Potential Experience Workshops: A Unique Learning Opportunity

As we navigate through this journey, I am gearing up to resume workshops and bring you a unique blend of dog training expertise, coaching insights, and a taste of breathwork. Yes, you read that right – I’m incorporating 9D breathwork into the mix to enhance your overall experience.

What Makes UPX Unleashed Potential Experience Workshops Extraordinary?

Well, aside from being a certified Gold NePoPo® Multiplicator and a well-respected dog trainer with close to thirty years of experience, I’ve delved into the realms of high-performance coaching and certified breathwork facilitator. The combination has transformed my life and I can’t wait to share it in my workshops.

What to Expect at the UPX – Unleashed Potential K9 NePoPo® Workshops:

NePoPo® Training: Learn more about NePoPo® – the language of modern dog training.
Coaching Insights: As a certified high-performance coach, I’ll share strategies to enhance your professional journey as a dog trainer or pet owner alike.
Breathwork Experience: Explore the transformative benefits of breathwork, a practice that goes beyond traditional training methods.

Boston Seminar: A Homecoming of Sorts

I’m thrilled to kick off this new chapter with a seminar in Boston on December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Interestingly, Boston holds a special place in my heart as the location of my first workshop in the United States many years ago. It’s a full-circle moment, and I can’t wait to reconnect with the dog training community in the area.

How Can You Join?

If you’re as excited as I am about these upcoming Unleashed Potential Experience NePoPo® Dog Training workshops, there are two ways to get involved. You can either host a Unleashed Potential K9 workshop in your area or attend in person or via live stream. For more details and to secure your spot, head over to dukeferguson.com/seminars.

Location Details

When: December 1-3, 2023

Where:

The Happy K-9 Training & Rehabilitation

197 Newbury St, Danvers, MA 01923

A Call for Support and Connection

Before I wrap up, I want to express my gratitude for the incredible support we’ve received during these challenging times. Your prayers and well-wishes have been a source of strength for my family and me. As we embark on this journey, I invite you to be a part of it – attend a workshop, join a live stream, and let’s create lasting connections in the world of dog training.

In the spirit of shared learning and resilience, I look forward to serving you and working together at one of the upcoming Unleashed Potential K9 workshops. Thank you for being a part of our community, and I can’t wait to meet you soon!

Would you like FREE puppy training or dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Unleashed Potential Experience – UPX Membership or NePoPo® philosophy of training?

This mini-series is not found on YouTube. Get Access Now You will love it!

Small Dog Training is Possible!

October 10, 2023 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Training a small dog is possible!

Our Miniature Pinscher Board & Train, Gus, is officially home with his owners after a month full of training! Here is what his owners had to say:

“It’s day 4 since Gus came home and we have already noticed big differences!

Before going to UPK9 and working with Coach Sara, Gus was very much out of control (not his fault 100 percent ours). He would constantly jump on anyone or anything that moved. Just jumped and barked when anyone came in and hated to walk on leash. Going for a drive was also a nightmare.

Since being home we noticed how much calmer Gus has been. He loves to train and go for walks with no leash pulling! I can do day to day chores without him needing my attention all the time. He is not constantly trying to jump and get what we are carrying. Before, when I would take him to the vet he thought he could play with every dog. When we went on Thursday for a wellness check he just sat by my side. That in its self amazed me!

He has also become so much more affectionate. Loves to sit with my husband when I’m not in the room. But when Momma comes back he is all my dog. We just woke up from a 2 hour cuddle nap!”

– Owners Jacinta & Ralph

We are loving this update and can’t wait to hear more as Gus and his family flourish together for the years to come! We sure will miss him 🙂