Duke Ferguson

Gain More CONFIDENCE in YOU and YOUR DOG | Coaching

November 18, 2021 By Duke Ferguson 1 Comment

Gain More Confidence in You and Your Dog

Are you lacking confidence in yourself and your overall life? Is your dog training and relationship struggling as a result of your confidence level?

In this video, I teach four ways to build more confidence in you and your dog.

Dog training is best when you as the handler are confident in your skills, and you can help your dog overcome stresses and, therefore, grow.

This clip is from my UPX Live Zoom coaching session on gaining courage and confidence for you and your dog.

As a certified professional dog trainer and high-performance coach, I believe it is essential to understand that how you show up personally affects all aspects of your life and your dog’s life, including building confidence and a better relationship with your dog.

From my experience, having a good coach helps me overcome many serious struggles in my personal life and in my overall professional life, I truly and fully believe in combining personal development with all we do…ESPECIALLY dog training. They need us at our best so they can be at their best.

Dog training and high-performance coaching is a super-powerful combination as I have found out this year in my Unleashed Potential Experience “UPX” Live Training & Coaching Program. It’s much more than just dog training and behaviour shaping, it’s training & personal development for YOU and YOUR dog.

Want to gain more confidence in yourself and in your dog then this video is for you, hit play and I’ll share four ways to gain more confidence in you and your dog!

If you know 3 friends who would benefit from this please share it with them, I want to help as many people and dogs as I can become more confident, and you can help me help others build more confidence and live a better life.

If you enjoyed this video, please Subscribe to our YouTube channel (P.S. Click the bell icon to get notifications when we post a new video). I am consistently coming out with new videos and love your feedback.

what did you love about the video?

TWEET THIS VIDEO

4 Ways to Gain More Confidence in YOU and YOUR DOG

1. Increase your skill: Competence builds confidence.

Increasing your skill level is very important when you have a goal, and you’re not confident to do it. It’s showing up, having a little bit of understanding and just going to do it. Therefore, learn that new skill and then apply it. Tell yourself, you’re going to crush this fear, and you’re just going to do that one thing to move forward, and you do that. Even that one thing.

2. Don’t wait for a reason. Get a coach, take action and gain some momentum.

Please don’t wait for a cause in a sense; you have goals, you have dreams, you have visions, whether it’s for your dog or in other aspects of your life. This vision can be for your finances, your relationships, your business, health, hobbies. So, confidence isn’t something that usually comes, right? We have to grow. You have to kind of say, okay, how do I get this? A good coach will help you get clarity and hold you accountable so you can gain momentum.

3. Set the intention and permit yourself.

I’m just going to be more confident because I’m stuck. And I’m going to quit being stuck in the mud. Give yourself permission, set the intention and do it. I know that’s a big statement, and I know how hard that is. I have done it. That’s taking a step forward to crush that fear.

4. Have faith! Know who you are, where you came from, and what you want.

Think, “I know who I am and I know where I have been.” Sometimes it is uncomfortable. Sometimes you’re going to seek that comfort. So that’s why maybe you’re staying in the comfort of your own home or not pushing the envelope because of distractions or issues with a dog or whatever it is. A lot of us look to credentials. You may think, “I don’t have the credentials, so I can’t do that.” “I don’t have the certification or the course…I don’t do that.” Don’t stress about that stuff. You have to learn. Life is learning. So by knowing who you are and knowing what you want and then deciding, you’re just going to do it. You’re going to crush that fear.

Want to join Duke’s live bi-weekly dog training and life coaching membership? Click here or the image below for more details.

FOLLOW US!

Would you like FREE puppy training or dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?

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

Train Your Dog Using Raw Fish

October 19, 2021 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Train Your Dog Using Raw Fish

I get asked a lot about how to use raw food when training a dog. People wonder about the process I use and including how I prepare and actually carry the raw fish or any other raw meat when training. What a training session looks like and whether or not it’s messy.

There are a variety of ways that you can use raw food to train your dog. I love the fact that in the spring, summer and fall months I catch my dog food. I make sure to freeze the fish for three to four weeks to kill any parasites that may be present.

Watch as I prepare and train my dogs using raw fish

If you enjoyed this video, please Subscribe to our YouTube channel (P.S. Click the bell icon to get notifications when we post a new video).

TWEET THIS VIDEO

Steps to prepare raw fish for training

The best way to prepare the fish for training is to pre-freeze the whole fish, in this case, mackerel and cut it into bite-sized chunks.

It’s easy to cut partially thawed fish into small pieces. This also keeps things relatively clean for cleanup and training.

Plastic bags are great because they can be cleaned and reused. You can place the bag in a pocket and easily grab chunks of raw fish.

After you have your raw fish/food prepped and ready in your pocket to the training pouch you can begin your training session with your dog. 5-10 mins are all it takes. I use a clicker or verbal release to mark a behaviour and then feed with a piece of raw mackerel.

You can build excitement and energy by throwing the food and allowing your dog to catch it.

If after a few drills and you’re running short on time you can end your training session with a ‘jackpot’ where you empty out the bag of raw fish and let your dog enjoy! The key is to make them work for it.

I also like to add XDOG™ supplements to my dog’s diet. I’ll do this when I give a bowl of food as a jackpot to help contain the powder supplements.

I am blessed to live on a beautiful island where I can fish for my dog’s food. By feeding my dog mackerel, I get to do something I love every single day. Fishing is one of my passions and it’s even better when I can take my dog along and build a strong bond and a trusting relationship. Having a well-trained dog is key to being able to enjoy life together.

Takeaway tip: What’s one thing that you really love, something that’s good for you, a hobby or something that you’re passionate about that you haven’t done in a long time. What’s taking you from it? What changes can you make in your life to get back to doing that a little more?

XDOG™ Supplements I Use and Recommend

use coupon code UPK915 to save 15%

FOLLOW US!

Would you like FREE puppy training or dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?

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

XDOG Vest Resistance Training

September 29, 2021 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

XDOG™ Vest Resistance Training

When training your dog to new training equipment you should always take it one step at a time. The walk before you run concept. It’s no different with the XDOG™ vest and parachute for resistance training so be sure your dog is comfortable with the gear before sending him away to run long distances. XDOG™ vest resistance training is easy when you understand how! Watch the video below for the step-by-step instructions.

Why resistance training?

When done correctly it’s great for burning excess energy
Promotes a deeper relationship with your dog
Effective for building muscle, endurance, stamina and a healthy mindset
It promotes weight loss and overall health and wellness

If you enjoyed this video, please Subscribe to our YouTube channel (P.S. Click the bell icon to get notifications when we post a new video).

TWEET THIS VIDEO

Steps to take in XDOG™ vest resistance training

First, you’re going to walk with your dog, but you’ll do it on lead. The reason is if he may not scared of the parachute, but he starts moving and the shoots following him, that may cause some fear. So just take this extra little step. It might take you one time, it might take you a couple of days, a week, just go with your dog’s confidence level. First, walk and let the shoot drag behind your dog. When he’s comfortable with walking and having the parachute drag behind you can then run with the dog on the lead.

If your dog is a little nervous, it’s okay. It’s important that they overcome this. Make this one of the ways your dog eats. This training should mean, fun, food freedom, and interaction.

So when your dog is used to the gear; used to the vest, used to the parachute, you’re going to put him into motion.

You don’t want your dog taking off on you. I’ve seen it. So we want to prevent that from ever happening. So I’ll throw a ball out (short distance). He runs and he gets it and the parachute is actively chasing him. This desensitizes him to the parachute.

An important step in XDOG™ resistance training is to put your dog into motion by throwing food out. This works great for food-motivated dogs. The same concept as above, the dog gets used to the parachute catching the wind behind him.

Use the wind to your advantage for XDOG™ vest resistance training. Your goal is to try and get it so that the parachute will pop open, but then he’s immediately getting his treat.

And this is going to give you experience in handling what this actually does when you’re going against the wind or with the wind. So throw it in all directions.

So the first session is little tiny throws. When the is dog good with that, you’ll set it up for the longer distance. If you have a dog that’s stable and knows the parachute well, you can start some distance work by getting a dog to come to you for food, toys, tug, and bite work.

The goal is to have your dog comfortably chase a ball or run to you for fun and interaction while wearing the XDOG™ vest and parachute in resistance training. This will tire your dog out with only a few short runs. It builds endurance and improves your dog’s overall well-being.

So I really hope you enjoyed this video and get good value from it. And it helps you get off training with the XDOG™ dog vest safely.

Be sure to sign up for the free course HERE

Get Your XDOG™ vest here and be sure to SAVE 15% with coupon code: UPK915

FOLLOW US!

Would you like FREE puppy training or dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?

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

XDOG Vest: How to Teach Your Dog to Swim

July 27, 2021 By Duke Ferguson 2 Comments

XDOG™ Vest: How to Teach Your Dog to Swim

If you’ve ever wanted to teach your dog to swim from the shore then this video is for you! Find out just how easy it can be to teach your dog how to swim. This video: XDOG vest: how to teach your dog to swim will show you how to make the experience of swimming for the first time very enjoyable for both you and your dog.

If you enjoyed this video, please Subscribe to our YouTube channel (P.S. Click the bell icon to get notifications when we post a new video).

TWEET THIS VIDEO

Get Your XDOG™ vest here Save 15% with coupon code: UPK915

I’m trying the XDOG™ vest for the very first time in the water with a young german shepherd I had in for training. Eventually, I’ll stop using the XDOG™ vest and have her swimming on her own because I like to have them versatile in all aspects, but I’m interested to see what happens with this.

I want to create success. So I let the dog go out into the water on her own. I usually let them climatize to it but sometimes I just bring them out if the conditions are right.

And I use a long line because I want them to be able to go back to the shore, stop them there and let them think about it.

I want her to go in a specific direction. So I circle around and I create that success. And then she learns no matter what, she’ll come out.

After several sessions, the dog is swimming from shore. It really helps to be in the water with your dog during the beginning phases of teaching your dog to swim.

Additional Tips:
XDOG Vest: How to Teach Your Dog to Swim

Choose a day that is warm, not too windy and ideally the water is at a comfortable temperature for you and your dog. The nicer the weather, the more your dog will enjoy the experience.
Make sure to use leash guidance. It clearly communicates where you want your dog to go and it also prevents the dog from leaving the water and the situation.
Make sure your dog understands how to respond to leash pressure. Have some foundational leash training in place before attempting to teach your dog to swim.
Don’t rush the process. This can take some time but it will be worth it in the end. Swimming is such great exercise for dogs and it’s a great way for them to cool down during the summer months.
The XDOG™ is a very versatile vest. It’s not only for swimming, but you can use it for a lot of fitness and overall wellness with a dog. You can add weights and even attach a parachute to it!

Want an XDOG™ vest for your dog? visit our online store: Unleashed Potential Shop

You can also order direct from XDOG™ be sure to use the coupon code: UPK910X to receive 10% off your order!

Long Lines for Purchase — **Need a long line? Click the image to get yours!**

FOLLOW US!

Would you like FREE puppy training or dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?

FREE TRAINING: mini-video series: GET ACCESS HERE

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

Prong Collar Training | The Loose Leash Walking Game

May 3, 2021 By Duke Ferguson 2 Comments

Prong Collar Training

The Loose Leash Walking Game

Are you struggling to walk your dog on a loose leash? Are you unsure of prong collars and how to train with them? If so…you’re in the right place!

In this YouTube video, I’m going to teach you how to use a prong collar (also known as a pinch collar) in a loose leash walking game! This prong collar training will show you how to get your dog to stop pulling. It can be a controversial training tool but when used correctly, the pinch collar is perfect for DIY dog training and structured walks.

While this tool is not for every circumstance, you can use the pinch collar to motivate response and reward the desired behaviour of paying attention to you and walking with a loose leash.

The prong collar can be used as another effective training tool for many dogs as it will stop leash pulling while you turn your walks into a loose leash walking game. I will show you how to properly use a prong collar in a safe and even fun way. Your dog will actually enjoy the walk and won’t want to pull on a leash ever again with some training! I do not suggest this tool be used on a very reactive aggressive dog as a first step OR young pups that don’t have a solid foundation with positive training first.

Learn how to make a game out of keeping a loose leash in this pinch collar training session.

Watch this training video on Prong Collar Training – The Loose Leash Walking Game

If you enjoyed this video, please Subscribe to our YouTube channel (P.S. Click the bell icon to get notifications when we post a new video).

When introduced properly, a pinch collar as a training tool can maintain that excited, happy attitude in your dog even while changing the behaviours by getting the dog to think.

For the least amount of stress, you must begin training in a controlled environment. Over time, you can add more distractions, but I will tell you when you’re making him grow to be stronger, he’ll work through new stressors and become better. Think of it this way, if we never experience any stress or pressure in our lives, and then all of a sudden there’s a bunch you won’t handle well, and you may even shut down. We don’t that to happen in dog training. That’s the problem with the pressure, but it’s not the tools…it’s the way we use them.

The prong collar (sometimes known as a pinch collar), evenly distributes the pressure all the way around the dog’s neck and it doesn’t choke. It’s not designed to choke. For dogs that have a sensitive trachea, it’s actually good because it keeps the pressure away from the trachea.
When you put it on the dog, you’ll notice a ring stopper that stops this from going any tighter once it’s fit properly. So when you pull it, it can’t get it any tighter. It is never designed to be tight all the time.

So we want this pinch collar to have a meaning we don’t want him to be numb to it where he pulls and doesn’t care, but we don’t want him to be nervous or scared or shut down by using it either.
If the leash is tight at even low levels for long, long periods of time; weeks and weeks he’ll get used to it and he will become desensitized. You’ll make him tough to the collar and it won’t be as effective.

You’re going to do two things. You will be allowing pressure (from collar) and when the dog yields you’ll release the pressure. So the concept is: “pressure and release.”

As soon as the dog turns away from the pressure and looks at you say, “BREAK” and move backward as you prepare to offer food reward.

As soon as the dog reaches you, pay him with a handful of food. Ideally, this is a portion of his daily food allowance. Build his food drive and use his food in training to create a happy, satisfied dog.

Now here’s the rule: When the pinch goes on to the dog, you must maintain a loose leash.

Duke Ferguson

Gain More Confidence in You and Your Dog

4 Ways to Gain More Confidence in YOU and YOUR DOG

1. Increase your skill: Competence builds confidence.

2. Don’t wait for a reason. Get a coach, take action and gain some momentum.

3. Set the intention and permit yourself.

4. Have faith! Know who you are, where you came from, and what you want.

Want to join Duke’s live bi-weekly dog training and life coaching membership? Click here or the image below for more details.

FOLLOW US!

Would you like FREE puppy training or dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?

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

Train Your Dog Using Raw Fish

Watch as I prepare and train my dogs using raw fish

Steps to prepare raw fish for training

XDOG™ Supplements I Use and Recommend

FOLLOW US!

Would you like FREE puppy training or dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?

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

XDOG™ Vest Resistance Training

Why resistance training?

Steps to take in XDOG™ vest resistance training

Get Your XDOG™ vest here and be sure to SAVE 15% with coupon code: UPK915

FOLLOW US!

Would you like FREE puppy training or dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?

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

XDOG™ Vest: How to Teach Your Dog to Swim

Get Your XDOG™ vest here Save 15% with coupon code: UPK915

Additional Tips: XDOG Vest: How to Teach Your Dog to Swim

Want an XDOG™ vest for your dog? visit our online store: Unleashed Potential Shop

FOLLOW US!

Would you like FREE puppy training or dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?

FREE TRAINING: mini-video series: GET ACCESS HERE

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

Prong Collar Training

The Loose Leash Walking Game

Are you struggling to walk your dog on a loose leash? Are you unsure of prong collars and how to train with them? If so…you’re in the right place!

While this tool is not for every circumstance, you can use the pinch collar to motivate response and reward the desired behaviour of paying attention to you and walking with a loose leash.

Learn how to make a game out of keeping a loose leash in this pinch collar training session.

When introduced properly, a pinch collar as a training tool can maintain that excited, happy attitude in your dog even while changing the behaviours by getting the dog to think.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS

FOLLOW US!

Would you like FREE puppy training or dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?

FREE TRAINING: mini-video series: GET ACCESS HERE

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

Additional Tips:
XDOG Vest: How to Teach Your Dog to Swim