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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.

Filed Under: Duke Ferguson, UPK9 Main Blog

Two Ways to Teach the Heel Position

September 11, 2023 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Two Ways to Teach the Heel Position

Are your walks with your dog friend turning into a tug-of-war match? Have you been yearning for a leash-walking experience that’s smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free? Well, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, frustrated with our dog’s inability to stay in the heel position. It might be that your dog does not understand the position.  But fear not! In this blog post, we’re going to delve into two ways to teach the heel position to transform your dog’s leash-walking manners and elevate your bonding experience. This is the beginning.

 

 

1. The Two-Step: Dancing into the Heel Position

Imagine your walks with your pup as a synchronized dance, where you lead, and your dog gracefully follows your lead. Duke Ferguson Professional dog trainer and NePoPo® Gold Multiplicator, introduces us to the Two-Step technique, a method that’s perfect for those who are mobile and active. With food or high-value treats, a leash, and a positive attitude you’re ready to take the floor. Don’t forget your favourite song.

The premise is simple yet effective:

Is the Dog Hungry Enough to Lure and Reward: Begin with a hungry and food-motivated dog. Hold a treat in your fist, present it to your dog, and observe if they eagerly come forward for it. This willingness to follow the lure is crucial for success.

Two-Step Technique: With your dog on a loose leash, take a step back with your left leg while keeping your right foot planted. As your dog moves toward you, step forward with your right foot, guiding them into the heel position by your side. It’s like a dance of coordination where you lead, and your dog follows.

Mark and Reward: Utilize a marker word like “break”  or a clicker to release your dog and reward them for achieving the desired position.

Practice and repetition are key. As your dog becomes accustomed to the Two-Step Tango, you’ll witness them eagerly stepping into the heel position, creating a harmonious flow. Soon to be a great walking experience once you begin motion.

Make sure you can lure your dog lure your dog into the heel position mark the desired behaviour by saying "Heel"Release from behaviour by saying "break"

2. Place Board Practice: Tailoring the Heel Position for All Abilities

Not everyone has the same mobility, and Duke Ferguson understands this. For individuals who may have limited mobility, such as those in wheelchairs or with specific physical challenges, the Place Board Perfection technique is a game-changer. It ensures that everyone can participate in shaping & training and bond with their furry companions.

Here’s how it works:

Create a Target: Introduce your dog to a place board. Lure them onto it and encourage them to turn around to face you. This step familiarizes your dog with the target and creates a foundation for the training.

The Turn: With your dog on the place board, guide them into the heel position. This time, you won’t need to step back. Instead, you pivot around the dog, ensuring they are aligned with your leg and in the desired position.

Name the Command: As your dog becomes comfortable with the position on the place board, you can name it using a word like “heel.”

Remember, consistency is key. Practice two ways to teach the heel position techniques daily, dedicating a few minutes to each session, and you’ll witness remarkable progress in your dog’s leash-walking skills.  Once your dog knows where you want it to be it’s much easier to begin the walks.

Bonus Tips for Leash Training Success

Duke Ferguson’s wisdom extends beyond the basic techniques. Here are some additional tips to enhance your leash training journey:

1. Motivation Matters: Keep your dog motivated with the food they love and positive reinforcement for these steps is fine.

2. Phasing Away the Lure: Over time, reduce the reliance on treats while maintaining the desired behavior. The goal is to have your dog follow the heel command even without the lure.

3. Variety Is Key:  Experiment with different positions, such as the right side or going through your legs. NePoPo® training lets you be creative.

Your Journey to Training Excellence Begins Now

As you embark on this exciting journey of mastering the heel position, remember that Timing, consistency, and motivation are your allies. Whether you’re dancing the Two-Step Tango or perfecting the Place Board Position, the ultimate goal is to build a strong bond and communication with your dog so you can enjoy walks together. OR Dancing. 🙂

If you’re hungry for more dog training insights and want to take your skills to the next level, Join our extraordinary community. Duke Ferguson offers a ton of resources through his Unleashed Potential Experience membership (UPX). This community of like-minded individuals is dedicated to personal development through dog training. Not only will you learn to take you dog training skills to the next level but also your life skills.  Duke is not only a pro dog trainer NePoPo® Gold but also a certified high performance coach®.  In UPX join Duke Live for coaching, join challenges and grow with a like minded communuty. Dog training and personal development for humans and dogs.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to put on your dancing shoes or create your perfect place and embark on a journey of shaping success. Your dog will thank you for the enriching experience,  Happy training! 🐾

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Filed Under: Duke Ferguson, Uncategorized, UPK9 Main Blog

Rescue Dog Finds Comfort in Training

March 3, 2023 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Rescue Dog

Rescue dog, Goose the 2-year-old Lab/Staffie mix is finding comfort in his new training regimen!

“With starting at Unleashed Potential with Coach Sara, I was a bit hesitant with some guidelines; specifically the temporary no raised surfaces and no free lunch rules. I didn’t necessarily see how those guidelines would contribute to my dogs obedience training. But committing fully to the behaviour modification included in the E-Collar Program, I reluctantly pulled his bed and kennel out of storage and banned the couches and sleeping in my bed.

I was shocked on my first day as Goose quickly learned that his bed/kennel was his new couch and sleeping area and settled there a lot easier than I had anticipated and he’s very happy! An even bigger surprise was the changes I saw in Goose just from making these small adjustments to our human/dog dynamic.

Rescue Dog

Over the first week, I noticed Goose was already more receptive to my commands and had a generally more content demeanor. I often find him hanging out in his kennel and being the independent little man I never thought my clingy boy would be. I can see how this will help with his separation anxiety.

Being only two and a half weeks into the E-Collar Program, I feel so reassured in the process and that my dog loves being a dog just as much as he loves being my big baby.

Resuce Dog

We had an awesome training session the other day! We were outside training in the driveway and the Chocolate Lab across the street was out and barking at Goose. Goose would look over at the Lab but stayed seated and tuned in with me. We completed our session with no reactivity to the barking Lab! I was so proud!”

– Owner Destiny

 

➡️ Do you have a rescue dog? Looking to unleash their potential? Please book your free consult to discuss all your training options with us: Click here _______________________________________________________________

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Filed Under: Testimonials, Uncategorized, UPK9 Main Blog

Reactive Lab Training

February 22, 2023 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Reactive Lab, Murphy, enrolled in our E-Collar Training Program (UPX) to help with his confidence, socialization, anxiety, and obedience. He and his family have been working hard and they are experiencing amazing breakthroughs!

Reactive Lab

Here is what they had to say about a recent outing to the groomers:

“Thanks to Sara, and a lot of hard work, we had Murphy in for his monthly nail trim today!

He walked in and went right up to the groomer, climbed on the workstation, and was totally relaxed.

After he was done, he wandered around checking things out! He walked up to her sitting in the chair and put his head in her lap!

My big reactive snarling boy is finally getting the message! He had his muzzle on and his e-collar but I had left the remote in the car – wasn’t even a thought.

Thank you for helping us get to this point! Still ongoing but my boy is getting better!”

– Owner Pam

Reactive Lab

Awesome work guys and way to go Murphy!!

➡️ Do you have a reactive dog? Looking to unleash their potential? Please book your free consult to discuss all your training options with us: Click here _______________________________________________________________

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Filed Under: Testimonials, UPK9 Main Blog

Tips for Camping with a Reactive Dog

September 22, 2022 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Camping with Reactive Dog

TIPS FOR CAMPING WITH A REACTIVE DOG

I’m an avid camper and if I am booked for board and trains and want to go camping, I will usually take them with me. Sometimes the dogs I have in for training are reactive as is the case with my current board and train – Yasha, the 1.5-year-old sable GSD. We are camping right now at Green Park in Tyne Valley, PEI.

Camping with a Reactive Dog
Kyro & Yasha

Having her along on this trip inspired me to share some tips with you on how to camp with a reactive dog:

🐕When choosing a campground, if possible, drive and scout out the best site for you and your dog prior to booking. Camp in the off-season when campgrounds are quieter. I’m the only tenter here right now and am enjoying lots of space and a decent amount of privacy. If you have a trailer choose a spot off by yourself as best you can. 

🐕 Muzzle train the dog. If you are in training, still working on your dog’s issues, and don’t have full control yet, then for everyone’s safety have a properly fitted muzzle on the dog when you are out and about with them. A good muzzle allows the dog to eat, drink, and pant. 

🐕Kennel train. Yasha is coming along well but I do not trust her yet to be tethered on my campsite unattended while I’m puttering around and not freak out at anything that passes by. Also, I’m friends with the staff and they sometimes pop by unannounced to chat. This sets me up for setbacks if Yasha loses control and lashes out and I’m not ready. Whenever I can not 100% watch her, I put her in her kennel. Times when I’m working online, cooking, cleaning up the site, collecting firewood, etc. 

Camping with a Reactive Dog

🐕 Walk the campground solo and see what kind of dogs are here. Make note of any that are sometimes not tethered or are in groups of 2 or more. Also, how secure are their tie-outs. Note if any are reactive themselves and whether owners try and do anything about it when they react. Avoid areas where you think there will be potential problems. 

🐕 Train a bombproof recall. Before having your reactive dog in any lesser controlled environments, you want to make sure that they have a 100% reliable recall. IF I had Yasha tethered on my site and IF someone I didn’t initially see walked by and she reacts, I want to immediately call her to COME so I can diffuse the situation. 

🐕Post a beware of dog sign at your site. People will appreciate having a heads-up. 

🐕 Prevent what you can not control and control what you teach. For safety have all the proper management protocols in place at times when you are in uncontrolled situations. Always be in a position to reward or correct behavior the moment things happen so you can succeed at teaching the dog more desired behaviors. Don’t set them up to fail by getting slack on your protocols and assuming no one will come by, so it’s okay to have them off their tether this time. Assume nothing, plan for everything. 

Camping with a Reactive Dog

If you don’t feel your dog can handle the potentially high distractions of campground life, or you lack confidence in your abilities to manage and keep things under control – then arrange to have them boarded. This does not mean you are a failure. There are a lot of people who don’t camp with their dogs. And if you are living life with a reactive or aggressive dog it is ok to take some respite, board them somewhere and go camping, and have a break. Especially if you camp in high season where the campgrounds are teeming with kids and dogs. Some cases of reactivity take a while to fully get under control.

In the meantime prevention of out of control situations is paramount. If you are not at a point in training where you feel you can manage your dog then it’s ok to say you know what? We’re not ready for this yet and that’s ok. Let’s find you a place to stay and have fun and we’ll keep working on things so we can all camp together someday. Sometimes the best way to love your dog is to avoid having them in situations they find too stressful. But this does not mean you have to avoid those places as well. 

– Coach Sara Bryanton

 

Are you an avid camper who dreams of taking your currently reactive dog camping? We can help!

Book a FREE consult with us today to get started on your dog training journey!

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Filed Under: UPK9 Main Blog

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