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e-collar training

Building Confidence in Soft-Mouthed Dogs: A Training Session with Koal

July 29, 2024 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Hey there, it’s Uncle Duke from Unleashed Potential. Today, I want to share an actual training session I had with Koal when he was about a year old. Now,  Koal is  doing great, but he is a soft dog and back then, he struggled with his retrieves. He was hesitant and not very assertive, especially when the ducks he retrieved were still moving. With some time, and consistent  training toward goals, he loves it and can retrieve heavy Canada geese all day.   

Addressing Hesitation in Retrieval Work

Koal’s hesitancy stemmed from his gentle nature. He was a soft pup with medium drive and we needed to build confidence from the start and later with the animals we hunted, like ducks and geese. It’s an un common issue among gundogs, and there’s often debate about whether to incorporate bite/tug work in their training. I’ve had extensive experience with both, and I can confidently say that it can be very beneficial when used correctly, but not for every dog. 

In this session, koal was already well-trained with retrieves but he needed a confidence boost and some work on grips to hold on better. For this, I turned the training into a fun yet challenging game. I used a combination of tools, including a clicker, an e-collar, and a flirt pole, to simulate the movement of a duck or goose.

The Training Process

The goal of this session was to make koal more confident and assertive. Here’s how we approached it:

  1. Incorporating the Clicker and E-Collar: I used a clicker to mark positive behaviors and an e-collar to motivate and encourage him. The e-collar was set to a low level, enough for koal to feel and respond. I use it as an activator but not so high that it caused to much discomfort, then it would be de activation.  This balance is crucial for maintaining a positive training environment. 
  2. Using a Flirt Pole: The flirt pole simulated the movement of a duck or goose. This tool helped Koal practice his grips in a controlled setting where he could build some strength and confidence. 
  3. Creating a Game: Turning the training into a game made it enjoyable for Koal and I.  It wasn’t just about learning; it was about having fun and building a strong bond between us.  YES I get to play with dogs for my career. Living the dream!

 

Observing the Results

Throughout the session, I used the e-collar to activate and reinforce behaviors, not to punish. When koal hesitated or let go of the “prey,” I encouraged him to try again. By the end of the session,as you can see the difference in his behavior was noticeable. He was more confident and assertive in his retrieves. 

One thing to note is that this type of training should not be attempted without proper preparation. This is not basic. Your dog needs to be e-collar conditioned the way we do it, so you will get the positive attitude and desired outcome & behaviour.  The dog must understand how to get his advantage as well as understanding  basics of retrieval training before introducing these more advanced techniques, if you decide to. Not all dogs require this, some need to be trained to be more soft and calm on the grips. 

Building a Positive Relationship with Training Tools

I often hear people say that e-collars are inhumane and ruin the relationship between the dog and the trainer. This is a user issue not a e collar tool issue. 

After watching the video to the end, you cant deny, this session with Koal is a testament to the opposite.   The relationship I’ve built with Koal, not just with me but with all the tools and training methods we use, shows that when used correctly, e-collars and any training tool can enhance productivity, increase attention focus and confidence. Training with e collars and the tools we use can be a very positive experience for both you and your dog.

Koal sees the e-collar as good things in life and a part of our training process, he understands how to respond to it and knows how to use the system to his advantage, which makes him more confident and eager to work.  

The Importance of Training in Context

When training your dog, it’s essential to consider their drives, temperament and needs. Motivation is important to understand. I had to keep Koal in good shape training physically and mentally, to build confidence and be good at his job and to LOVE what he does even more and this session was one of many, designed to do just that. It’s not about forcing your dog to comply but about motivating and shaping them to understand what’s expected and making it a positive experience. Once the dog knows how to get it’s advantage, stress decreases, confidence and hope increases. Dogs perform with heart and soul.  

Joining the Unleashed Potential Experience – UPX Training and Coaching Community

Do you struggle with your dog and want to learn more about training and shaping desired behaviours the way we do? How about wanting to build a better relationship to increase trust, attention and response. Do you have a coach, a tribe or community of like minded individuals who understand you and are there to support you along the way? Dont go at it alone,Join us in UPX and get the transformations you and your dog deserve. I invite you to join me and others like you, to the Unleashed Potential Experience (UPX) community today!   In our membership, you’ll have access to all my online courses  like The Core Excellence, E-Collar Excellence, fetch4Me and more. Join one of many challenges we have in UPX and and win prizes, connect with other members, share struggles and celebrate breakthroughs, Meet me and the others live in the community every 2 weeks for new training concepts, personal development coaching and more, including breathwork sessions for you. 

Final Thoughts

Training a dog takes time, patience, and the right approach. With the proper tools and techniques, you can help your dog overcome hesitancy and build confidence. koal’s progress is a great example of what’s possible when you combine effective training methods with a positive, supportive relationship. If you would like to learn more about how we use NePoPo® in training and as a lifestyle contact us today or join us in UPX. 

If you’d like to see the full training session with Koal, head over to unleashpotential.ca or dukeferguson.com. My upk9 team and I are  here to help you and your dog reach your full potential, one step at a time.

Join me in the Unleashed Potential Experience, and let’s work together to build a confident, happy, and well-trained dog.

Your Coach, Uncle Duke

Filed Under: Duke Ferguson, 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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Reactive Dog Training

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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Would you like your dog to be an off-leash dog? Or looking to explore our other services?

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Reactive Dog Training

Filed Under: Testimonials, UPK9 Main Blog

Off-Leash Dog Training 10 Years Later

May 3, 2022 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Cassie is loving the off-leash dog life! Nearly 10 years ago, Cassie and her family enrolled in our Ultimate Obedience program to learn off-leash obedience.

Today, Cassie and her family are still enjoying the benefits of their training! The work they put in truly shows and we are so proud and happy to see where they are 10 years later!

Read their story below.

Off-Leash Dog

“Cassie was the “wild child” dog. Very friendly but had no attention span, loved to run and returned when she wanted and was terrible on a leash.

Cassie was just over 2 when I brought her to Unleashed Potential Dog Training. All I can say is WOW! Even after the first session, she was a different dog. Still her lovely happy self but focused. It was like a light was switched on!

Off-Leash Dog

She was a sweet dog but after training, she is a joy to have with me. She can go anywhere, with no fear of her bolting. It is so important as now she is 11 and losing her hearing and the remote allows us to tap and she knows it means to come back.

She still has the joy of our hikes and I know she will respond right away! I am so happy I decided to take Cassie to Unleashed Potential.”

 

– Owner Beverly

 

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German Shepherds Training

 

Filed Under: Testimonials, Uncategorized

Training Two German Shepherds

March 22, 2022 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Training two German Shepherds is a lot of work to take on but our client, Myles, was up for the challenge!

We are so proud of how far he and his two dogs have come! They worked so hard to get to where they are now and we love watching as they continue to make progress.

Two German Shepherds

*Duke (left), Roxy (right)*

“When I first got my German Shepherd, Roxy, a co-worker of mine mentioned Unleashed Potential. I was excited until I saw the pricing. It honestly scared me. My co-worker then explained the training to me and told me I wouldn’t regret it. She is a good friend so I took her word for it. She was right!

The training was great, as well as the staff. I enjoyed the training and staff so much that when I got my second Shepherd, Duke, I enrolled him in the puppy class for the basics and socialization which was major! Then, like my first dog, we went on to the Ultimate Obedience (off-leash training) with my new pup.

German Shepherd Puppy

*Pictured – Puppy Duke meets Trainer Duke*

Unleashed Potential treats you like family. To this day I am very close in contact with Sara and Duke. At one point, my training had come to a standstill between no motivation with the dogs and me working so much. UPK9 helped me revamp the spark with the dogs! We switched their food to a better brand for them (Hurraw) and the drive instantly went up and has stayed up ever since.

Long story short is I think UPK9 can help with any problem or training you need! It may be quick or it may take more time but be patient, trust the process, and make the training fun for you and the dog.”

-Owner Myles

Training Two German Shepherds

Training two German Shepherds is possible! Congrats Myles on your success!

You can follow along with their journey – @myles_outdoors

 

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German Shepherds Training

 

Filed Under: Testimonials

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