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obedience training

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Filed Under: Duke Ferguson

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:

  1. NePoPo® Training: Learn more about NePoPo® – the language of modern dog training.
  2. 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.
  3. 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?

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Filed Under: Duke Ferguson, Seminars

How To Find Time To Train Your Dog

April 26, 2022 By Duke Ferguson 13 Comments

Dogs Walking

In this blog, I am going to teach you how to stop taking an all-or-nothing approach to dog training and give you lots of tips on how to find the time to train your dog!

So many people are living life with out-of-control dogs. Correction, they are not living, they are surviving. 

Maybe you got a puppy and were not properly prepared as puppies require A LOT of time and effort put into training or you can end up with major problem behaviors. (Check out our Puppy Management Class for help with training your pup!)

Maybe you got a rescue wanting to save it from further trauma and hardship and you were not prepared to deal with its reactivity, anxiety, or aggression towards people or dogs. 

Maybe you were taught to believe by the media that if you just spoil your dog with endless amounts of free love, affection, food, treats, toys, and snuggles that they will recognize all you do for them and reciprocate by never doing bad things. 

You realized you are out of your depth and contacted your local trainer and signed up for a training package. That’s an amazing first step!! You should feel good you did that! 

You knocked on the door of dog training and guess who answered. Work. Lol, yup! That’s what dog training is. Work. Anyone who seeks growth and transformation in their life needs to be prepared for work and dog training is no different. 

I have conversations with clients a lot, especially during the pandemic, that they are stressed, tired, burned out, overwhelmed with their hectic lives and all their duties and they struggle to add dog training to their list. We live in world now where you are expected to hustle 24/7, drop everything to deal with others emergencies and maintain peak performance in productivity while sacrificing your down time and self care. Moms definitely know what I mean!

No wonder clients struggle to make time to work with their dogs and end up falling behind on their training or quitting not long after they start. In my experience, some owners tend to be all or nothing about training. They feel in order to do it right you need to set aside hours of your day to spend with the dog. This leads to guilt, regret, feeling overwhelmed which will cause you to avoid and merge into comfort seeking habits while continuing the old habit of  just putting up with the dogs behaviour. 

I can be the same way sometimes! I get in my head on occasion that in order to see real change in my life, I need to have hours a day to spend focusing on it but who has that? This way of thinking can make training seem to be a very large project instead of simple small tasks to move the needle forward. You then tend to retreat into stalling until…the perfect day, the perfect time, the perfect weather when all the stars line up and you are free of stress. 

In my personal experience that never happens. Life will continually throw curve balls, people who need me will continually make demands of my time. What works well for me is to stop thinking of the “big project” and start thinking of small, measurable goals and tasks necessary to complete the big project. 

Coach Sara’s Tips: Creative Opportunities To Work On Your Dog Training Goals. 

Here are some ideas on how to find time to train your dog. I do these while I also manage:

  • A full time 50 plus hour week job teaching and coaching wonderful clients. 
  • An 80 minute a day commute to and from work.
  • Living with 1 to 2 board and trains in my care most of the year in addition to my own two dogs.
  • Being responsible for all my home/property maintenance on my own as I live alone. 

Dog Trainer

1. You don’t need to train for hours a day. Science shows that dogs learn best with several short training sessions. I train dogs 3 times a day for 2-5 minutes. I can train up to 5 times a day if I have the whole day off. With some planning and scheduling, you can find 15 mins to engage and work with your dog every day. It’s like going to the gym. You work one muscle group for short sets. Then you stop and let them rest and work in a different group. There’s leg day then back and shoulders day etc. Short sets move you along your goal to the higher level of strength and fitness you desire for your whole body. 

2. I’m a weekend warrior. On the weekends I take dogs on adventures all around PEI to play/train and be socialized in new environments or environments we don’t go to often. Point Prim, Fort Amherst, Green Park, Confederation Bridge Park are a few places we roadtrip to. During the workweek, I do training, walking, hiking and games at home, and close to home designed to use their body and brain to burn off energy quickly and satisfy them – yet suit my busy schedule. Think about where you could go within a 5-10 minute drive from home to hang out with you dog. 

Dog

3. Incorporate obedience into your fetch and tug games. Before you say fetch or cue them to attack the tug, ask them to do commands- sit! down! Fetch! Heel, Place! Fetch! Mix it up and never let them guess what you’re going to ask them to do next. This encourages deeper thinking and will tire them out faster if you have dogs that never seem to get tired mindlessly chasing the ball over and over. You will cut down your time needed greatly and this is stuff you can do right at home.

Here’s a video to help you 👇

https://youtu.be/4QK2hxGIUI0

4. Treadmill training. Train your dog to walk/trot on a treadmill and you will eventually be able to let them have fun burning off energy while you are doing something else. Don’t leave them alone on the treadmill though! Be in the room. I trained my dogs to use the treadmill this winter and they legit love it. Some breeds are not suited for long outings in the heat of summer or cold of winter so treadmills are great for them. Also perfect for clients with mobility issues. 

5. I know you feel guilty that your dog is home all day while you work but you have full control over what you choose to do with them before and after work. Set your alarm to get up minimum 10 mins earlier and now you’ve freed up time for a train/play session before you leave. Session #2 when you come home, session #3 before bed. 

6. If you are lucky enough to live with a partner or family then you have help with the dog training duties. (I have your back Mom’s! Make the spouse and kids help! This is not all on you!) Have a family meeting. Discuss why you decided to get the dog and why it’s important that you all work together to take care of them. Plan and delegate the daily tasks for the dog’s care. If you have small kids, you can work the leash/tools and give commands and the child can say “Break” and feed the dog. Put someone in charge of potty breaks, someone in charge of exercise, someone in charge of training. Then rotate the duties so the dog will learn to listen to everyone equally. Have a points system for all the duties and the family members can earn points towards prizes. 

Train Dogs

7. Potty break time can be training time. You have to take them out a few times a day or more to do their business. You are already geared up to be outside with them. Train them for 2-5 mins after they potty then go back inside. Or stay out and play. 

8. You can carve out more time than you think to keep the momentum going. Boiling water for pasta? Train the dog while you wait. Saucing up ribs on the BBQ? Train a dog, and brush the ribs. Scrolling around social media? Set alarms and allow yourself a set amount of time to scroll then go do something with your dog. (My screen time alarm says “Get off your ass and go do something!” Works!) Taking the garbage can out to the curb? Work on your dog’s heeling as you roll it out.

Here’s a video to help inspire you 👇

https://youtu.be/Ur4K9hQRoSM

9. Take your dog with you when you go get gas. Choose a station that has the thingy that allows you to pump hands free. (Esso and Petro Canada in Charlottetown) You just created 2-3 mins you can get your dog out of the car on a leash and practice some sits, downs, place on the gas pump platform, and jump in and out of the car on command.

Dog Training

10.  I often slip to my local country general store for a few things. You can buy systems to monitor your car’s temperature when you’re not in it and a live stream to your phone for further monitoring. If you dont’ trust your dog loose in your car purchase a car kennel. I train dogs in the parking lot, go get my few things, train for another 2-5 mins if time and go home. Bam! 1-2 sessions done! 

11. My parents have me over for dinner sometimes. Bring the dogs and train/play out in their yard then they can hang in the garage while we visit. (No dogs allowed in their house as it’s a B&B) Can’t be trusted loose on their own? Put your car kennel in the garage. 

12.  Have errands to do at pet-friendly stores such as Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Kent, and Princess Auto? Bring your dog!

Find Time to Train Your Dog

13. Need dog food at your local pet store? Bring your dog and train them in the store before making your purchase. Dog reactive and don’t want to take them in? Just train in the parking lot then. 

All this continuous short-term exposure to different environments/situations will go a long long way towards helping you reach your goals.  Best of all, now that your dog is spending more quality time with you, your bond with them will deepen and their drive and willingness to pay attention will improve!

Want a Coach that will help you further in your dogs’ training and help you find time to train your dog? Book a Free Consult with me (Coach Sara) to get started! Click here to book now.

 

Dog Training

Find Time to Train Your Dog

Dogs

Follow along my dog training journey on Instagram where I also give you lots of ideas on how to find time to train your dog! Follow – @unleashedpotentialpei

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Filed Under: Sara Bryanton, Uncategorized

Reactive Dog No More!

February 10, 2022 By Sara Bryanton Leave a Comment

One of our Vet Student clients came to us with her reactive dog, Indie, a couple of months ago. They both learned a ton during their lessons and have been on a road to success ever since! The amount of hard work this client put into her dogs training truly shows and we couldn’t be more proud!

 

Reactive Dog No More!

 

“We had our first group obedience class this weekend!

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous going into it. I hadn’t really trained Indie all week due to studying and patient care at school and there would be quite a few dogs present, so I wasn’t sure how it would go.

But as usual, she blew me away. Indie didn’t have one single reaction at group class – she was focused, calm and so dang good, even with other excitable dogs and other dogs working around her. We were able to participate in all of the drills with the other dogs, including weaving through them and their handlers and walking past them.

If you would have told me that we would be able to do this a couple of months ago, I would have laughed. If you have a reactive dog and are struggling – reach out to a trainer. It was the best decision that I made – they helped me with things I couldn’t see, taught me how to handle situations, and continuously supported us through the process. So do better for your dog, do better for you. It’s a hell of a lot of work, but I promise you it is so worth it to see your dog learn that life isn’t so scary and to give you the confidence to help them navigate the world.“

– Owner Maddie

 

You can follow along with their journey on Instagram – @tailsofindie

 

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Filed Under: Testimonials

The Benefits of Walking Your Dog

February 7, 2022 By Sara Bryanton 1 Comment

Did you know walking your dog is more than just exercise? Walking your dog is filled with several benefits that not only apply to them but to you as well!

I’ll be honest, years ago as a high-performing athlete in skier cross, rugby, mountain biking, and trail running, I thought walking was boring and didn’t consider it a proper way to exercise. I feel the need…the need for speed! I worked hard to train my dogs to be off-leash so they could run and run and run! As I aged and perfect fitness eluded me I did engage in slower activities and you can most often find me snowshoeing and hiking these days with my dogs off-leash. So they run, I walk! But then in early 2020 my 5-year-old female GSD Hurtta was diagnosed with significant hip dysplasia and advanced spondylosis and our wonderful canine rehab pro Sarah MacKeigan at Upward Dog in NS assigned me to walk Hurtta on a leash twice daily. 

Here’s what I have learned over the years as a Professional Dog Trainer working with clients and other professionals in the industry.

BENEFITS OF WALKING YOUR DOG:

  • Walking uses different muscles than running or swimming. When thinking about exercising your dog you want to engage in different activities that will provide a chance to strengthen all muscles. 
  • Improves impulse control as the dog must focus on walking at your side and not be distracted therefore reactive to everything that moves or makes a sound. 
  • Going slow is good! Teaches a calmer state of mind and a desire to explore the world at a slower pace with more attention therefore walking is a great way to provide mental stimulation. 
  • Improves your relationship and bonding with your dog as you walk side by side instead of independently from one another. 
  • Greater socialization. Being kept in enclosed spaces such as backyards can cause them to be too sheltered from the world which will lower confidence and increase anxiety when around different environments, people, and other dogs. 
  • Daily walking lessons problems with dogs becoming bored, frustrated, and engaging in behaviors such as barking, destruction of property, and repetitive behaviors such as perimeter circling and attempts to escape their yards when the opportunity presents itself. (Here is where I want to tell ya about the time I was away from home for 3 hours and my door blew open and when I got home the dogs were still in the house!❤️)
  • Decreases the risk of dogs developing territorial behaviors (barking, rushing at the fence when people and dogs go by) resulting from long-term confinement to the property. 
  • Improved cardiovascular fitness, stronger core muscles, lower blood pressure, and a better more stable mood. 
  • Addresses the obesity epidemic. Most dogs today are being fed the amounts indicated on their dog food bags but those amounts were decided on decades ago when dogs spent the majority of their days outside and had jobs. They don’t take into account how many treats ppl feed their dogs these days. We are simply feeding our dogs too much and not burning off calories enough and over half of the dogs are overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to liver disease, insulin resistance, osteoarthritis and knocks a year or two off your dog’s lifespan. 
  • Decreases feelings of loneliness. Yes! Your dog can feel lonely even living with you if you don’t engage them in activities and provide them with things to do. Sometimes your dog is laying around the house simply because there is just nothing else to do.

Hurtta, Kyro, and I are enjoying our daily walks immensely. I notice improvements in my mood as well and I do feel the increased bonding as we walk side by side together down the road. 

Dogs Walking

Our Signature Bungee Collars are worn by the dogs in the photo above.

Click the link or the photo to shop!

 

COACH SARA’S TIPS FOR WALKING:

  1. Dress for success! Wear clothing that is easy to move in, moisture-wicking, cooling in the summer, and thermal for the winter. When walking at night add in reflective or LED accessories for both you and your dog and invest in a good headlamp like the Petzl ones at Sporting Intentions in Charlottetown. 
  2. Don’t forget the poop bags!
  3. Say hello to other people! Covid has turned us all into avoidant creatures. Look up, smile, say hi!
  4. Sign you and your dog up for obedience training. Consult with a trainer about your goals and work with them to come up with a plan then take action to implement that process no matter how long it takes. 
  5. Warm-up before you start. This is important for both you and your dog. Take it slow in the beginning then increase your speed. 
  6. Stretch after. Stretch yourself and google how to stretch your dog! 
  7. Have ID tags on your dog. Just in case anything happens! 
  8. Check the dog’s gear and make sure it’s in good working order. No rips or tears in leashes, collars, or harnesses, and ensure that buckles aren’t cracked. 
  9. Get some Paw Salve to keep the pads from drying out if walking in areas that do salt on sidewalks. Also good for their noses as it doesn’t contain any fragrance or essential oils. We like the one locally made by Urban Paw.
  10. Avoid walking in extreme cold or heat. And know your breed. Some breeds can handle hot and cold weather better than others. Don’t judge someone walking a husky on a cold winter’s day. 
  11. Obey leash laws. I know I know, your dog is off-leash trained with an e-collar. Still, for everyone’s safety and comfort, leash up in areas where it’s the law. Other people don’t know that your dog is off-leash trained and may feel nervous seeing a dog with no leash on. 
  12. Bring fresh water for you both if going out for a while. 
  13. Schedule and plan your walks! Studies show that when we schedule things we are more apt to stick to them. Doesn’t matter if it doesn’t happen at the exact time you scheduled it, just matters that you did it. 

So walk on and walk far my friends!

Love, Coach Sara

Manager/Head Trainer

Unleashed Potential PEI

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Filed Under: Sara Bryanton, Uncategorized

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