Unleashed Potential

Professional dog training

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

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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

The Power of Food Rewards in Training

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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.

PUPPY SOCIALIZATION | Building Confidence in Your Dog

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A 5-Step Puppy Socialization Exercise to Build More Confidence in Your Dog!

If you’re looking for ways to socialize and build confidence in your puppy or an older dog of any age, then this video is for you. Watch as I take you inside one of my private training sessions and introduce you to a very powerful, next-level socialization exercise that many quality working kennels will do with their dogs.  You’ll see a vibrant 16-week old pitbull puppy named Echo as she goes through all of the steps that I’m going to teach you.  This is the first time she will experience this form of socialization.

I’ll teach five levels that you can add on and keep the momentum going as your dog becomes more and more confident. This puppy socialization exercise is very simple and very fun. It is also an extremely powerful way to have your dog learn to try hard on its own and become more confident.

 

 

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Steps to Socialize Your Puppy

puppy in empty kiddie pool

Step 1:  Introduce the kiddie pool or something that can contain bottles or other safe objects.   The pool is empty at this point, you just want your puppy to experience the difference in texture and sound. We let the dog explore with a loose leash. Drop pieces of kibble or high-value treats in the pool as your dog is in it. Make it a great place to be!

 

puppy and bottles in a kiddie pool

Step 2: Let your puppy jump out and add some empty water bottles to the pool making sure to leave lots of empty space.   As your dog jumps in, drop in more pieces of kibble, let your dog search around for the food. The sound of the moving bottles will be a different experience and this is part of socialization. The food is a reward and the dog learns to overcome the stress of the moving bottles.

 

puppy about to enter bottle filled pool

Step 3:  Add even more water bottles to the pool.  Enough that the dog must push through some bottles in order to get the food.

 

Step 4:  As your dog is searching for food, tap the side of the pool to add some distraction and offer reassurance through some gentle petting and praise through touch. This helps build confidence because you as the handler are giving that support in this new environment.

 

Step 5:  The last step of this exercise to build confidence in your dog is to move around the bottles as they search for the food.  In this case, I’m using a stick to move around bottles and randomly tap the pool.  This is another form of distraction and it socializes the dog to all sorts of sounds, textures, and situations.

 

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Recommended Products for This Exercise:

 

Training Clicker

Dog Treat Pouch

 

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 Puppy Socialization should be fun!

 

Big Dog in Kid Pool

This can be done with older dogs too, it’s a great way to develop that trusting relationship between you and your dog.  It’s our hope that this video will help you think of other ways you can socialize your dog.  Get creative and remember always start off slowly and add another level as your dog is comfortable.  Use these exercises as an opportunity to train your dog using his kibble as a reward.  Throw that food dish away and get a treat pouch and feed your dog while you train!

 

 Tweet this video

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

Contact us HERE

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

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You’re A Dog Whisperer

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Building Engagement

Why does my dog behave so differently with you?

This is a question I get asked with every dog that comes in to my day train or board and train program. In these programs I train the dog and then coach their owners how to take over the process. My answer is always the same. I don’t have any baggage with the dog and I immediately set the rules and boundaries the minute the dog comes in.

I define baggage as all the unwanted behaviors that were let to develop into habits over time with a dog’s owners. I’m not pointing the finger at the owner and putting the blame on them, necessarily. In many cases they were told to do what they have tried up until that time. Add to that the simple fact that you don’t know what you don’t know. It’s too easy to point the finger and lay blame. So I don’t.

When a dog is dropped off and left with me to be trained, I’m very fortunate and it gives me a very distinct advantage. The dog doesn’t know me, is in an unfamiliar place, and immediately we implement the routines, rules, and boundaries that will shape the dog into the dog they have the potential to be. I immediately develop a relationship with the dog that is based on leadership and very quickly the dog will start to look to me to help them deal with their struggles differently.

The Art of Attention

I don’t possess the anxieties or frustrations the owner does when the dog struggles and my even keel energy quickly sets the dog at ease. It allows us to develop a relationship based on trust and leadership from day one – without the baggage. If you take into account the fact that I’m a dog trainer and should know how to deal with the issues brought before me, it allows me to gain that trust quickly. Whereas, an owner is trying to figure it out through too much trial and error that leads to confusion and distrust from the dog. The dog learns they need to figure it out for themselves because they don’t believe their owner has the solutions. Again, you don’t know what you don’t know and it is easy to give up on something when it doesn’t work immediately.

So dog trainers are not dog whisperers. Sure, if you want to turn your dog around as quickly as possible then get a dog trainer to train them for you in a board and train type program. The fact that they do this for a living professionally is the reason they will achieve results more quickly and to a higher level. Just like any trade; getting a skilled trade person to do a job versus doing it yourself will typically yield a better, faster result. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t do the job yourself. You just have to learn how to the best of your ability.

Solutions

My advice to those doing it yourself is set yourself up for success and the first step for that is to remove the baggage. You need to flip the switch and reset your dog. That means you have to always be in a position to teach so you can communicate to your dog what is right or wrong to influence their choices to the ones you wish them to make in all the circumstances that demand it. You have to be consistent and the dog must understand the conversation. When you are not in a position to teach, the dog needs to be somewhere where they can’t exercise the decisions you don’t want them to make. I recommend crating them. This sets the rules and boundaries and removes the baggage.

Freedom is earned.

The second step is to employ a training system. First you need to establish a communication system that the dog understands that distinguishes right from wrong. Then you need to teach the dog whatever you will employ in those circumstances outside of those circumstances first. The dog needs to understand everything about the conversation to be successful. If they do then the only variable is the choice the dog is making and that is what you are aiming to influence.

That’s the secret. It isn’t dog whispering at all. Where people often fail is a lack of consistency and failure to control the dog’s environment. People are often looking for a quick fix. They search YouTube and find a video on how to fix something and they try it. When it doesn’t work immediately they try something else. That just confuses and frustrates the dog. It isn’t that the YouTube video was necessarily wrong. There is just a lot more that goes into it then you see in a short video clip. So a lot of information is missing for a full solution. A large part of that is changing how you live with your dog – the baggage.

Calm and Happy

If a board and train program is not in the cards and you are struggling to achieve results on your own, I recommend you hire a professional for private sessions and follow what they are instructing you to do. You are still doing it on your own but with professional guidance and a plan. Another option is a quality video training system that teaches you how to train your dog. Again, you need to follow those instructions and be very consistent to have success.

Need Help?

Regardless of the path you choose to unleash your dog’s potential, I can help you. I offer day train, board and train, private lessons, and an online video series that can train any size, any breed, and any problem. Contact me to find out more or visit my Facebook page to see my training in action.

Guy Lapierre, Certified Professional Dog Trainer.  Unleashed Potential Halifax.

 

Would you like  FREE dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy and training steps on how to get your dog to listen and respond to you?  GET ACCESS HERE to his Exclusive, FREE Mini video series  Click Here!! This mini series is not found on Youtube… Get Access Now… You will love the mini series and its Free!! 🙂

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ARE YOU A TRAINER LOOKING TO BETTER YOUR SKILLS OR SOMEONE WANTING TO LEARN TO BECOME A DOG TRAINER or JOIN THE UPK9 TEAM ? CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN COME AND TRAIN WITH DUKE FERGUSON

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Join Duke Ferguson in Monroe, Washington March 22nd, 23rd and 24th, 2019! Art of Attention / NePoPO® Workshop!

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Duke Ferguson Owner / CEO of Unleashed Potential K9 Academy® and Creator of Dog Training Genesis is coming to Sparks K9 training centre in Monroe, WA USA!!  March 22nd, 23rd, and 24th 2019.
Come and learn from one of the best in the world!

Hosted by John Sparks of Sparks K9 Services!! Join Duke Ferguson for a 3-day dog training workshop located at Sparks K9 Services Training Centre in Monroe, WA & learn how to get the very best out of your dog.

 

I am super pumped to work with you! I have spent the past 31 years studying dog training methods and applications from some of the best dog trainers and schools around the world and continue to do so. Incase you did not know, I am also a  Dog Business Consultant, Mentor, Teacher & Coach to many great professional dog trainers around the world and I want to share with you the secrets to my training success.

You can see My bio HERE

Come and learn a modern day, real world, balanced approach that is based on science, mother nature and creativity. Learn to get your dog to respond to you with heart and soul, learn the NePoPo® way!

Imagine what it would be like to have your dog learn to love paying attention and responding to you no matter what, no matter where. What would that be like for you?

Who can attend this workshop?   Professional companion dog trainers & service dog trainers, rescue groups, volunteers & fosters, dog walkers, boarding and training daycare workers, k9 handlers & dog sport enthusiasts who want to better their knowledge and skills and have the dogs perform at a higher level. I also welcome companion pet owners who are in need of help fixing undesired behaviours and who want to decrease stress, and liability in their life.

There are no special audit spots or working spots so everyone is welcome to bring their dog as this will be a hands on workshop. If you choose not to bring a dog that is fine, you will still have a chance to do some hands on….even if you’re training a human 😉

All breeds and behaviour issues are welcome….including aggression. (muzzles are required for any reactive or aggressive dogs).

“Preparation Homework”  IMPORTANT NOTE!!
ALL DOGS MUST BE HUNGRY, MOTIVATED AND WILLING TO WORK!
All who are attending should watch this 6 video mini series to prepare for this event at the link below.

Free Mini Video Series Sign up.

 Remember to bring regular meals and rewards of high value like treats and a favourite toy.

The workshop may be called  “The Art of Attention” and the group focus exercise on day two is just one fun helpful thing we do to get serious attention and control when needed for safety and sanity reasons…BUT…it’s not just about having the dog look at you.   This workshop is so much more than that.
  • It’s teaching you a complete system that creates harmony, clear communication, ignition, hope and a love for all behaviours the dog is to perform for you.
  • It’s about you learning to successfully condition the dog to willingly and eagerly pay attention to you and what you want the dog to do while giving you heart and soul.
  • It’s about learning to condition automatic responses and having the dog think and make wise choices.
  • It’s teaching you a powerful system that enables you to get the most from your dog with the least amount of effort. This system is the reason I named a series of  You Tube videos on Unleashed Potential K9 TV “The Lazy Dog Trainer”.
  • It’s about teaching you how to build an amazing relationship between you and your dog.
  • It’s about having life changing experiences, ah-ha moments, taking the system home and implementing it in daily life.

What will you be Learning at the Art of Attention Workshop? 

  • Understand why dogs do what they do, how they do it and what we need to do about it to help the dog find its advantage.
  • Learn the NePoPo® recipe and tools used.
  • Understand clear communication and establishing it with the dog.
  • 3 keys of training and shaping behaviours.
  • Pros & cons of positive training.  Pros and cons of using pressure, corrections and punishment.
  • Charging marks, free shaping vs luring and hands-on training exercises with people and then dogs.
  • E-collar conditioning and working hands on with people then dogs.
  • Understanding behaviours as well as how to shape and modify them.
  • One-on-one work with your dog and me.
  • Group work adding distractions.

I fully understand that all people & dogs who are attending will have different levels of experience, different behaviour issues and different goals. I will be sure to work at everyone’s individual level and adjust the training recipe according to each persons and dogs needs.

In past workshops I have trained everything from deaf dogs, blind dogs, children and dogs, older dogs, puppies, people in wheelchairs and those who have other disabilities.

On social media? your welcome to check out the Facebook Event Page Here

If you want to book one-on-one coaching while I’m in the area then email me personally to set up a time.  duke@upk9.ca

NOTE: Private, one-on-one training/coaching spots are not part of the event and very limited so they will go very fast!

Know anyone else who would benefit from this event? Please SHARE this and help me reach those people and dogs who are in need of improving their situation in life.

 If you want more reliability, safety, freedom, joy and peace of mind for you, your dog or your clients then this workshop is a must for you. Do not pass up this opportunity! This is your chance!!

Check out promo video in the link below:


Breakfast, lunch & snack will be provided. Also discounted rates are available for a hotel room. (INFO COMING SOON)

 

**REGISTER NOW AND SAVE – EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION**PLUS BE ENTERED IN TO WIN A UPK9 BRAND MINI EDUCATOR E-COLLAR ( Valued at $299) 
Save $50. Now! Register before Friday, March 15th, 2019 and get your spot for $550. After March 15th, the ticket price will be $600.