The Weekly Recall with Duke Ferguson

January brings a familiar pattern. You start the year with high energy and new resolutions. By early February, most people quit. This happens to about 80% of people. It is not because they are lazy. It is because they set goals that kill momentum before it starts. Many people rely on SMART goals. These are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound. They sound good on paper. They live in the logical part of your brain. The problem is that growth does not happen in safety. Dogs and humans grow when there is desire, emotion, and a challenge. SMART goals...

The new year usually starts with a rush of resolutions and high energy. By mid-January, that motivation often fades. Reality hits, schedules fill up, and the weight of your responsibilities returns. If you want your dog to change this year, you have to look at the person holding the leash first. In this first episode of 2026, Duke Ferguson breaks down why dogs do not rise to our intentions. They rise to our state. A stressed or distracted human creates a stressed or distracted dog. Duke discusses the power of regulation, the importance of vision over goals, and why "Breathe...

This episode lands in that strange stretch between Christmas and New Year’s when the leftovers are hanging on, the schedule is gone, and most people feel stuck between who they were this year and who they want to become next year. I talk about regret, pressure, the fear of setting goals you are worried you will miss again, and why this week makes those feelings louder. I walk you through how high performers approach this time of year and how I reset my own mindset before stepping into 2026. I share how your dog rises when you rise and wh...

n this special Christmas Day edition of The Weekly Recall, I get real with you about the story behind my faith and why Christmas is more than a holiday for me. I walk you through the five symbols tattooed on my hand, from Jesus coming down to his return, and how that simple picture keeps me grounded when life gets dark. I share some of my own history, the losses, the trauma, the messy Christmases, the near misses, and why I still choose gratitude, joy, and service. If Christmas hits a nerve for you, if it feels heavy, lonely...

Imposter syndrome is that nasty voice that tells you you are not good enough, not ready, and everyone else knows more than you do. Duke walks you through what imposter syndrome really is, why caring trainers feel it the most, and how to trade that spiral of doubt for confidence, courage, and clear action.

In this Weekly Recall, Duke breaks down where imposter syndrome comes from, how it shows up in your dog training and business, and simple practices you can use every day to quiet the noise and step into the trainer and leader your dog...

Habits run the show, for you and for your dog. In this episode of Weekly Recall I break down the habit loop, cue, routine, reward, and show how the same pattern drives reactivity on leash and procrastination on the couch. You will learn how to spot the real cue behind your dog’s barking or lunging, and how to catch that early alert phase so you can mark, reward, and start teaching breathe, do not bark instead. I tie it back to your own life too, things like complaining, scrolling, quitting early, and how to replace those routines with si...

If you’ve ever complained that your dog gets distracted, today’s episode might sting a little. Because you and I get distracted just as fast. Sometimes faster. Notifications, scrolling, noise, the constant buzz that pulls you away from your goals. Your dog deals with squirrels. You deal with your inbox. Only one of you has a chance of winning that battle, and it’s not you. This week I’m breaking down how focus works for you and your dog. Why you lose it. How to build it. And how to protect it so you can train better, live bet...

Procrastination loves to steal your time. It keeps you from training your dog, growing your skills, and doing the things you already know will make your life better. This week I’m breaking it down so you can see what’s really going on under the surface, stop avoiding the work, and start taking small steps that build real momentum. You’ll learn why you hesitate, how to get moving, and how to use routines and tiny wins to stay consistent. Your dog will feel the shift too. Let’s crush procrastination together.

This week Duke tackles the myth that time is the enemy. Spoiler, it isn’t. The real challenge is how you choose to spend it. If you’ve ever told yourself you were “too busy” to train your dog or work on your own goals, this episode might sting a little, but it’ll also clear the fog. Duke breaks down why life will train you whether you like it or not, how to set real priorities that move you forward, and why multitasking is quietly wrecking your progress. You’ll learn how to identify your top three priorities, map out simp...

In this Weekly Recall, Uncle Duke unpacks how confidence grows out of connection, not isolation. He walks you through how he uses a remote training collar in a way that builds trust, hope, and clarity for the dog, and how the same principles show up in your relationships and your faith. If you have ever been nervous about remote collars or worried about “messing up” your dog, this one will give you a very different picture. In this episode you will learn: What the confidence connection loop is and how it applies to you and your dog Why most peop...

You’ll learn What repetition really does for your confidence How positive and negative reinforcement both strengthen behavior Why dopamine spikes during the work and how to use that Timestamps 00:00 Confidence grows through reps 02:14 My gym story and why scheduling wins 05:00 Reps for your dog, mealtime training that stacks trust 07:25 Raising the weight without breaking form 10:12 Positive vs negative reinforcement in plain talk 14:22 Using pressure fairly and keeping stress low 17:23 Dopamine and the joy of the journey 19:47 Celebrate small wins, adjust when days go sideways 22:20 Join UPX for coaching and community Try this Two to five minutes, twice a da...

n this episode of The Weekly Recall, Duke breaks down the link between clarity, courage, and confidence—how one fuels the next and why your dog’s behavior often mirrors your mindset. He shares stories from the training field, explains why confidence can’t be faked, and gives you practical coaching questions to journal on today. Key Takeaways: Confidence isn’t taught—it’s transmitted. Clarity gives you the map; without it, you wander. Courage comes before confidence. Action builds belief. Motivation fuels courage, and consistency keeps it alive. Your dog reflects your confidence level—lead with calm energy. Coaching Quest...

How’s your energy been lately?

Not your “I had a coffee this morning” energy. I mean your real, physical energy—the kind that fuels focus, patience, and how you show up for your dog and everyone around you.

Your body doesn’t have energy. It creates it.

That’s what this week’s episode of the Weekly Recall is all about. Duke shares how he rebuilt his energy after Crohn’s disease, lost 100 pounds, and discovered the simple truth:
Common sense isn’t common practice.

You’ll hear about:

The power of...

Your mindset fuels your energy. Your energy shapes your dog’s behavior. In this episode of The Weekly Recall, Uncle Duke shares simple but powerful habits to protect and replenish your mental and emotional energy. From limiting distractions to practicing mindfulness, journaling, gratitude, and even his “ugly fish” story, Duke shows how shifting your focus can transform not just you — but also your dog. Key takeaways: Why distractions silently drain your energy Simple mindfulness practices you can start today The role journaling and gratitude play in emotional balance How your dog mirrors your mindset and energy Listen in, grab your jou...

You’ve got a superpower that you use every day without thinking about it. It can calm you down, fire you up, or bring focus right when you need it most. It also shapes the way your dog feels and responds to you. This week, Duke walks you through practical breathwork techniques you can use to energize, to calm anxiety, and to create balance — in yourself and in your dog. Whether it’s the 4-2-6 method or simple activation breathing, this episode is a reminder that awareness of your breath is the first step to taking control of your e...

Have you ever wanted to learn something new, or train your dog to do something different, or just do something fun like go fishing or hang out with friends—but when the time came, you just didn’t have the energy? Oh, I’ve felt that way. And here’s the kicker… I’m a superhero. Yep, you heard it right. I fight Crohn’s disease, and for me energy is everything. It’s the fuel for my focus, my productivity, and my ability to connect with people and with dogs. Without energy, it’s almost impossible to focus. Without focus, you...

Ever felt overwhelmed when training your dog—or yourself? You’re not alone. In this week’s Weekly Recall, Duke breaks down how to take those big, intimidating goals and turn them into small, clear steps called “behavior chains.” You’ll learn: How to create simple step-by-step chains that actually lead to success Why forward chaining and back chaining matter (and which one you should use) How the same training principles that calm your dog at the door can help you build better habits in life 3 powerful reflection questions to set your next breakthrough in motion Grab your journal. Break it dow...

This week I dig into the three keys that drive real progress in training and life. Timing, consistency, and motivation. Miss one and your results slow down. Dial all three and things click.

Timing
Dogs live in the moment. That is why your mark has to land in the second the right behavior happens. Use a clear marker. I like “good” for duration and “break” as a terminal mark. You can use yes, free, clicker, pizza if you want. What matters is that it is clear and immediate. Think like a photographer pressing the shutter at the peak...

This week I dig into the three keys that drive real progress in training and life. Timing, consistency, and motivation. Miss one and your results slow down. Dial all three and things click.

Timing
Dogs live in the moment. That is why your mark has to land in the second the right behavior happens. Use a clear marker. I like “good” for duration and “break” as a terminal mark. You can use yes, free, clicker, pizza if you want. What matters is that it is clear and immediate. Think like a photographer pressing the shutter at the peak...

In this week’s Recall, I dig into a simple truth that changes everything for you and your dog: behavior is selfish. That is not a bad thing. It is how we are wired. When you understand what truly motivates you and your dog, you can communicate more clearly and turn focus into action through repetition and small daily habits. I share a personal story, break down the four ways dogs communicate, and give you practical prompts to journal, act, and make steady progress.

In this week’s Recall, I dig into a simple truth that changes everything for you and your dog: behavior is selfish. That is not a bad thing. It is how we are wired. When you understand what truly motivates you and your dog, you can communicate more clearly and turn focus into action through repetition and small daily habits. I share a personal story, break down the four ways dogs communicate, and give you practical prompts to journal, act, and make steady progress.

In this week’s Recall, I dig into why clarity is the first step to progress — for you and your dog. Most owners tell me, “I just want my dog to behave,” but they haven’t defined what that actually means. Without clarity, there’s no direction. I’ll show you how to set a clear vision, create small daily goals, and use consistent communication to make real progress. Grab your journal, write it down, and take the first step toward the life and dog you truly want.

In this week’s Recall, I dig into why clarity is the first step to progress — for you and your dog. Most owners tell me, “I just want my dog to behave,” but they haven’t defined what that actually means. Without clarity, there’s no direction. I’ll show you how to set a clear vision, create small daily goals, and use consistent communication to make real progress. Grab your journal, write it down, and take the first step toward the life and dog you truly want.