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 and clients need.

What you will hear in this episode

1. How imposter syndrome shows up for dog trainers
   Things like comparing your work to other trainers online, feeling like a fraud when clients pay you, hesitating to raise your rates, or believing your success is just luck while your mistakes define you.

2. Why the trainers who care the most often doubt themselves the most
   High standards, perfectionism, old stories from childhood, fear of judgment, lack of mentorship, and constant comparison all feed that inner critic. Duke explains why this is actually a sign you care deeply, not a sign that you are broken.

3. The thought audit reset
   A simple four step way to notice the limiting thought, name it as imposter syndrome, neutralize it with real evidence, and replace it with a stronger identity as a committed trainer who grows every day.

4. Using self check ins and visualization
   How to pause, scan your body, notice your breath and self talk, then use visualization and breath to see and feel yourself handling tough sessions, reactive dogs, and coaching moments with calm leadership.

5. Five habits to crush imposter syndrome
   Small daily wins in training, more play with your dog, taking action instead of only studying, breath work and prayer to regulate your nervous system, and simple confidence building routines you can repeat every day.

6. The truth about courage and confidence
   Why you do not wait to feel confident before you act. You act while you are scared, that is courage, and confidence grows after you show up and do the reps.

If this episode hits home, Duke invites you to apply for a free coaching strategy session at dukeferguson.com, grab the free dog training and breath work video series, and check out the UPX community for deeper coaching on dog training, mindset, and breath work.

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 simple, repeatable habits that actually support your goals. If you are ready to stop relying on motivation and start building habits that stick, for both you and your dog, this episode will walk you through it. You will walk away with clear questions to journal on, one habit to build, one habit to break, and a new slogan to live by, breathe, do not bark.

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 better, and stop feeling like your day runs you. You’ll hear simple things you can use right away. Ways to dial in your environment. How to add the right level of challenge. Why your breath matters more than you think. And a little exercise that teaches your dog to look away from distraction and back to you. If you want to stop going through the motions and start getting real traction in your life, your work, and your training, this one will help you get locked in.

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 simple steps for each, and actually follow through without drowning in distractions. If you’ve felt overwhelmed, scattered, or stuck in reactive mode, you’ll walk away with practical direction and a little more clarity than you walked in with. Grab your notes, take a breath, and let’s get your time working for you instead of against you.

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 people go wrong with remote collars and create fear instead of trust How to find the right low level and build a positive association with the sensation A simple pattern to pair the collar with food, leash pressure, and clear communication How Duke connects this to his faith, gentle nudges, and the Holy Spirit Coaching questions you can use to deepen connection with your dog, your people, and your purpose Perfect for: Dog owners who feel nervous about tools Trainers who know a lot but still feel low confidence Anyone who wants stronger connection and calmer communication at home

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 day, tied to meals. One skill for you, one for your dog. Add small distractions when ready. Links Email info@upk9.ca Join the UPX community - https://upx.unleashedpotential.ca/

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 Questions: What’s one area of your life where you need more clarity to feel confident? What’s one small courageous action you can take today? What motivates you right now, and how can it fuel your courage? Connect with Duke: Website: www.upk9.ca Email: info@upk9.ca