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Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Body Language, Anxious Dogs, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Body Language, Anxious Dogs, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
A podcast for dog owners struggling with reactive, fearful, or anxious dogs. Host Tracy Franken, a retired vet tech turned dog trainer, shares trust-based training methods to help you understand your dog's behavior and build a stronger bond. The show aims to reduce stress and frustration in everyday situations like walks and visitors, offering practical advice for a more harmonious life with your pet.
Episodes
241 | Want to Build a Deeper Connection With Your Dog? Stop Telling Them to “Look at Me”
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Your dog notices another dog coming down the road.Their ears go up.Their body changes.They’re looking at that dog because, for whatever reason, that dog matters to them.And what do we so often do?“Look at me.”“Look at me.”“LOOK AT ME.”But why?Your dog knows the other dog is there.You know the other dog is there.Everybody knows the other dog is there.So why are we trying so hard to g
240 | Your Dog Knows the Command. That’s Not the Problem.
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Come.Stay.Leave it.Off.Down.Let’s go.No.We humans are incredibly verbal.And somewhere along the way, we seem to have decided that because our dogs live with us, they must also be fluent in English.So when we say “come” and our dog doesn’t come, what do we do?We say it again.Usually louder.“COME!”As though the problem is that they didn’t hear the English the first time.Sometimes dog
239 | The Goal Was Never a Well-Trained Dog
Hey Dog Lover 🐾What did you actually want when you brought your dog home?Probably a dog you could do life with.A dog you could walk with.Take places.Go on adventures with.Hang out with.A dog you enjoyed being around and who enjoyed being around you.And yes, you probably wanted them to listen to you. You wanted a good recall. Some basic manners. Because nobody wants to live with an absolute hooliga
238 | Your Dog Said No. Now What?
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Your dog says no.Maybe they pull their paw away when you try to trim their nails.Maybe they move away when you reach toward them.Maybe they’re very clearly communicating:“I don’t want you to do this.”So... now what?Because I think we’ve created two extremes when it comes to listening to our dogs.On one side:“I’m the human. You’re the dog. We’re doing this whether you like it or not.
237 | Why Training Isn’t Where to Start With a Fearful Dog
Hey Dog Lover 🐾If you have a fearful dog, chances are you've been told you need to build their confidence.More training. More exposure. More experiences. More opportunities to successfully accomplish things.Because training builds confidence, right?Well... maybe.But when I'm working with a fearful dog, confidence actually isn't where I start.Because before I want your dog to believe:“I
236 | Are You Training Your Dog… or Just Performing Dog Training?
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever learned a dog training technique, tried it with your dog exactly the way you were taught...and it didn't work?Maybe the problem isn't the technique.Maybe somewhere along the way, we've become so focused on doing dog training correctly that we've forgotten to pay attention to the dog standing in front of us.Where should my hands be?When do I say the word
235 | Stop Telling Your Dog “No” Until You’ve Done This
Hey Dog Lover 🐾How often do you find yourself telling your dog:“No barking.”“No.”“Stop.”“Enough.”And then getting frustrated when they keep doing exactly what you just told them not to do?Here’s the question I want you to ask:Before you told your dog “no,” did you actually tell them what you wanted them to do instead?This came up during one of our recent Fearless Framework coaching calls, and it s
234 | Why Should Your Dog Trust Your Decisions? What Leadership Actually Means
Hey Dog Lover 🐾We ask our dogs to trust our decisions all the time.Come with me.Leave that.Don’t go over there.Walk past this dog.Stay here.I’ve got it.But have you ever stopped to ask:Why should they?Not because we’re the human. Not because we own them. And not simply because we’re holding the leash.In this episode, we’re talking about Leadership, the final piece of my Foundation of Relationship.
233 | Want to Matter More to Your Dog? Step Into Their World
Hey Dog Lover 🐾We spend a LOT of time trying to get our dogs to pay attention to us.Look at me.Come with me.Leave that.Let’s go.But how much attention are we paying to them?In this episode, we’re talking about Relevance, one of the three pieces of my Foundation of Relationship, and what it actually means to become relevant to your dog.Because relevance isn’t simply about getting your dog’s attenti
232 | Are You Doing Too Much for Your Dog? When Enrichment Becomes Another Job
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Does your dog need more enrichment?More mental stimulation? More exercise? More games? More training?If you've ever worried that you're not doing enough to meet your dog's needs, this episode is for you.Somewhere along the way, I think we've started confusing enrichment with fulfillment. And they're not necessarily the same thing.We've been told our dogs need
231 | Is Your Dog Mirroring YOU? What Their Behaviour Might Be Trying to Tell You
Hey Dog Lover 🐾What if some of the behaviour that's driving you crazy isn't just about your dog?What if your dog is actually reflecting something back to you?Maybe they're suddenly more reactive.Maybe they're barking more.Maybe they can't seem to settle.Maybe something that was getting better suddenly feels worse again.And you're looking at your dog thinking...What is going
230 | Too Much Dog Training Advice? Why It's Making You Second-Guess Yourself
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever found yourself wondering...Am I doing this wrong?Should I let my dog approach?Should I create more space?Should I say something?Should I let them figure it out?Did I wait too long?Am I making this worse?And before you know it, you're having an entire committee meeting inside your head while your dog is standing there waiting for you to make a decision.If that sound
229 | What Is Your Dog Learning About YOU? The Tiny Moments That Build (or Break) Trust
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Every single day, your dog is learning something about you.Not because you're training them.Not because you've set aside ten minutes to work on your relationship.They're learning about you in hundreds of tiny moments throughout the day.When something unexpected happens, what happens when they're with you?When they're unsure?When they're excited, frustrated, o
228 | Stop Trying to Be the Boss! What Leadership Really Means to Your Dog
Hey Dog Lover 🐾When you hear the word leadership, what comes to mind?Do you picture someone who's always in charge?Have you ever worried that becoming a "leader" means being controlling or acting like the boss?If so, you're not alone.Leadership has become one of the most misunderstood words in the dog world. Somewhere along the way, it became associated with power, control, and m
227 | Stop Trying to Make Your Dog Trust You
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever caught yourself thinking,"I just wish my dog trusted me."Do you wonder what you can do to earn your dog's trust?What if we've been asking the wrong question all along?In this episode, I'm sharing one of the biggest lessons Levi ever taught me about trust.Because when Levi first came home, all I wanted was for him to let me touch him.I wanted him t
226 | Your Dog Doesn't Care About the Equipment as Much as You Do
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever felt guilty for using a leash, a long line, a head halter... or even a muzzle?Do you worry that needing equipment means you're somehow failing your dog?What if we've been asking the wrong question all along?In this episode, we're exploring one of the biggest mindset shifts in relationship-based dog training.Because equipment doesn't build trust...And it
225 | The Conversation You're Not Having With Your Dog
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever stopped to wonder what you're actually communicating to your dog... before you ever say a word?Do you find yourself relying on commands, leash pressure, or constant reminders, yet still feel disconnected?What if the most important conversation with your dog isn't happening through your words at all?In this episode, we're exploring one of the biggest shifts
224 | The Most Overlooked Reward in Dog Training (It's Not Treats)
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever wondered if treats are really the most powerful reward you can give your dog?Do you find yourself reaching for food every time you want to reinforce good behaviour?What if one of the most meaningful rewards your dog experiences isn't something you carry in your pocket...But something you feel?In this episode, we're talking about one of the most overlooked rewar
223 | What Does It Mean To Ask Your Dog?
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever noticed how often we tell our dogs what to do?Sit.Stay.Come.Leave it.Wait.Move.Off.But have you ever stopped to ask yourself:What does it actually mean to ask my dog?And why does that matter?In this episode, we're exploring one of the biggest shifts that happens when we move beyond obedience and start focusing on relationship-based leadership.Because communication isn'
222 | Training Harder Isn't Working... Here's Why
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever felt like you're doing all the right things... but somehow things still aren't getting better?Do you find yourself constantly searching for the next training tip, tool, strategy, or solution?Have you ever wondered if trying harder might actually be making things more difficult?In this episode, we're talking about something many dog owners experience but rarely recogniz
221 | Why Obedience Isn't Building The Relationship You Want
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever looked at your dog and thought:"They know all of this... so why does it still feel like we're disconnected?"Does your dog listen perfectly in some situations but completely forget you exist when life gets interesting?Have you ever wondered why obedience doesn't always create the relationship you're hoping for?In this episode, we're exploring one of the biggest misconce
220 | Why Did I Get This Dog? The Thought Nobody Wants to Admit
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever looked at your dog and thought:"Why did I get this dog?"Have you ever felt guilty for even having that thought?Do you sometimes wonder if you're the problem... if you're failing... or if you've simply taken on more than you can handle?In this episode, we're talking about one of the most common thoughts struggling dog owners have—and one of the
219 | The Pack of Two: The Relationship Your Dog Actually Wants
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever worried that your dog doesn't have enough dog friends?Do you feel guilty when your dog isn't interested in greeting every person or playing with every dog they meet?Have you ever wondered if we've misunderstood what socialization is really supposed to accomplish?In this episode, we're exploring a simple but powerful idea:The Pack of Two.Because humans a
218 | My Dog Knows Better Than This: The Dog Training Trap Nobody Talks About
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever found yourself saying:"But my dog knows this."Do you feel frustrated when your dog suddenly struggles with something they've done successfully dozens of times before?Have you ever wondered if your dog is really choosing not to listen... or if something else might be going on?In this episode, we're exploring one of the most common phrases in dog traini
217 | The Real Reason Your Dog Only Listens When You Have Treats
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Does your dog seem to listen perfectly when you have treats... but completely forget everything the moment the food disappears?Have you ever wondered if your dog is only listening because of the treats?Have you been told that using food creates bribery, dependence, or a dog that won't work without rewards?In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest debates in the dog
216 | Am I Helping My Dog... or Making Things Worse?
Hey Dog Lover🐾Have you ever wondered if you're helping your dog too much?Do you struggle to know when your dog needs support... and when they simply need space to figure things out?Have you ever worried that stepping in too quickly might actually be getting in the way of your dog's confidence?In this episode, we're tackling one of the most important questions dog lovers face:How do I k
215 | What My Dog Taught Me About Confidence, Trust, and Partnership
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever struggled to know when to help your dog and when to simply let them figure things out?Do you sometimes wonder if you're supporting your dog... or accidentally getting in the way of their growth?Have you ever noticed that some of your most meaningful moments with your dog happen when you stop trying to direct every step?In this episode, I'm sharing some lessons
214 | Stop Trying to Be the Bigger Squirrel : Why Your Dog Chooses the Environment Over You
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Do you ever feel like squirrels, smells, birds, and absolutely everything else are more interesting to your dog than you are?Have you been told you need better treats, higher-value rewards, or more excitement to keep your dog's attention?Have you ever wondered if trying to compete with the environment is actually the problem?In this episode, we're talking about one of the bi
213 | Why Does Your Dog React Differently Around Certain Dogs/People?
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever noticed that your dog behaves differently around certain people?Do you sometimes wonder why your dog seems calmer around some dogs and more reactive around others?Have you ever considered that your presence might be influencing your dog's behaviour more than you realize?In this episode, I'm sharing one of the most important lessons I've ever learned about dog behaviour
212 | Why Your Dog Pulls on Leash No Matter What You Try
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you tried different harnesses, collars, and training methods only to find that your dog still pulls on leash?Do you feel like you're constantly managing your dog instead of actually enjoying your walks together?Have you ever wondered if leash pulling isn't actually a leash problem at all?In this episode, we're diving into one of the most common struggles dog owners
211 | Why Dog Training Tools Aren't Solving Your Walking Problems
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by all the opinions about dog training tools?Are you wondering if the next harness, collar, leash, or gadget will finally solve your dog's walking problems?Do you sometimes feel like the dog training world is more focused on the equipment than the dog standing at the end of the leash?In this episode, we're diving into one of the most
210 | Is Your Dog Manipulating You? Fearful Dogs, Boundaries & Leadership
Hey Dog Lover🐾Have you ever worried that saying “no” to your dog might damage your relationship with them?Do you sometimes feel emotionally exhausted trying to figure out whether your dog needs support… or clearer boundaries?Have you ever wondered if your dog is unintentionally influencing your emotions, routines, or decisions more than you realize?In this episode, we’re diving into one of the mos
209 | Why Your Dog’s Behaviour Isn’t Random (And What You’re Missing)
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Does your dog sometimes seem completely fine one day… and totally overwhelmed the next?Have you ever caught yourself saying:“This reaction came out of nowhere”?Do you feel like you’re constantly trying to figure out why your dog reacts in certain situations—but the behaviour still feels unpredictable?In this episode, we’re talking about why your dog’s behaviour is probably NOT rando
208 | Did I Just Ruin My Dog? Training Setbacks Explained
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever had a moment with your dog go sideways and immediately thought:“Oh no… did I just ruin everything?”Has your dog ever suddenly become worried about something they were previously totally fine with?Do setbacks with your dog sometimes make you feel like you’re back at square one?In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a very real, very human moment with Gunther t
207 | Your Dog Doesn’t Need More Exercise
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Have you ever taken your dog on a long walk only to come home and feel like they’re STILL completely wired?Does it sometimes feel like the more exercise you give your dog… the more intense, disconnected, or excitable they become?Have you ever wondered if your dog doesn’t actually need more activity, but something much deeper?In this episode, we’re talking about the difference betwee
206 | Less Commands, Need I Say More?
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾Does your dog listen perfectly at home… but completely disconnect once you step outside?Do you feel like the more stressed your dog gets, the less your commands actually matter?Have you ever wondered if your dog doesn’t need more obedience at all—but something entirely different from you?In this episode, we’re talking about why commands often fall apart under pressure—and why your
205 | Stop Watching your Dog (You're Being Weird About it)
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾Do you feel like your dog reacts “out of nowhere” before you even have time to respond?Are you constantly trying to watch for subtle body language signs—but still feel like you’re always one step behind your dog?Have you ever wondered if the real issue isn’t your timing… but where your attention is actually going?In this episode, I’m challenging the idea that the answer to reactivi
204 | What To Do When Your Reactive Dog Loses It
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾Are your walks starting to feel more stressful than enjoyable?Do you ever find yourself constantly scanning the environment… just trying to avoid a reaction?When your dog “loses it,” are you left wondering… what am I actually supposed to do right now?In this episode, I’m sharing what to do when your dog loses it—so you can stop feeling overwhelmed in those moments and start showing
203 | Can You Over-Socialize Your Dog? (A Puppy Owner’s Question)
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾Have you ever been told you can’t over-socialize your dog?Are you trying to do “all the right things”… but worried you might actually be overwhelming your puppy?Do you feel torn between exposing your dog to the world—and protecting their confidence at the same time?In this episode, I’m answering a thoughtful question from a listener who’s raising a young, shy puppy and trying to do
202 | Is it Fear? Understanding Your Dog’s Reactive Behaviour
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Does your dog seem totally fine one minute… and then suddenly overreact the next?Have you ever thought, “That came out of nowhere…” when your dog barks, lunges, or shuts down?Do you find yourself wondering if your dog is being difficult… or if there’s something else going on?In this episode, I’m unpacking a question most dog owners don’t even realize they should be asking:👉 Is it fe
201 | You Don't Want a Well Trained Dog. Here's Why?
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾Have you ever thought… “My dog knows what to do… so why aren’t they doing it?”Do you feel like you’ve done the training—but real-life situations still feel unpredictable?Are you starting to realize that a “well-trained” dog isn’t the same as a calm, confident one?In this episode, I’m sharing why focusing on having a “well-trained dog” might actually be the thing keeping you stuck—s
200 | Your Dog Is Watching You More Than You Think (The Leadership Mistake You Don’t See)
Hey there Dog Lover🐾Do you feel like your dog listens sometimes… but not consistently?Are you focused on what you’re teaching… but still not seeing results?What if your dog is learning more from how you show up than what you say?In this episode, I’m sharing the leadership scorecard your dog is constantly using so you can better understand why your dog responds the way they do. We explore how dogs
199 | Is Socialization Making Your Dog Worse? What Fearful & Reactive Dogs Actually Need
Hey Dog Lover🐾Have you been told your dog just needs more socialization?Does your dog seem more overwhelmed the more you expose them to things?What if more exposure isn’t the answer… and might actually be making things worse?In this episode, I’m sharing why socialization isn’t always the solution so you can stop overwhelming your dog and start building real confidence. We dive into how exposure wi
198 | Is Your Dog a Project? Why Dog Training Feels So Hard (And What to Do Instead)
Hey Dog Lover🐾Do you feel like you can’t relax around your dog?Are you constantly correcting, managing, or trying to fix behaviour?What if your dog isn’t a problem to solve… but a relationship to build?In this episode, I’m sharing the difference between treating your dog like a project versus living with them as a partner so you can move out of frustration and into trust and connection. We explore
197 | Dog Training Not Working? Here’s What Most People Are Missing
Hey Dog Lover🐾Are you focusing on training… but still not seeing the results you want?Do you feel frustrated when your dog doesn’t “listen” in real-life situations?Have you ever considered that what happens outside of training might matter more?In this episode, I’m sharing how the 99% of your daily life with your dog is what truly shapes their behavior, confidence, and trust. You’ll learn why it’s
196| Is Your Dog Actually Happy? (Or Just Busy, Stressed, or Overstimulated?)
`Hey Dog Lover🐾Do you feel like you’re constantly trying to do more to make your dog happy?Is your dog busy, active, and stimulated… but still seems unsettled or anxious?Have you ever stopped to ask what happiness actually looks like for your dog?In this episode, I’m sharing what truly creates happiness in dogs so you can stop chasing activity and start building fulfillment. We explore how happine
195 | Still Using Treat Rewards? Why Your Dog Training Isn’t Sticking (And What to Do Instead)”
Hey Dog Lover!🐾Are you doing all the “right” training things… but something still feels off?Does your dog only seem engaged when there’s something in it for them?Have you ever wondered why the behaviour doesn’t seem to stick long-term?In this episode, I’m sharing the difference between rewarding and celebrating so you can move beyond transactional training and start building true connection with y
194 | Why Your Dog Training Isn't Working.{Conversations with Your Dog Series}
Hey Dog Lover🐾Feeling frustrated that your dog training just isn’t working?Do you feel like you’re constantly correcting, reminding, or repeating yourself?Wondering why your dog behaves one way during training… but completely different in real life?In this final episode of our Conversations with your Dog Series, I’m sharing why your dog training might not be working—and how the missing piece has l
193 | Your Dog IS Listening. What Are YOU Saying? {Conversation with Your Dog Series}
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾Feel like your dog isn’t listening—even though you know they’ve been trained?Do you find yourself repeating commands or getting frustrated when your dog ignores you?What if your dog is actually listening… just not to what you think you’re saying?In Part 3 of our series Conversations with your Dog, I’m sharing why your dog might not be listening—and how it has less to do with obedie
192 | Why Your Dog Ignores ‘No’ {Conversations with Your Dog Series}
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Do you feel like your dog hears the word “no”… but it doesn’t actually mean anything?Are you constantly repeating yourself or correcting your dog with little to no change in their behaviour?Do you feel like you have to get louder, firmer, or more intense just to get your dog to listen?In this episode, I’m sharing the powerful shift from constant correction to meaningful communicatio
191 | Your Dog Not Listening To You? Here's Why {Conversations with Your Dog Series}
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Do you feel like your dog just isn’t listening—no matter how many times you repeat yourself?Are you relying on commands, treats, or tools… but still not seeing real change in your dog’s behaviour?Do you wish you could actually communicate with your dog instead of constantly telling them what to do?In this episode, I’m sharing a completely different way to approach dog training, one
190 | What If the Fight Is the Problem and Why Control Can Make Reactivity Worse
Hey there, fellow Dog Lover ! 🐾What if your dog’s reactivity isn’t just about the trigger……but about the tension between you and your dog?In this episode, we explore a powerful (and slightly uncomfortable) idea: What if the fight… is the fight?We break down:How leash tension, control, and tight handling can increase reactivityWhy dogs push against pressure—and how that creates a cycleThe role of c
189 | Your Reactive Dog Doesn't Need More Friends
Hey Dog Lover🐾Do you feel like your reactive dog needs more socialization… more exposure… more dog friends?What if that’s not actually true?In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the biggest mindset shifts for reactive dog owners: your dog doesn’t need to like other dogs to be successful.We dive into:Why forcing dog interactions can actually increase fear and reactivityThe difference between soci
188 | What Happens When You Stop Trying to Contol Your Reactive Dog
Hey Dog Lover🐾Are you constantly trying to manage or control your reactive dog’s behaviour?Do you feel like if you’re not actively directing every moment, everything will fall apart?What if the real shift isn’t about controlling your dog… but about controlling yourself?In this episode, I’m sharing a personal turning point that changed the way I work with dogs forever.There was a time when I was te
187 | Before the Bootcamp Starts: The One Thing Reactive Dogs Need From You
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾This episode is a little different.If you’re joining the Calm Down Dog Bootcamp, consider this your bootcamp prep.Because before we even begin, there’s one shift that will make everything we talk about during the bootcamp make a whole lot more sense.Many reactive dog owners fall into a cycle:Something happens.The dog reacts.We try to fix the reaction.More training.More techniques.M
186 | Your Reactive Dog Isn’t Overreacting: So Why Are They Always On Edge?
Hey Dog Lover🐾Reactive dogs often look like they are overreacting to the world.They bark.They lunge.They scan every movement.But what if your dog isn’t overreacting at all?What if your dog is simply trying to manage a world that feels uncertain?In this episode, we explore why reactive dogs often live in a state of hyper-vigilance and the important difference between:• prey drive• fear• hyper-aware
185 | Dogs Don’t See the World Like Humans: Why Reactive Dogs Struggle in “Humansville"
Hey Dog Lover🐾If you’ve ever wondered why your dog reacts to things that seem completely normal to you… this episode will help you see the world through your dog’s eyes.Humans live in a world of social rules and expectations.Be polite.Be friendly.Get along with everyone.But dogs don’t live in that world.Dogs live in a world of social units and assessment — where every new dog, person, or situation
184 | Ready to Stop Controlling Your Reactive Dog? The Shift That Changes Everything
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾In this episode, I’m diving into a powerful shift that changes everything: control yourself and influence the dog — don’t try to control the dog.If you have a reactive or fearful dog, it’s easy to fall into control mode. More commands. More management. More micromanaging every situation. It feels responsible. It feels proactive. But what if it’s actually keeping you stuck?We’ll exp
183 | Why Doing Less Feels So Wrong With A Reactive Dog
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾Do you feel like if you’re not actively training your reactive dog, you’re failing them?Does slowing down make you anxious… like you’re falling behind or not doing enough?Have you ever tried to “do less” with your dog — and immediately felt guilty about it?In this episode, I’m sharing why doing less with your reactive or fearful dog can feel so uncomfortable — and why that discomfo
182 | Are You Micro Managing Your Reactive Dog? Why Obedience Just Ain't Cutting It
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Does everything feel a little… chaotic right now?Are your walks feeling harder than they used to?Have you tried more training, more treats, more techniques… and you’re still wondering why nothing is really changing?In this episode, I’m sharing why your dog’s behavior might not be a training problem at all — and why adding more commands isn’t the answer.If the world feels heavy and y
181 | Are You in Survival Mode With Your Reactive Dog? The Reset You Need Right Now
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾Do you feel like you’re just going through the motions with your reactive dog?Has your world quietly gotten smaller… even though you swore it never would?Are you surviving with your dog instead of intentionally leading?In this episode, I’m sharing an honest conversation about survival mode, shrinking leadership, and the difference between going through the motions and intentional m
180 | How to Lead a Fearful or Reactive Dog (Without Force, Treats or Trying Harder)
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Are you trying everything with your reactive or fearful dog… but nothing seems to stick?Do you find yourself talking more, soothing more, managing more — and still feeling stuck?Have you ever stopped to ask… what if leadership isn’t about doing more, but about becoming clearer?We’re breaking down:Why “it’s okay” isn’t always helpfulThe difference between clarity and noiseWhat dogs a
179 | Reactive Dog Not Improving? The Leadership Shift Most Owners Miss
Hey Dog Lover 🐾Are you doing everything “right” with your reactive or fearful dog… but still not seeing progress?Have you ever wondered if the thing holding your dog back might not actually be your dog?Does it feel uncomfortable to admit that maybe your influence matters more than you thought?In this episode, I’m sharing the leadership shift most reactive dog owners miss so you can stop trying ha
178 | Is ‘Good Enough’ Keeping Your Dog Stuck? The Hidden Cost of Avoidance in Fearful Dogs
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾Have you ever settled for “good enough” with your dog because pushing felt risky, exhausting, or unfair?Do you avoid certain situations, walks, or challenges because you don’t want to make things worse — even though your dog’s world feels smaller than it used to?Have you wondered whether being gentle, patient, and understanding might actually be slowing your dog’s progress?In this
177 | Why Understanding Your Dog's Fearful or Reactive Behaviour isn't Enough
Hey Dog Lover, 🐾Do you understand why your dog is fearful, reactive, or overwhelmed — but still feel stuck in the same patterns?Have you done the learning, the reframing, the mindset work… yet life with your dog still feels harder than it should?If you’ve ever thought, “I get it… but nothing is really changing,” this episode is for you.In this conversation, I’m talking about a phase that thoughtfu
176 | How to Be the Best Dog Mom Ever: 6 Ways to Build Trust, Confidence and Connection
Hey Dog Lover 🐾What does it really mean to be the best dog mom ever?Is it the perfect heel?The polished down stay?The dog who never embarrasses you in public?Or… is it something deeper?In this heartfelt and slightly sentimental episode, I’m sharing a story about my son, a skating relay race, and a spectacular public “failure” that turned out to be one of the greatest lessons on confidence I’ve ev
175 | You Love Your Dog—So Why Isn’t He Listening?
Hey, dog lover! 🐾You love your dog—probably more than most people, right? So why does it still feel like your dog isn’t listening? Why do they ignore your call, run the other way, or tune you out when it really matters?In this episode, we’re busting the big myth that love = relevance. (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.) We’ll explore why your love does matter deeply—but why it isn’t the currency your dog
174 | Am I Doing Enough for My Dog? The Truth About Fulfillment, Leadership & Time
Hey, Dog Lover! 🐾Ever find yourself wondering how much time your dog really needs from you each day? Is it about hours spent playing fetch—or is there something deeper that actually fills their cup?In this episode, we dive into a voice message from a listener (hi, Rachel!) who asks a question every dog lover has wrestled with: What’s a fair amount of time to spend with your dog? The answer? It’s n
173 | Still Struggling with Your ‘Well-Trained’ Dog? Why Obedience Isn’t the Answer
Hey, Dog Lover! 🐾In today’s myth-busting episode, we’re unpacking one of the most common misconceptions in dog training: that obedience equals leadership.You’ll learn why being able to get your dog to “sit” or “heel” on cue doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the one they trust to lead. We’ll talk about what real leadership looks like to your dog—from the power of calm and predictability, to understan
172 | 3 Unexpected Ways to Bond with Your Fearful Dog
Hey Dog Lover 🐾If your dog flinches when you reach out… freezes when you get too close… or simply tolerates affection without really softening into it—this episode is for you.We’re a touchy-feely species. Dogs are not.Especially dogs who are fearful, anxious, or still learning to feel safe in the world.In this episode of the Fearless Dog Lover Podcast, I’m sharing three powerful, connection-deepen
171 | Is That Normal? Surprising Answers to the Dog Training Questions You Didn’t Know You Had"
Hey Dog Lover 🐾In this week’s episode of Beyond Obedience, I sat down with the ever-insightful Paisley for a "Questions You Didn't Know You Asked" Q&A—and wow, did we cover some surprisingly helpful stuff.We unpacked:✔ What to actually focus on when bringing home a new dog or puppy✔ What’s really going on when your dog is humping at the dog park 😳✔ How curiosity (not control) hel
170 | Tired of Trying to Control Your Dog? Step Into Leadership Beyond Leashes
Hey Dog Lover 🐾What if leadership with your dog had nothing to do with being the boss… and everything to do with being worth following?In this episode, we’re rewriting the rules on what it means to lead your dog—and spoiler alert: it’s not about dominance, micromanaging, or having the tightest leash grip on the block.Instead, we’ll dive into what true, trust-based leadership looks like:How to beco
169 | Obsessed with Your Dog’s Body Language? Here’s What You’re Missing
Hey Dog Lover 🐾If you’ve ever found yourself obsessively watching your dog’s every lip lick, whale eye, or tail twitch… this episode is for you.Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on why hyper-focusing on stress signals might actually be causing you to miss the bigger picture in your relationship.Yes—your dog’s body language matters. But when you slip into stress-monitor mode, you lose your most
168 |Why Your Dog Follows You (or Doesn’t): The Truth About Leadership
Hey Dog Lover 🐾It’s 2026, and if you’re already feeling a little overwhelmed—guess what? You’re not alone. Leadership doesn’t always look like calm walks and quiet mornings. Sometimes it looks like showing up tired, unsure, and still choosing to lead anyway.In this episode, we’re digging into what it really means to be a leader your dog trusts—especially when life feels loud, messy, or just plain
167 | Why ‘New Year, New You’ is Failing Your Dog (And What to Do Instead)
Hey Dog Lover 🐾“New Year, New You!”We hear it every January… but let’s be honest: do you really need a “new” you?What if this year isn’t about fixing what’s broken, but believing in who you already are? What if the best thing you could do for your dog is to stop chasing perfection—and start showing up with calm, clarity, and confidence?In this episode, we’re ditching the resolutions and talking ab
166 | Your Word of the Year (And Why It Matters to Your Dog)
🐾 Hey dog lover,As a new year begins, a lot of people are making lists, setting goals, and trying to “fix” things.But what if this year didn’t start with a to-do list?What if it started with a word?In today’s episode, “Your Word of the Year (And Why It Matters to Your Dog),” we’re talking about intention — not training plans.Because your dog doesn’t experience your goals.They experience you.Your e
165 | The Resolution Your Dog’s Been Waiting For
Hey there, Dog Lover 👣🐾Hey dog lover,As we head toward a new year, there’s a lot of noise out there telling you what you should be doing with your dog.More commands.More talking.More “corrections.”But here’s the truth your dog already knows:They don’t need more chatter.They need more calm.In today’s episode, “Shut Up and Show Up: The Resolution Your Dog’s Been Waiting For,” we’re talking about a d
164 | Merry Christmas to You and Your Pack (Yes, I Said Pack)
Hey there, Dog Lover 🐾Merry Christmas, my friend.If you’re listening to this with a dog at your feet, on your couch, or watching you from across the room… this episode is for you.Christmas has a way of slowing time—if we let it.It invites us to pause, reflect, and notice what actually makes a home feel safe, warm, and whole.And for our dogs, that magic isn’t found in gifts, routines, or perfectly
163 | What Your Newly Adopted Dog Really Wants (Hint: it's not more stuff)
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾Thinking of spoiling your newly adopted dog with toys and treats this season? While the thought is sweet, it’s not what your dog really needs right now.In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what helps a rescue or new-to-you dog feel truly secure. You’ll discover:Why toys and affection take a backseat to routines and predictabilityThe secret power of calm, “boring” leadership
162 | Holiday Hangover is Real: Why Your Dog is Biting or Melting Down
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾So your dog was “fine” during the day… until they weren’t. The guests are gone, the cookies are stale, and suddenly your pup is pacing, snapping, or flat-out melting down. What gives?In this episode, we unpack the Holiday Hangover — that post-festivity fallout where stacked stress finally spills over. You’ll hear:The signs your dog is approaching their limit 😬Why “he’s been fine” m
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