Home
Categories
EXPLORE
True Crime
Comedy
Society & Culture
Business
Sports
News
TV & Film
About Us
Contact Us
Copyright
© 2024 PodJoint
Loading...
0:00 / 0:00
Podjoint Logo
US
Sign in

or

Don't have an account?
Sign up
Forgot password
https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/35/8f/eb/358feb3e-e2bd-61b7-35ff-ba6ee233f19e/mza_12361241611172424340.jpg/600x600bb.jpg
Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
Tracy Franken: Retired Vet Tech , Dog Trainer, Dog Lover, Dog Bond Specialist 🐾
139 episodes
2 days ago
Do you long to have a happy, confident dog you can take anywhere? Are you worried your reactive, fearful dog may hurt someone or something else? Do you have to “prepare” yourself to take your dog for a walk around the block? Hey there! I’m Tracy, a retired vet tech turned dog trainer, mom, wife and all-around dog lover. When I realized the key to building confidence in my dog was in understanding him and NOT just tossing treats and obedience my life changed! Now I have a pack of “just good dogs” I trust to take anywhere. And I am sharing it all here! So put down that leash & let's get to it!
Show more...
Pets & Animals
Kids & Family
RSS
All content for Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs is the property of Tracy Franken: Retired Vet Tech , Dog Trainer, Dog Lover, Dog Bond Specialist 🐾 and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Do you long to have a happy, confident dog you can take anywhere? Are you worried your reactive, fearful dog may hurt someone or something else? Do you have to “prepare” yourself to take your dog for a walk around the block? Hey there! I’m Tracy, a retired vet tech turned dog trainer, mom, wife and all-around dog lover. When I realized the key to building confidence in my dog was in understanding him and NOT just tossing treats and obedience my life changed! Now I have a pack of “just good dogs” I trust to take anywhere. And I am sharing it all here! So put down that leash & let's get to it!
Show more...
Pets & Animals
Kids & Family
Episodes (20/139)
Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
135 | Beyond the Bark: Tools, Boundaries & Understanding {Series Part 3}

Hey Dog Lover! 🐶
Welcome to Part Three of the Beyond the Bark Series! In this final episode, we’re wrapping up my contribution to a recent article on barking with some of the most practical — and controversial — questions around the topic.

Here’s what we’re covering today:

  • How furniture placement can actually reduce barking (yep, where your couch goes matters!)

  • Using tools like curtains, crates, and X-pens to prevent escalation and create calmer spaces

  • Why too much “free reign” often leaves dogs feeling like they have to control too much real estate

  • The controversial topic of bark collars, shock tools, and water guns — and why I believe leadership, fulfillment, structure, and boundaries should always come first

  • My closing thought: the key to everything with dogs is learning to understand them, not forcing them to fit into our human world

This episode ties it all together and helps you rethink barking not as a nuisance, but as information you can actually use to lead your dog more clearly.

xoxo,

Tracy 💛


👣🐾 Next Steps:
If you want to understand your dog on a deeper level so that everything gets easier, join me inside the Fearless Framework. It’s where we break the fear cycle and build the kind of trust and confidence that makes barking less of a problem in the first place.
👉 BeyondObedience.ca/fearless

👣🐾 Bonus: Come join the free Living Beyond Obedience community on Facebook, where you can connect with like-minded dog lovers, ask questions, and share your journey.
👉 facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience

🎵 Music Credit: Shawn Trotter – shawntrotter.com

Show more...
2 days ago
35 minutes 43 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
134 | Beyond the Bark: Puppies, Prevention & Adult Dogs {Series Part 2}

Hey Dog Lover! 🐶
Welcome to Part Two of the Beyond the Bark Series! In this episode, we’re tackling the questions about puppies and adult dogs when it comes to barking.

As part of my contribution to a recent article on barking, I was asked:

  • With puppies, what can we do to prevent barking at things like the doorbell, the garbage truck, or people passing by?

  • What about adult dogs? Is it too late to train them out of barking?

Here’s what we’re unpacking today:

  • Why the real key for puppies isn’t “stopping barking” but socialization and exposure

  • Why it’s absolutely not too late for adult dogs — yes, they can learn new tricks!

  • My go-to tip for helping your dog stop alert barking in real life situations

This episode will give you practical steps for both puppies and adults so you can respond with clarity and confidence.

xoxo,

Tracy 💛

👣🐾 Next Steps:
If you want to understand your dog on a deeper level so that everything gets easier, join me inside the Fearless Framework. It’s where we break the fear cycle and build the kind of trust and confidence that makes barking less of a problem in the first place.
👉 BeyondObedience.ca/fearless

👣🐾 Bonus: Come join the free Living Beyond Obedience community on Facebook, where you can connect with like-minded dog lovers, ask questions, and share your journey.
👉 facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience


🎵 Music Credit: Shawn Trotter – shawntrotter.com

Show more...
6 days ago
23 minutes 24 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
133 | Beyond the Bark: Why Dogs Bark {Series Part 1}

Hey Dog Lover! 🐶
Welcome to Part One of my brand-new Beyond the Bark Series! This is the first of three episodes where we’re digging deep into one of the most common (and often misunderstood) dog behaviors: barking.

Fun fact: I was recently asked to contribute to an article on barking (how interesting, right?), and in this episode I’m sharing some of the answers I gave to the journalist’s questions.

Here’s what we’re covering today:

  • The main reasons dogs bark — and the most common triggers

  • The difference between alert barking, demand barking, and separation barking

  • Why barking isn’t always “bad” — it can also come from fear, play, or even curiosity

  • Whether barking is natural or a learned response (hello, nature vs. nurture!)

  • And yes… whether some dogs are simply more prone to barking based on their genetic makeup

This episode will help you stop seeing barking as “noise” and start seeing it as communication.

Hope you enjoy!

xoxo,

Tracy 💛

👣🐾 Next Steps:
If you want to understand your dog on a deeper level so that everything gets easier, join me inside the Fearless Framework. It’s where we break the fear cycle and build the kind of trust and confidence that makes barking less of a problem in the first place.
👉 BeyondObedience.ca/fearless

👣🐾 Bonus: Come join the free Living Beyond Obedience community on Facebook, where you can connect with like-minded dog lovers, ask questions, and share your journey.
👉 facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience


🎵 Music Credit: Shawn Trotter – shawntrotter.com

Show more...
1 week ago
23 minutes 23 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
132 | NO! Isn't the Enemy.

Hey Dog Lover! 🐾
Ever feel a little weird about saying “no” to your dog?
Like you’re doing something wrong or “un-positive”? 😬

In this episode, we’re unpacking the myth that “no” is a bad word in dog training.
We’ll explore why clarity isn’t cruel, why disagreement doesn’t mean disconnection, and how using both yes and no helps build trust, confidence, and a real relationship with your dog.

If you’ve ever stood there, frozen, wondering what to do next—or if you’ve been stuck in the all-or-nothing world of dog training lingo (looking at you, “aversive”)—this episode is for you.

It's not about perfection. It's about understanding.
It’s about seeing the world through your dog’s eyes and becoming someone worth following.
Because “no” isn’t the enemy—confusion is.

Hope you enjoy this one.
xoxo
Tracy 💛


🐕‍🦺 Next Step:

Ready to take your relationship with your dog to the next level?

Join the free Facebook community!
🦴 Living Beyond Obedience

Ready to take your relationship with your dog to the next level?

Join the Fearless Framework—an incredible community of dog lovers just like you, all working to better understand themselves and their dogs through leadership, trust, and connection.

👉 Visit beyondobedience.ca/fearless to learn more.

🎵 Special music credit:
Shawn Trotter – Shawntrotter.com


Show more...
1 week ago
21 minutes 42 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
131 | Your Dog Feels it Too: Barking Anxiety & the Emotional Side of Dog Behaviour

Hey Dog Lover,

Have you noticed your dog barking more lately? Acting out in ways that seem “out of the blue”? Maybe every time someone walks in—or out—the door, your dog launches into full-blown emotional mayhem. 😅

Here’s the truth: your dog feels it too.

Whether it’s back-to-school chaos, a kid leaving for college, grief, stress, or just a shift in your household energy—dogs don’t miss a beat. And what we often label as “bad behavior” is actually a cry for stability, connection, and leadership.

In this episode, we unpack:

  • Why transitions affect your dog more than you think

  • How emotional energy (yep, yours) shows up as reactivity, anxiety, and barking

  • Why this isn’t a training issue—and what to do instead

  • The real meaning of trust-based leadership when you’re the one feeling unsteady

If you’ve ever found yourself saying “my dog is driving me bananas right now,” but deep down know they’re just trying to keep up with your changing world—this one’s for you.

Hope you enjoy this one,
—Tracy


🐾 Next Steps:

💌 Be the first to know when something exciting is coming (hint: soon!)
Join the mailing list at: beyondobedience.ca/contact

👥 Join the free community for support & honest conversation:
facebook.com/groups/livingbeyondobedience


🎵 Musical credit to ShawnTrotter of shawntrotter.com

Show more...
2 weeks ago
25 minutes 31 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
130 | Dog struggle with guests? Help Your Dog Build Bravery (Not Just "Tolerate Visitors")

Hey Dog Lover 🐾
If your dog struggles when guests come over—whether it’s barking, hiding, or pacing—this episode is for you. Inspired by Jenee from the Living Beyond Obedience community, we’re digging into the Build Your Brave Protocol: Guest Edition so you can create a space where your dog feels safe and even starts to build confidence with each visit.

We’ll talk about:

  • Setting up a comfort zone before guests arrive

  • Responding based on your dog’s personality and needs

  • Prepping your guests so they’re part of the solution

  • Reading early signs of discomfort before things escalate

  • Knowing what “success” actually looks like for a fearful dog in guest situations

You’ll walk away with a step-by-step plan to help your dog move from just surviving visits… to feeling a little braver each time.

hope you enjoy this one! Tracy.

NEXT STEPS 👣🐾
🐶 Join the free Living Beyond Obedience Facebook community: www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience
🐾 Ready to go deeper? Check out The Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework at www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless

Special thanks for the music to Shawn Trotter — shawntrotter.com


Show more...
2 weeks ago
30 minutes 3 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
129 | Why Quick Fixes Don’t Stick (and What Does)

Hey Dog Lover 🐾

We’ve all tried it—a new harness, a head halter, or that “miracle” tip from a midnight scroll. Sometimes, these quick fixes help… and that’s okay. But they’re not the full answer.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

  • How quick fixes can give you the breathing room to start real change

  • Why true progress comes from calm, consistent leadership—not just tools

  • The danger of staying “loud” in your communication with your dog

  • How to keep building connection and trust after the quick fix moment has passed

Your biggest takeaway? Quick fixes can open the door, but relationship and leadership are what build the house.

Hope you enjoy this one!

Tracy

NEXT STEPS 👣🐾🐶 Join the free Living Beyond Obedience Facebook community: ⁠www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience⁠🐾 Learn how to lead with clarity and confidence inside The Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework: ⁠www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless⁠

Special thanks for the music to Shawn Trotter — ⁠shawntrotter.com⁠


Show more...
3 weeks ago
32 minutes 56 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
128 | "But I Have Tried EVERYTHING!"- When Everything is the Problem

Hey Dog Lover 🐾
Ever found yourself saying, “I’ve tried everything and nothing is working…”?

If your head is spinning and your dog still seems confused, you’re not broken—and neither is your dog.
You’re just stuck in the noise.

This episode is about why trying everything might actually be the thing holding you back… and how doing less can finally bring the calm and clarity you’ve both been craving.

Inside this episode:
🐾 Why system-hopping creates noise, not progress
🐾 How conflicting techniques confuse your dog (and rattle your own confidence)
🐾 What happens when we rush to do instead of slowing down to see
🐾 Why quiet observation is your most underrated leadership tool
🐾 A gentle practice to shift from chaos to connection—starting today

Spoiler alert: You don’t need to try more.
You need to see more.

Because real transformation isn’t about mastering a hundred training tools…
It’s about becoming someone your dog can count on—even when you’re doing nothing at all.

Hope you enjoy this episode. Be sure to rate, share and leave a comment!

Bye for now!

Tracy

🐾 NEXT STEPS — Choose Your Own Adventure 🐾

🎉 Join the Free Facebook Group
Surround yourself with people who get it.
The Living Beyond Obedience community is full of curious, committed, and kind-hearted dog lovers just like you.
Come share your wins, your “How interesting!” moments, and your questions—we're better together.
👉 facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience

🐕 Take the Dogonality™ Quiz
Wondering why your dog does that thing?
Want to understand their unique wiring so you can finally reach them—not just teach them?
Take the quiz and discover your dog’s Dogonality™ (it's more accurate than your zodiac sign 😉)
👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz

💛 Step Inside the Fearless Framework
Okay, real talk:
Are you actually ready to make life with your dog easier, calmer, and (dare we say) enjoyable again?
Then why aren't you already inside the Fearless Framework?!
Inside, you'll learn how to:

  • Connect with your dog on their level (not ours)

  • Build trust without bribes, tools, or shouting

  • Reach your dog where they are, so everything else gets easier

You’ll stop second-guessing and start showing up as the calm, clear leader your dog already believes you can be.

Interested? Let’s do this.
👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
👉 Already know you want to BE in the Student community?

Enrol HERE

Special thanks to Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com for the music 🎶

Show more...
3 weeks ago
32 minutes 13 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
127 | Leadership Isn't Loud: Why Quiet Confidence Works

Hey Dog Lover 🐾
Have you ever felt like you’re just not the “leader type”?
Maybe you’re not loud enough. Not confident enough. Not “trainer-y” enough.

Here’s the tail-wagging truth:
You don’t need to be loud. You don’t need to be dominant.
You just need to be clear. Calm. Trustworthy.

In this episode, we’re redefining leadership—not as something you do, but something you be.
Because your dog isn’t looking for perfection... they’re looking for someone who won’t crumble when things get messy.

Inside this episode:
🐾 Why “loud” doesn’t equal “leader” (and what actually builds trust)
🐾 What calm, quiet confidence really looks like—plus stories of Wellington and Nigel
🐾 How to use The Leadership Score Card™ to guide—not control—your dog
🐾 Why quiet, observant people often make the best leaders
🐾 And how to stop second-guessing and start showing up with grounded clarity

Your dog doesn’t need a boss. They need a guide.
This is your invitation to step into that role—with steadiness, not shouting.

Hope you enjoy this episode. Be sure to rate, share and leave a comment!

Tracy

NEXT STEP 🐾👣
If you're ready to take this whole living in harmony with your dog on a whole new level then you have to be inside:

The Fearless Framework, a 3-step process to build trust and confidence in both you and your dog.
💛 Learn how your dog learns
💛 Build calm routines that rebuild trust
💛 And walk through the world together—without bribes, tools, or overthinking.

Let's do this thing together!

Special thanks to Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com for the music 🎶



Show more...
1 month ago
33 minutes 3 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
126 | Your Dog Isn't a Fur Baby- But You are Still A Parent

Hey Dog Lover! 🐾

Okay… so I don’t love the term “fur baby.” 🙃
But you know what? If you’re showing up, leading, loving, and learning alongside your dog—you are still parenting. Just not in the “let’s dress up for brunch” kind of way.

In this episode, I’m sharing a story about the time a parenting coach absolutely went off on me for suggesting that dog leadership and parenting might have something in common. Spoiler alert: her own story accidentally proved my point.

We’ll talk about:

  • Why “pet parenting” gets a bad rap (and how to do it better)

  • The 5 principles of parenting (from expert Dr. Aliza Pressman) that directly apply to dogs

  • How to lead your dog without dominating—or disappearing

  • Why repair matters more than perfection (yep, even with your dog)

This one isn’t about raising “obedient” dogs—it’s about becoming the person your dog feels safe to follow.

  • “Am I messing this up?”

  • “Will my dog ever forgive me?”

  • “Why is this SO hard sometimes?”

Then press play. You’re not alone—and you’re doing better than you think.

Come check out the Fearless Framework—the relationship-first way to lead your fearful or reactive dog with heart, not just habits.
Hope you enjoy this one!

Tracy

Be sure to like, share and rate the show!

NEXT STEPS 👣🐾

Join the Free Facebook Group Living Beyond Obedience for a like-minded fun community!


Ready to take this dog thing to the next level?

Join the Fearless Framework Student Community. Learn how to reach your dog so that everything else gets easier!


Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the music. 🎶


Links:

Mels Robbins Episode with an interview with Dr Aliza Pressman

Show more...
1 month ago
25 minutes 9 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
125 | Feeling Exhausted: Having a Dog Isn’t Supposed to Be This Much Work

Hey Dog Lover 🐾

You love your dog.
But if you're feeling frustrated, short-tempered, or just plain tired—this episode is for you.

Because here’s the truth:
You were told to train more. Socialize more. Enrich more.
But what happens when you don’t have anything more to give?

If having a dog is starting to feel like a full-time job... how interesting.

In this episode, we explore why the relationship might feel heavier than it should:

  • Why constant cueing means you’re always leading the dance (and that’s exhausting)

  • How micromanaging your dog signals a lack of trust

  • Why bribery might feel like connection—but isn’t

  • And how over-correcting chips away at your dog’s confidence and your own

This isn’t about trying harder.
It’s about trying differently.

Let’s trade control for connection.
Let’s shift from obedience to leadership.
And let’s build a relationship that feels sustainable—for both of you.

Hope you enjoy this episode. Be sure to leave a rating, review, or a comment to let me know you're enjoying this.

NEXT STEPS 🐾👣
If you’re ready to stop micromanaging and start mentoring—
The Fearless Framework helps you:
🐾 Build a relationship rooted in trust, not transactions
🐾 Let go of constant correcting and managing
🐾 Lead with calm, confident clarity—without burning out

Learn more: beyond-obedience.thrivecart.com/fearless

Special thanks to music composer Shawn Trotter at shawntrotter.com


Show more...
1 month ago
23 minutes 14 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
124 | Help A Fearful Dog Out. Don't Make it Weird

Hey Dog Lover 🐾

You see a scared dog—and your heart jumps in to help.
So you crouch down, soften your voice, toss out a “hi sweetie”… and maybe even offer a little face-level fist bump of encouragement.

You know... "smell my hand, I am a good person"

And yet... the dog shrinks back even more.
Yikes.

Here’s the truth:
When dogs are feeling uncertain, we often get weird. We shrink ourselves, change our energy, or turn into a Disney side character trying to soothe a fear that actually needs leadership, not pity.

This episode is your reminder that being calm, clear, and normal is often the best thing you can offer a fearful dog.

We’ll unpack:

  • Why your tone, posture, and energy matter more than your words

  • How well-meaning “comforting” behaviours can actually confuse and pressure your dog

  • What dogs really need in moments of uncertainty (hint: not a squeaky-voiced cheerleader)

  • How to show up as steady—instead of shrinking down

When in doubt, don’t overdo it. Don’t over-emote.
Just lead. And don’t make it weird.

Hope you enjoy this episode. Be sure to leave a rating, review, or a comment to let me know you're enjoying this.

NEXT STEPS 🐾👣
Want to know how to respond in a way that builds trust—even in hard moments?
Inside the Fearless Framework, you'll learn how to:
🐾 Read your dog’s signals without second-guessing
🐾 Build calm confidence without coddling
🐾 Lead in a way that feels safe—for both of you

Join us at: beyond-obedience.thrivecart.com/fearless

Special thanks to music composer Shawn Trotter at shawntrotter.com


Show more...
1 month ago
28 minutes 11 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
123 | When Your Dog Training Isn’t Working: 3 Signs It’s Not a Training Problem


Hey Dog Lover,🐾

If you’ve ever looked at your dog and thought, “But you know this… why aren’t you doing it?” — I see you. And I promise, you’re not alone.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s really going on when your training isn’t landing—and why it might not be about training at all. 🤯

We’ll unpack 3 signs that your dog’s behaviour has less to do with disobedience and everything to do with trust, leadership, and nervous system overwhelm.

Here’s what we dig into:

  • Why your dog knows it—but doesn’t do it when it counts

  • How treat-bribing and over-cueing can quietly erode trust

  • What your dog needs instead of more reps or louder commands

We’ll also talk about that “I feel like a treat-dispensing robot” vibe—because the goal isn’t constant managing. The goal is calm, connected leadership that actually works in real life.

💭 What if it’s not about getting your dog to listen louder… but helping them feel safer to follow?

Let’s get curious (you know I love a good “How interesting!” moment), and gently shift from control to connection—one paw print at a time.

Hope you enjoy this one,
Tracy 🐾
Be the reason and the reward in your dog’s life.


NEXT STEPS 🐾👣

Are you inside our free Facebook community?
Come join us in Living Beyond Obedience—where we talk all things trust, relevance, and relationship-first dog life.
www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience

🐾 Ready to Do This Thing?

If you're tired of doing all the things and still not seeing the shift...
✨ Let's make living with your dog so much easier.
Join Fearless Framework—and build lasting confidence for you and your dog!
www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless

Show more...
1 month ago
16 minutes 33 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
122 | The Answers to Questions You Never Asked: Helping a Fearful Dog Trust Again

Hey Dog Lover 🐾
What if your biggest goal right now wasn’t “get the dog outside”—
but build enough trust that they want to go with you?

In this episode, I share a real-life story from one of our new Facebook group members: Wendy, whose 6-month-old shelter pup is afraid to even step outside.
No walks. No potty. Just pads and a whole lot of uncertainty.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth:
Fearful dogs don’t need to be forced into bravery.
They need someone to believe in first.

We’ll explore:

  • Why trust is more important than “getting outside”

  • The power of daily patterns to calm a nervous system

  • How to stop pushing and start following your dog’s curiosity

  • What “BE With” looks like in real life

  • Why comfort zones aren’t a problem—they’re a starting point

This isn’t about “training through fear.”
It’s about becoming someone your dog can lean into, not away from.

Hope You Enjoy This One!

Cheers

Tracy

🐕 Next Steps:

If your dog shuts down, resists going outside, or just doesn’t feel safe in the world yet—this is exactly why I created the Fearless Framework.

Inside, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Break the fear cycle
✅ Build real trust (before asking for more)
✅ Create a calm, predictable rhythm
✅ Go from “potty pad only” to peaceful, connected walks

🎉 This isn’t obedience.
It’s the foundation for everything that comes after.

👉 beyond-obedience.thrivecart.com/fearless


Special Thanks:

🎵 Music by Shawn Trotter


Show more...
1 month ago
27 minutes 29 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
121 | He’s Just Not That Into You (Yet): Why Your Dog Ignores You

Hey Dog Lover 🐾
Ever feel like you’re head-over-heels for your dog… but the feeling’s not exactly mutual?

You’re bringing the snacks, the snuggles, the “who’s a good boy” energy—and he’s over there sniffing dirt like you don’t even exist.
Yeah. We’ve all been there.

This episode is your loving-but-honest wake-up call:
If your dog only checks in for treats, ghosts you in new places, or forgets you exist on walks—it’s not because they don’t love you. It’s because they’re not into you… yet.

We’ll cover:

  • Why dogs aren't loyal to feelings—they're loyal to experiences

  • The “He’s Just Not That Into You” dating metaphor that explains so much

  • How to stop begging for attention and start earning curiosity

  • The “Play Hard to Get” strategy to make yourself magnetic again

  • How connection → curiosity → leadership (in that order)

This isn’t about obedience.
It’s about relevance.
And it starts with you becoming the most interesting thing in your dog’s world.

Hope you enjoy!

Tracy

P.S.

Next Steps 🐶

Want your dog to want to be with you—even when life is distracting?
Inside the Fearless Framework, you’ll learn how to:

✅ Build relationship-driven relevance that sticks
✅ Flip “meh” into “wow” using curiosity-based strategies
✅ Guide your dog’s focus—without begging, bribing, or barking
✅ Become someone your dog chooses to follow, even in hard places

No more chasing. No more clinging.
Just a calm, confident connection that changes everything.


Special Thanks:

🎵 Music by Shawn Trotter

Show more...
1 month ago
31 minutes 9 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
120 | Vet Visits Hit Different: Your Dog's Worst Day

Hey Dog Lover 🐾
Does your dog panic the moment you pull into the vet clinic parking lot?
Do you start sweating before the car's even in park?

Vet visits with a fearful or reactive dog can feel like emotional combat.
You’re doing your best—but somehow it still ends in trembling, barking, and that deep, gnawing feeling: “Why is this so hard?”

Here’s the truth no one tells you:
You’re not failing.
Your dog’s not broken.
You’re just both navigating a world that doesn’t understand how safety is built.

In this episode, we’ll unpack:

  • Why vet visits overload your dog’s nervous system

  • How trauma sticks—and shows up in places you least expect

  • What calm leadership actually looks like in the chaos

  • A practical survival guide for tough vet days

  • A story of one very shaky car ride (and the lessons it taught me)

If you’ve ever wished the vet visit could just be less dramatic, this episode is your go-to plan for calm, clarity, and connection—even in the hard stuff.


Hope You Enjoy!

Tracy

Next Steps 🐾

If your dog spirals at the vet—and you spiral right along with them—you don’t need more treats. You need a better way to lead.

Inside the Fearless Framework, you’ll learn how to:

  • Build trust before the crisis hits

  • Handle high-stress moments without shutting down

  • Walk into the clinic like you’ve got a plan (because you do)

  • Be the calm in the chaos—even when your dog is losing it

This isn’t about “fixing” your dog.
It’s about becoming someone they can follow through the hardest stuff.

Come and be a part of an incredible community of dog lovers like you! I can't wait to start this journey with you.

SPECIAL THANKS:

🎵 Music by Shawn Trotter


Show more...
1 month ago
31 minutes 59 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
119 | Love Isn’t Enough: Why You Still Can’t Trust Your Fearful Dog

Hey Dog Lover 🐾
You’ve done everything right.
You’ve loved hard. You’ve tried training, treats, supplements—even energy work.
But your dog still barks at strangers. Still panics on walks. Still can’t be trusted with guests or grandkids.

So what gives?

This episode is for the dog people who are holding heartbreak in one hand and a leash in the other—wondering why nothing’s working, and what to do next.

We’ll dig into:

  • Why obedience and affection aren’t enough for fearful dogs

  • What it actually means to be relevant (hint: it’s not dominance)

  • The leadership shift that changes everything: “How interesting.”

  • A simple “BE With” practice to rebuild trust—no commands, no food

  • A story from the barn that shows what real leadership looks like when it matters most

If you’ve ever whispered “I just want to trust my dog again…”
This conversation is your starting point.

Hope you enjoy!

Tracy🐾

Be sure to pop into the free Facebook group and say hi!

Living Beyond Obedience

Want to stop managing behaviour and start leading with confidence?
Come join the Fearless Framework—a relationship-first roadmap to help you and your dog build calm, trust, and resilience—naturally.
Because you already love your dog.
Now it’s time to become someone they can rely on.

🎵 Music by Shawn Trotter


Show more...
1 month ago
25 minutes 4 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
118 | Your Dog Can Smell Your Stress-Now What?

Hey Dog Lover 🐾

Did you know your dog can smell your stress?
Not just sense it—literally smell it. Cortisol has a scent, and our dogs pick up on it long before we say a word.

In this episode, we’re unpacking how your dog reads your nervous system, why different Dogonalities™ respond in unique ways, and how to shift from reaction to calm, connected leadership.

You’ll walk away with a fresh understanding of why obedience isn’t the answer—and what to focus on instead to build real trust and safety.

Hope you enjoy!
~ Tracy

Your next steps 🐾
🌀 Take the Dogonality™ Quiz – Discover your dog’s unique personality so you can meet them where they are.
💬 Join the free community: Living Beyond Obedience Facebook Group – A place for curious, kind, dog-loving humans like you.
✨ Ready to take the next step? Want to work with me and hang out with some truly incredible dog lovers?
Come join us in the Fearless Framework—a relationship-first program designed to help you and your dog build calm confidence, mutual trust, and a life you both love living together.

Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the beautiful music 🎶


Show more...
2 months ago
27 minutes 46 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
117 | 4 Reasons Your Reactive Dog Was a Dream on Vacation (and What That Really Tells You)

Hey there, Dog Lover🐾

You packed the treats, braced for meltdowns, and hoped your reactive dog wouldn’t unravel the moment you left your driveway. But surprise! On vacation, your fearful dog was calm, confident, even easy.
What gives?

In this episode, I’m diving into what I call the vacation effect—and why a change of scenery can reveal a whole new side of your reactive or anxious dog. We’ll talk about how triggers, habit loops, and environmental pressure can influence your dog’s behavior way more than you think. And how trust-based leadership, not treats or obedience drills, is what helps your dog truly relax—even away from home.

You’ll walk away understanding:

  • Why fewer reactive triggers can lead to better behaviour

  • How your own nervous system impacts your dog’s regulation

  • What travel success tells us about trust, confidence, and relationship-based training

This isn’t about romanticizing vacation—it’s about recognizing what’s possible when your dog feels safe, supported, and seen.

NEXT STEPS:
Ready to step into a calm confident role for your dog. Learn to be who your dog needs you to be so you can start enjoying life again. 👉 Join the Fearless Framework: beyond-obedience.thrivecart.com/fearless
👉 Connect in our free Facebook group, Living Beyond Obedience: facebook.com/groups/livingbeyondobedience

Music by Shawn Trotter

Show more...
2 months ago
20 minutes 56 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
116 | No Time? No Problem. What Your Dog Really Needs From You Today

Hey Dog Lover,🐾

Ever feel like you're never doing enough for your dog? Like your to-do list is longer than your leash, and somehow the walk still didn’t happen?

You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about the pressure to “do more” and why that mindset might be getting in the way of the meaningful connection you and your dog both crave.

From stories about juggling dogs and real life (hello summer chaos 🥵) to a surprising lesson I learned from a teacup during Toastmasters, we’ll unpack:

  • Why the word “more” can feel like a mental brick wall 🧱

  • How guilt and shame sneak into our leadership (and how to send them packing)

  • The surprising power of being over doing

  • Why a 10-minute connection can mean more than a 2-hour checklist

  • And how to start replacing "more" with "meaningful"—starting today

You'll hear from real dog lovers just like you, explore the psychology behind the overwhelm, and get practical tools to find fulfillment without the frenzy.

Because guess what?
Your dog doesn’t need your perfection. They need your presence.
So take a breath, be the reason, be the reward… and maybe today, just be.

Hope you enjoy this one!

Tracy


NEXT STEPS🐾👣

  • Join the Living Beyond Obedience community for support from like-minded dog lovers

  • Discover your dog’s unique Dogonality Take the Quiz: www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz

  • Ready to truly shift your dog’s confidence? Check out the Fearless Framework: Fearless Framework


💬 And P.S.—I mention my Toastmasters speech “The Break Up” in this one.

The Break-up

https://youtu.be/bda1PZK8AfQ?si=kjMznpG22BQm54Xl



Show more...
2 months ago
25 minutes 33 seconds

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
Do you long to have a happy, confident dog you can take anywhere? Are you worried your reactive, fearful dog may hurt someone or something else? Do you have to “prepare” yourself to take your dog for a walk around the block? Hey there! I’m Tracy, a retired vet tech turned dog trainer, mom, wife and all-around dog lover. When I realized the key to building confidence in my dog was in understanding him and NOT just tossing treats and obedience my life changed! Now I have a pack of “just good dogs” I trust to take anywhere. And I am sharing it all here! So put down that leash & let's get to it!