Hey Dog Lover,🐾
How many times have you said, “My dog just needs more training…”?
Here’s the truth bomb:
If your dog knows “sit,” “stay,” and “come” (even inconsistently)—they’re trained.
So if they’re still not listening, it’s not about obedience.
It’s about relationship.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
Why more training won’t fix a communication gap
How obedience and leadership are not the same thing
When to use structure… and when to just be with your dog
Why some dogs love obedience—and others resist it for good reason
How understanding your dog’s Dogonality™ will change everything about how you show up
If your gut says “There has to be another way,”—you’re right. And that way? Starts here.
Hope you enjoy this one!
Talk soon,
Tracy
🌱 Ready to stop second-guessing and start showing up with calm, confident leadership?
Inside the Fearless Framework, I’ll teach you my proven 3-step trust system to help your dog break the fear cycle, build confidence, and actually want to follow your lead.
This isn’t a quick fix. It’s a total mindset shift.
It’s where “just good dogs” are made—and where you become the reason and the reward in your dog’s life.
👉 Join us now at www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
🐾 Not sure where to start?
Take the free Dogonality™ Quiz and discover your dog’s unique leadership and learning style → www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz
💬 Want a place to learn, vent, and celebrate the small wins?
Join the free Facebook community → www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience
Music credit: Shawn Trotter – www.shawntrotter.com
Hey Dog Lover,🐾
If you've brought home a rescue dog, you’ve probably heard (or said), “She must have been abused…” or “He’s like this because of his past.” And while backstory can matter—it’s not the whole story.
In this episode, we’re gently challenging the rescue narrative. Because pity might feel kind, but it can unintentionally disempower your dog. And your dog? They’re capable of so much more than their history.
We’re diving into:
Why assumptions about your dog’s past can shape their future
The difference between empathy and enabling
Why your dog’s story is a starting point, not a sentence
How to stop over-accommodating and start advocating
What to do instead of explaining behavior away
If you’ve ever felt stuck between compassion and confusion—this one’s for you.
Hope you enjoy this one!
Tracy
🌱 Ready to stop living in the past and start building your dog’s future?
The Fearless Framework is my signature program for reactive and fearful dogs—and the humans who love them.
Inside, you’ll learn my 3-step trust system that helps break the fear cycle and build true, lasting confidence without treats, tricks, or tiptoeing around your dog’s past.
It’s not a training method.
It’s a relationship reset.
And it works.
💛 If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and finally feel confident in how you support your dog—this is where you start.
👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
🐾 Want to understand your dog better?
Take the free Dogonality™ Quiz → www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz
💬 Need a supportive space to learn and grow?
Join the free Facebook community → www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience
Music credit: Shawn Trotter – www.shawntrotter.com
Hey Dog Lover! 🐾
Can you teach a dog to be calm?
Spoiler: not exactly. Because calm isn’t a command—it’s a state. And your dog isn’t just listening to what you say… they’re feeling who you are.
In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest myths in dog behaviour: that we can train calm into our dogs. Instead, we explore why obedience is not the same as regulation—and how to become the kind of leader your dog can actually trust.
You’ll learn:
Why stillness isn’t the same as settled
How your energy shapes your dog’s behavior (even when you don’t mean it to)
Nelson Hodges’ brilliant insight on how dogs respond to conditions, not commands
What to do before the leash goes on, and how to practice calm before the chaos
The power of “Be With” sessions—and how they build trust without saying a word
This is a must-listen if:
🐾 You’ve ever snapped “CALM DOWN” mid-meltdown
🐾 You feel like you’re doing all the right things, but your dog’s still anxious or reactive
🐾 You want to shift from managing behavior to leading with confidence
Because calm isn’t something you tell your dog to be—it’s something they learn to feel through you.
Hope you enjoy!
Tracy
💜 Ready to stop managing behavior and start leading with calm confidence?
Join the Fearless Framework—my step-by-step program designed to help you build trust, connection, and courage on both ends of the leash.
Inside, you’ll learn how to:
🐕 Break the fear cycle (without relying on treats or control)
🌱 Build real-world confidence with simple, daily trust strategies
👣 Become the grounded, relevant leader your dog needs
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building the relationship you both deserve, this is for you.
🎯 Get the clarity, confidence, and calm you’ve been searching for.
✨ Join now at beyondobedience.ca/fearless
I can't wait to share this with you and your dog
See you there!
T
Hey dog lover,
You know those moments where your dog reacts out of nowhere? One second everything feels calm… and the next—boom. Barking, lunging, pacing, chaos. It’s confusing, frustrating, and sometimes downright scary.
But here’s the truth: those moments are never as random as they seem.
In this episode, we’re unpacking:
Why those “hold your breath” moments matter
How stress stacks up—sometimes silently
Why dogs remember unfinished conversations
And what you can do to interrupt the spiral without panic or punishment
This is a must-listen if you're navigating unpredictable behavior, multi-dog dynamics, or just trying to be a better leader for your reactive or sensitive pup.
Hope you enjoy!
Tracy
🐶 Want to understand your dog on a deeper level?
Take the free Dogonality™ Quiz at www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz and discover their unique personality, communication style, and learning needs.
🌱 Ready to take this work further?
Join the Fearless Framework and start building calm, confident connection—without relying on treats, tricks, or control. Visit www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
Hey Dog Lover,🐾
Think your dog just needs more exercise?
Think again. In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most overlooked aspects of behaviour and well-being: fulfilment.
It’s not about endless fetch or racking up steps—it’s about understanding what truly lights your dog up and letting them express that joy in ways that build connection, not chaos.
You’ll hear:
Why fulfilment is non-negotiable for pro-social behaviour
How our dogs' different breeds and genetics show us what true joy looks like for THEM.
Easy ways to create a more enriching, purposeful life for your dog (and yourself!)
This episode is your permission slip to get a little weird with your dog ( who cares what the neighbours think of you anyway. 😀😂)
Hope you enjoy this one.
Don’t forget to comment, share, and leave a 5 ⭐️ written review —it helps more people discover the heart of what dogs really need.
Next Steps:Join the Fearless Framework Course and community—a powerful space for dog lovers ready to ditch behaviour battles and lean into leadership, connection, and a truly fulfilling life with their dogs. 🎉 Life with your dog is awesome, but it's better with friends. What are you waiting for.
I can't wait to share this amazing journey with you!
See you inside the program. www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
Music credit: Shawn Trotter – www.shawntrotter.com
Hey Dog Lover,🐾
Have you ever felt that gut punch of fear when your dog lunges, growls, or just gets a little too intense? This episode is for you.
I’m pulling back the curtain on a real moment with my horse Sunny—and sharing how fear, uncertainty, and doubt (aka the FUD Factor) can derail our leadership in a heartbeat.
We’ll unpack:
Why fear is a leadership killer—and what to do about it
How your nervous system is your training strategy
Why responding > reacting matters more than any obedience cue
This is a vulnerable, must-listen episode if you’ve ever thought, “I love my dog, but I’m scared of how they behave.”
If you ever doubted your ability to handle an off-leash dog.
If you have ever wondered: "Do I have what it takes?"
Hope you enjoy this one. 💜
Remember to comment, share, and leave a ⭐️5-star rating!
It will help more overwhelmed dog lovers find their way back to calm.
Next Steps:Join the Fearless Framework course + community.
It’s where you’ll learn to lead with calm confidence, ditch outdated training methods, and finally feel like you and your dog are on the same team again. 🐾
Can't wait to share this journey with you!
Music credit: Shawn Trotter – www.shawntrotter.com
Hey Dog Lover!
In this very special 100th episode, Paisley and I are reflecting on the journey—how this podcast went from a final message to a full-blown mission. We’re celebrating the episodes you loved most, sharing powerful stories from our incredible community, and giving you a peek behind the scenes at what’s next for the Fearless Framework.
If you’ve ever felt like you're walking through the world with a misunderstood dog and just want to get it right—this episode is for you.
Here’s what we dig into:
The top 5 most-downloaded episodes and why they resonated
Real-life testimonials from fellow dog lovers (get your tissues ready)
Why the Dogonality Quiz is such a game-changer
How we’re upleveling the Fearless Framework and building a movement rooted in leadership, calm, and connection
And yep… that one time I got kicked in the face 🙈
This isn’t just about training—it’s about trust, relationship, and learning to be the person your dog needs.
Hope you enjoy this one!
With springtime muddy paws,
Paisley & Tracy
NEXT STEPS 👣
If this episode spoke to you—if you're tired of feeling alone, second-guessing yourself, or wondering if there's a better way to help your fearful or reactive dog…
Come join us inside the Fearless Framework.
It’s more than a program. It’s a place where you’ll be understood, supported, and guided—by people who get it.
Build trust, find calm, and become the person your dog already believes you can be.
👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
🎵 Music credit: Shawn Trotter – www.shawntrotter.com
🐾 Hey there, Dog Lover,
If you’ve ever felt like your relationship with your dog revolves around treats, you’re not alone.
The truth is, treats can buy attention... but they can’t build a relationship.
In today’s episode, we're diving into what it really means to lead with trust—not treats.
We’ll talk about why real leadership isn’t about transactions or constant reinforcement, but about becoming the calm, steady, trustworthy presence your dog can depend on—no cookie needed. 🚫🍪
Hope you enjoy this one!
Be sure to share it with your dog-loving friends. 🐾
Cheers!
Tracy
Ready to ditch the treat pouch and build real trust?
➡️ Join me inside the Fearless Framework Program — a relationship-first program and community designed to help fearful, reactive, and misunderstood dogs find confidence naturally.
Learn more and join here: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
🎶 Music Credit: Shawn Trotter | www.shawntrotter.com
🐾 Hey there, Dog Lover,
We all want our dogs to like us—it's only natural.
But when you're working with a fearful or reactive dog, likeability isn't the goal. Trust is.
In today’s episode, we’re digging into the hidden trap of trying to "win" your dog's affection—and why focusing on being trusted instead of liked changes everything.
We'll explore what real leadership looks like (hint: it's not about bribery or constant cheerleading) and how you can start showing up as the steady, calm, trustworthy presence your dog actually needs.
And yes... we're having a little fun with a classic "Pick Me, Choose Me" reference from Grey’s Anatomy too. 😉🐾
Hope you enjoy this one!
Be sure to share it with your dog-loving friends who might need a little reminder that they’re already enough. 💜
Cheers!
Tracy
Ready to take the next step with your fearful dog?
➡️ Join me inside the Fearless Framework — a trust-based -relationship-first coaching program and community built specifically for reactive, fearful, and misunderstood dogs.
This isn’t just about training drills or obedience commands. It’s about understanding your dog’s mind, building real trust, and walking through the world together with calm confidence.
You and your dog deserve that—and I can’t wait to help you get there! 🐾
Learn more: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
🎶 Music Credit: Shawn Trotter | www.shawntrotter.com
🐾Hey there, Dog Lover,
Are you constantly scheduling walks, enrichment, training sessions—and still feeling like you’re not doing enough?
This episode is your permission to pause.😉
We’re talking about the emotional weight of trying to “get it right,” what overstimulation might be doing to your relationship, and why doing nothing together can still be doing something.
Let’s slow down and rediscover the calm, connected life you and your dog actually want.
Next Steps:
👉 Join the Fearless Framework- Share in the journey with other dog lovers like you!
Inside our program and private community, we help dog people like you finally let go of the pressure—and build real trust, confidence, and understanding instead.
Come find your rhythm again.
www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
📅 Book a Calm, Confident Coaching Call -Private Consultation in the comfort of your home.
Sometimes, one honest conversation can change everything.
If you're stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what your dog really needs, I’d love to help you find clarity and peace.
https://calendly.com/beyondobedience-info/leadership
Hope you enjoy—and please share with your dog-loving friends!
Cheers,
Tracy
🎶Music credit: Shawn Trotter – shawntrotter.com
🐾Hey there, Dog Lover,
You want to do right by your dog. 💜
You want connection, confidence… and if we’re honest, you probably want them to be “good.”
But what does that even mean?
And who gets to decide?
This episode unpacks where the “good dog” myth really comes from, how it quietly shows up in our daily lives, and what it might be costing you—and your dog.
If you’ve ever thought, “She should be over this by now” or “I just want him to be good,” this one’s for you.
👣Next Steps:
👉 Join the Fearless Framework! Share your journey with fellow dog lovers 🐕
Inside our student community, you'll learn how to lead your dog with calm confidence—without relying on obedience, tools, or treat-based tricks.
This isn’t just another training program—it’s where real change begins.
www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
📅 Book a Calm, Confident Coaching Call - One-on-one help from the comfort of your home 😊
Let’s talk about your dog, your challenges, and how to start building trust and connection in a way that actually works for you both.
No pressure—just an honest conversation.
https://calendly.com/beyondobedience-info/leadership
Hope you enjoy—and please share with your dog-loving friends!
Cheers,
Tracy
Music credit: Shawn Trotter – shawntrotter.com
🐾Hey there Dog Lover,
What if your dog didn’t need more drills, tools, or treat pouches… but a completely different kind of relationship?
In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 core values that guide everything I do inside Beyond Obedience.
These aren’t training tips—they’re mindset shifts.
Anchors. Invitations to lead from trust, not pressure.
If you’ve felt stuck in the “shoulds,” these pillars might just set you free.😊
Next Steps:
👉 Join the Fearless Framework- Join the most supportive, amazing dog lovers♥️
This is where transformation really begins—not with more to-dos, but with a shift in how you show up for your dog.
Inside, you’ll find education, community, and support. Come "unlearn" some things with us!
www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
📅 Book a Calm, Confident Coaching Call
Not sure where to start? Let’s talk.
In just one call, we can uncover what’s actually going on and what your next best step might be—no judgment, no pressure.
https://calendly.com/beyondobedience-info/leadership
Hope you enjoy—and please share with your dog-loving friends!
Cheers,
Tracy
Music credit: Shawn Trotter – shawntrotter.com
Hey Dog Lover,
What happens when we stop trying to “fix” our dog — and start asking who they truly are?
In this episode, I sit down with Heather to talk about her incredible journey with Geordie — a dog she once believed she’d never truly connect with. Together, we explore what it means to see the world through your dog’s eyes, to lead with emotional reliability, and to step into a quiet, shared language of partnership.
Heather reflects on:🐾 Moving from confusion to clarity
🐾 The power of calm, present leadership
🐾 Why curiosity changed everything
🐾 And how walks once filled with frustration have become joyful adventures in connection
If you’ve ever felt like you and your dog were living parallel lives — or wondered if a deeper bond was even possible — Heather’s story will remind you:
You’re not alone. And it’s never too late to become the partner your dog has been waiting for.
Hope you enjoy this one!
Talk soon
Tracy
✨ Next steps?
If you're ready to experience this kind of transformation with your own dog — it starts with a conversation.
👉 Click here to book a call with me and let’s talk about what’s possible for you and your dog.
🎶 Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the original music featured in this episode.
Visit shawntrotter.com to explore more of his work.
Hey dog lover!
Okay, so here’s the deal…
You’ve done the training. Your dog knows the cues.
And yet… every walk feels like a strategy session, every outing ends in stress, and you're still left wondering, “Why isn’t this working?”
If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.
In today’s chat, I’m walking you through three signs that the real issue isn’t obedience—it’s something deeper.
We’ll unpack why your dog might be better off-leash than on, what your exhaustion is trying to tell you, and how to stop micromanaging and start leading in a way that actually feels good for both of you.
And of course, I’ll share what you can do to turn things around—without adding more training to your already overflowing plate.
Let’s trade pressure for partnership.
Let’s build trust instead of managing behaviour.
Let’s get curious (and maybe say “how interesting!” once or twice 😉).
So grab your tea, leash, or laundry basket and let’s dive in.
With heart and a whole lotta calm,
– Tracy 💛
P.S. Ready for your next steps?
🎯 Join the Fearless Framework and start building trust with your fearful or reactive dog the relationship-first way:
👉 Fearless Framework Course & Community
🎧 Need clarity fast? Book a Leadership Coaching Call with me here:
👉Calm Coaching Call
Music credit:
🎶 Original music Shawn Trotter 🎸 www.shawntrotter.com
🐾Hey Dog Lover!,
You’ve probably asked it at some point — maybe even this week:
“Is my dog doing this because they’re afraid?”
It’s such a common question… and honestly, a really complicated one.
Because fear can show up in a lot of ways: barking, lunging, freezing, chasing, or even growling. And to make it even trickier? Those same behaviors could also come from frustration, confusion, or instinct.
And when you’re the one holding the leash — trying to read your dog’s body language in real-time, while your own heart rate is going up — well, that’s a lot to ask of yourself.
Here’s the truth I’ve learned:
You can’t see the whole picture when you’re standing in the frame.
That’s why in this episode, I’m walking you through:
What fear really looks like (and why it’s not always obvious)
The difference between defensive and offensive right brain behavior
How emotions and instinct overlap in dogs
And why understanding your dog’s Dogonality™ gives you the power to ask better questions — not just get better answers
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is it fear… or something else?” — this one’s for you.
Let’s slow it down, zoom out, and figure out what’s really going on under the surface.
Hope you enjoy this episode,
Tracy 🐾
👉 NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Take the Dogonality™ Quiz to better understand your dog’s brain and behaviour:
www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz
📥 Want my help?
Book a Calm Coaching Call to get clarity on what’s going on with your dog — and what to do next.
💬 Let’s stay connected:
Come join the free Facebook group for more stories, support, and nerdy behaviour talk:
www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience
Music Credit: 🎶. Shawn Trotter of www.shawntrotter.com
Hey there Dog Lover!🐾
This week, Paisley and I sat down to answer some of your most honest, heartfelt questions — and wow, did you deliver.
From a siren-sensitive Malinois who never leaves your side… to a fearless Boston with a taste for freedom… to a big, beautiful German Shepherd whose jumping has turned into bruises and scratches — every question we answered this week was rooted in one thing:
A deep desire to understand.
Here’s what we unpack in this April Q&A episode:🐾 Should you let your fearful dog follow you everywhere?
🐾 What to do when your large, excited dog’s jumping becomes dangerous
🐾 How to know if your dog’s barking is social, defensive, or something else
🐾 When to consider tools like an e-collar — and how to know if you’re ready
🐾 What to do when reactivity becomes a dopamine-driven pattern
🐾 Helping your dog feel safe around guests
🐾 Teaching a larger dog to be gentle with smaller dogs in the home
If you’ve ever found yourself asking:
“Am I doing the right thing?”
“Is this fear, or something else?”
“What if I’m not enough?”
…this episode is for you.
You’re not alone. And more than ever, the world needs the kind of leadership that begins with empathy — not control.
Hope you enjoy this episode!
Tracy 🐾
👉 NEXT STEPS:
💛 If you’re ready for real change…
Come join the incredible community inside the Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework — my online course and group coaching space where we go far beyond obedience.
It’s where you’ll find:
Support from dog lovers who truly get it
Tools that help you build trust and confidence — without relying on treats or tools
Monthly coaching calls and personalized guidance
And a safe space to stop feeling so alone in your dog journey
🌱 The world is heavy right now. And I believe, more than ever, people need what our dogs can teach us — and what we can teach them in return.
Come join us → www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
💬 Let’s stay connected:
Come hang out in the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group for more support, reflection, and real-talk:
www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience
🎯 Take the Dogonality™ Quiz to understand your dog’s behaviour on a deeper level:
www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz
🎶 Music by Shawn Trotter – www.shawntrotter.com
Hey dog lover 🐾
Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Why isn’t this getting better yet?”
You’re showing up, doing the work, being patient… but your fearful or sensitive dog still seems stuck.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing the story of Levi—a shutdown rescue who couldn’t even be touched when he arrived. He taught me one of the most powerful lessons I’ve ever learned:
Progress doesn’t happen on our timeline.
And sometimes, letting go of the clock is what finally opens the door to trust.
If you’ve been feeling behind, discouraged, or unsure if you’re doing it “right,” this episode is for you.
Hope you enjoy,
Tracy
NEXT STEPS:
✨ Ready to break the fear cycle and build confidence naturally?
Join the Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework and start building trust—without pressure or overwhelm.
👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
🎶 Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the music – www.shawntrotter.com
Hey dog lover! 🐾
Ever feel like you're just the dope at the end of the rope—being dragged along while your dog follows their nose and completely tunes you out? I’ve been there. And so was Chuckles, my husband’s swamp-loving, scent-obsessed Basset Hound who taught me one of the most powerful lessons about fulfillment, relevance, and real connection.
In today’s episode, I take you on a muddy little adventure that changed everything for Chuckles and me—and I just might do the same for you and your dog especially if you're living with a confident, right-brained extrovert who seems more into ditch water than anything you have to offer.
Hope you enjoy,
Tracy
NEXT STEPS:
✨ Want to understand your dog’s Dogonality™? Take the free quiz: www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz
💬 Want personalized support? Book a coaching session with me: www.beyondobedience.ca/session
🎶 Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the music – www.shawntrotter.com
Hey Dog Lover,
Apollo wasn’t the easiest dog to live with. He had a massive prey drive, a fearless attitude, and a knack for chaos — and honestly, there were days I didn’t even like him.
But behind all that intensity… was one of the most fiercely loyal, deeply devoted dogs I’ve ever known.
In this episode, I’m telling the story of Apollo — the dog who made me question everything I thought I knew about leadership, love, and what it means to accept the whole dog, not just the easy parts.
We’ll explore:🐾 How I learned to stop “managing” Apollo’s intensity and start honouring it
🐾 Why the traits that frustrate us most are often signs of something deeper
🐾 What it looks like to lead a strong-willed, big-hearted dog with structure and respect
If you’ve ever had a dog who made you feel like a failure… or tested your patience more than you care to admit… this story is for you.
Because sometimes, the dog who challenges you the most is the one who loves you the hardest.
Next Steps:
Got a bold, high-energy dog like Apollo? Take the Dogonality™ Quiz to discover how to guide them with confidence — no treats or tricks required.
👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz
Be sure to share your quiz results with other dog lovers in our Free Facebook Community Living Beyond Obedience
Music credit: Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com
Hey dog lover! 🐾
Have you been unintentionally denying your dog’s cultural identity?
In this episode, we explore the surprisingly overlooked world of honouring your dog’s roots—whether that’s through themed meals, heritage-based enrichment, or just a deeper understanding of who they really are. Because maybe the reason your dog is ignoring you… is cultural.
Or maybe—it’s something else entirely. 😉
Hope you enjoy,
Tracy
NEXT STEPS:
✨ Want to understand your dog’s Dogonality™? Take the free quiz: www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz
💬 Ready to connect on a deeper level? Book a coaching session: www.beyondobedience.ca/session
🎶 Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the music – www.shawntrotter.com
(P.S. You might want to check the calendar... 😉)
