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Beyond Obedience

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Do you wish you could enjoy life with your dog again? Are you struggling with a reactive, fearful, anxious, or misunderstood dog? Do…

by Tracy Franken- Dog Trainer, Vet Tech, Dog Lover, 🐾

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Beyond Obedience

About Beyond Obedience

Do you wish you could enjoy life with your dog again? Are you struggling with a reactive, fearful, anxious, or misunderstood dog? Do walks, visitors, or everyday situations leave you feeling stressed, frustrated, or embarrassed? I'm Tracy Franken, a retired vet tech turned dog…

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Episodes

New episodes come out several times a week.Latest 200 episodes in the feed
  1. Oct 29, 2026 · 20 min

    252 | Are You Trying to Fix a Problem Your Dog Doesn't Have

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 What if the problem you've been working so hard to fix with your dog isn't actually a problem for your dog? Stop the barking. Stop the pulling. Stop the jumping. Stop the digging. Stop the chasing. We're constantly being told how to fix our dogs and change their behaviour. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself whether your dog actually thinks there's a problem? Because sometimes our dogs are…

  2. Oct 26, 2026 · 21 min

    251 | Does Your Dog Know How to Do Nothing?

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 When was the last time you and your dog did absolutely nothing? No training. No enrichment activities. No games, adventures, or walks with a purpose. Just... nothing. Recently, I attended a yoga retreat in beautiful Summerville, Nova Scotia, the weekend before my CALM DOWN, DOG! Bootcamp. The timing couldn't have been worse. I had a million things to do, and taking time away felt like the last…

  3. Oct 22, 2026 · 19 min

    250 | What Does It Mean to Influence Your Dog?

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Is having an obedient dog the same thing as having influence over your dog? Not necessarily. Have you ever stopped to think about WHY you're asking your dog to do something? Is it because it's necessary, because it helps your dog navigate a situation, or simply because you expect them to listen? In this episode, I'm sharing a little encounter I had at the feed store with a very happy chocolate Lab…

  4. Oct 19, 2026 · 29 min

    249 | No treat in your treat pouch? No Problem!

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 What happens when you don’t have a treat? Or your dog can’t have one? What happens when the equipment you usually rely on isn’t available—or when life hands you a situation you’ve never actually trained for? Let me be clear: I use treats. I use equipment. And I train my dogs. This isn’t an anti-treat episode. It’s a conversation about what we build underneath all of those things. In this episode,…

  5. Oct 15, 2026 · 23 min

    248 | " What if I am the Reason My Dog Isn't Getting Better?"

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Have you ever wondered if YOU might be the reason your dog isn't getting better? Maybe you've tried the training, followed the advice, bought the equipment, and done everything you thought you weresupposed to do. And yet, your dog is still struggling. And somewhere along the way, you start wondering whether you're doing something wrong. Whether you're making things worse. Or whether your dog might…

Earlier episodes (195)
  1. Oct 12, 2026 247 | When Did Living With Your Dog Stop Being Fun?
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 When did living with your dog stop being fun? Maybe you got a dog because you pictured walks, adventures, companionship, road trips, or quiet nights curled up together. But somewhere along the way, life became less about enjoying your dog and more about managing them. Who’s coming over? Which route can we walk? What happens if we see another dog? Can I bring them? Should I leave them home? What if…
  2. Oct 8, 2026 246 | Why Is My Dog Fine One Day and Reactive the Next?
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Does your dog have an amazing walk one day... only to completely lose it over what seems like the exact same thing the next? Find yourself wondering how your dog could handle something beautifully yesterday but struggle with it today? Does the unpredictability leave you questioning whether you’re actually making progress at all? In this episode, we’re talking about why your dog can be fine one day…
  3. Oct 5, 2026 245 | What Are You Missing When You Walk Your Dog? Behind the Scenes Coaching with Lynn
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Ever feel like you’re trying to do ALL the right things on a walk with your dog, but something still isn’t quite working? Wonder what you might be missing in those tiny moments before your dog reacts, pulls, worries, or gets stuck on something in the environment? What if the answer isn’t another training technique — but learning to see what’s actually happening between you and your dog? In this…
  4. Oct 1, 2026 244 | The Reactive Dog Win Nobody Talks About
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Does one bad reaction from your dog leave you wondering what you did wrong? Do you find yourself embarrassed, frustrated, or worried about what everyone else thinks when your dog loses it? What if progress with your reactive dog isn’t only about whether your dog reacts — but about what happens at your end of the leash too? In this episode, we’re talking about a kind of progress with reactive dogs…
  5. Sep 28, 2026 243 | Do This First When Your Dog is Reacting
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Your dog sees another dog. And suddenly they’re at the end of the leash barking, lunging, pulling, jumping around, completely losing their you-know-what. And you’re standing at the other end thinking: “What the heck am I supposed to do right now?” Do you ask them to sit? Tell them to look at you? Offer a treat? Turn around? Keep walking? Get the heck out of Dodge? When your dog is reacting, it’s…
  6. Sep 24, 2026 242 | Is Your Dog’s Training Actually Making Things Worse?
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Your dog sees something they’re worried about. Their body gets tense. Maybe they want to move away. Maybe they start barking. Maybe everything about their body is telling you: I’m not comfortable here. So you ask them to sit. And they do. Success... right? Maybe. Because your dog may be sitting quietly beside you, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything has changed about how they’re actually…
  7. Sep 21, 2026 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 get…
  8. Sep 17, 2026 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…
  9. Sep 14, 2026 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 hooligan. But…
  10. Sep 10, 2026 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.” And on…
  11. Sep 7, 2026 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've got this.” I want…
  12. Sep 3, 2026 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? When do I reward? What am…
  13. Aug 31, 2026 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 sparked a…
  14. Aug 27, 2026 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. And…
  15. Aug 24, 2026 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 attention. It’s…
  16. Aug 20, 2026 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 puzzle toys, scent games, training…
  17. Aug 17, 2026 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 on with you?! But what if…
  18. Aug 13, 2026 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 sounds familiar,…
  19. Aug 10, 2026 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, or overwhelmed? Because over time,…
  20. Aug 6, 2026 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 making your dog do what you…
  21. Aug 3, 2026 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 to choose me. I wanted him to…
  22. Jul 30, 2026 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 doesn't destroy it either.…
  23. Jul 27, 2026 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 you can make in your…
  24. Jul 23, 2026 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 rewards in…
  25. Jul 20, 2026 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…
  26. Jul 16, 2026 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…
  27. Jul 13, 2026 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…
  28. Jul 9, 2026 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 least talked about. Because when…
  29. Jul 6, 2026 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 and dogs experience…
  30. Jul 2, 2026 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 training: "My dog should know…
  31. Jun 29, 2026 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 training world: Food.…
  32. Jun 25, 2026 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 know when to step in and…
  33. Jun 22, 2026 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 I learned while…
  34. Jun 18, 2026 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 biggest myths in dog…
  35. Jun 15, 2026 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…
  36. Jun 11, 2026 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 face: Leash pulling. But…
  37. Jun 8, 2026 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 controversial topics…
  38. Jun 4, 2026 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 most…
  39. Jun 1, 2026 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 random—and how…
  40. May 28, 2026 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 that did not…
  41. May 25, 2026 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 between exercise…
  42. May 21, 2026 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 dog may not…
  43. May 18, 2026 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 reactivity is simply…
  44. May 14, 2026 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 up with…
  45. May 11, 2026 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 right by…
  46. May 7, 2026 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 fear? We’re…
  47. May 4, 2026 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—so you can…
  48. Apr 30, 2026 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 are always…
  49. Apr 27, 2026 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 without safety…
  50. Apr 23, 2026 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 how constant…
  51. Apr 20, 2026 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 not just…
  52. Apr 16, 2026 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 happiness isn’t…
  53. Apr 13, 2026 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 your dog. We…
  54. Apr 9, 2026 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 less to do…
  55. Apr 6, 2026 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 obedience and more…
  56. Apr 2, 2026 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 communication—and why…
  57. Mar 30, 2026 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 that shifts…
  58. Mar 26, 2026 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 reactivity Why dogs push against pressure—and how that creates a cycle The role of choice,…
  59. Mar 23, 2026 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 reactivity The difference between social and…
  60. Mar 19, 2026 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 teaching…
  61. Mar 16, 2026 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. More…
  62. Mar 12, 2026 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-awareness…
  63. Mar 9, 2026 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 has to be…
  64. Mar 5, 2026 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 explore the…
  65. Mar 2, 2026 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 discomfort might…
  66. Feb 26, 2026 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 your home is…
  67. Feb 23, 2026 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 movement so…
  68. Feb 19, 2026 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 helpful The difference between clarity and noise What dogs actually…
  69. Feb 16, 2026 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 harder and start…
  70. Feb 12, 2026 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 episode, I’m…
  71. Feb 9, 2026 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 thoughtful,…
  72. Feb 5, 2026 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 ever…
  73. Feb 2, 2026 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 uses to…
  74. Jan 29, 2026 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 not about…
  75. Jan 26, 2026 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 understanding how dogs…
  76. Jan 22, 2026 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-deepening ways to…
  77. Jan 19, 2026 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) helps you become someone…
  78. Jan 15, 2026 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 become your dog’s…
  79. Jan 12, 2026 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 powerful…
  80. Jan 8, 2026 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 hard. Forget…
  81. Jan 5, 2026 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 about…
  82. Jan 1, 2026 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 energy.…
  83. Dec 29, 2025 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…
  84. Dec 25, 2025 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 managed…
  85. Dec 22, 2025 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 predictability The secret power of calm, “boring” leadership How to be…
  86. Dec 18, 2025 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” might be…
  87. Dec 15, 2025 161 | Stop Socializing Your Dog! Try This Holiday Strategy Instead
    Hey Dog Lover! 🐾🐾 This time of year, we humans get a little bit... extra. Extra people, extra noise, extra sugar… and somehow, we expect our dogs to just “deal with it” in the name of socialization. But what if holiday chaos isn’t an opportunity to socialize your dog — it’s a chance to lead them? In this episode, we talk about why “just letting them figure it out” can backfire, and what you can do instead. You’ll…
  88. Dec 11, 2025 160 | Stop Buying All The Stuff! Why Leadership is the Gift Your Dog Really Needs
    🐾 Hey Dog Lover, If you’ve been filling your online cart with dog toys and treats this holiday season… let’s press pause. This episode is a gentle reminder that your dog doesn’t need more stuff—they need you . Your calm presence. Your stable routines. Your ability to lead with confidence when things feel chaotic. That’s the real gift. We’ll explore how consistency, emotional leadership, and relevance are what…
  89. Dec 8, 2025 159 | Does Your Dog Actually Trust You? The Mistake Many Rescue Adopters Make
    🐾 Hey Dog Lover, Does your rescue dog really trust you… or are they just surviving politely? In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest mistakes new adopters make—assuming that a dog who cuddles, follows them, or “seems fine” is actually feeling safe . The truth? Trust goes deeper than tail wags or staying close. We’ll talk about what real trust looks like (hint: soft eyes, relaxed body, no bracing),…
  90. Dec 4, 2025 158 | Are You Coming in Too Hot? Understanding the Fearful Dog's Mind
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾🐾 Ever saw a dog so cute you couldn’t help but just rush over to give them a little pet? ( Yeah, me too. ) But sometimes we need to pause and consider what our movement means to a dog. In fact, this is one of the biggest—and most misunderstood—reasons fearful dogs struggle to feel safe, even with people who love them dearly. In this episode, we explore what it means to “come in too hot” from your…
  91. Dec 1, 2025 157 | Tossing Treats Making Things Worse for Your Fearful Dog?
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾🐾 You’ve probably heard it before—“just toss some treats when your dog sees a trigger, to change their emotional response to the trigger." And yes, that can work. But there’s a small problem... You’re not part of the solution. In this episode, we’re unpacking the popular advice around food, fear, and emotional responses in dogs—especially when it comes to the why behind the behaviour. Because…
  92. Nov 27, 2025 156 | Help for Fearful , Anxious Reactive Dogs: Questions You Didn't Know You Asked
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 In this episode, I’m joined by Paisley as we tackle real questions pulled straight from our Living Beyond Obedience community—aka questions you didn’t even know you asked , but probably needed to. We cover everything from how to help a rescue dog who’s scared of strangers and medical routines, to introducing new dogs after a loss, to managing reactivity and overwhelm in anxious dogs. It's honest,…
  93. Nov 24, 2025 155 | Feel Like A Bad Dog Mom? Me too Let's talk about it
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Ever have one of those weeks where everything feels a little too much—and you’re still trying to be everything your animals need? In this unscripted, from-the-heart episode, I’m showing up real and raw to talk about the emotional side of living with animals. It wasn’t the episode I planned, but it’s the one that needed to be shared. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or like you’re…
  94. Nov 20, 2025 154 | Un-Train Your Dog to Build a Better Bond Pt3 - BE With {Mini-Series}
    Hey Dog Lover,🐾 What if the most powerful thing you could do for your relationship with your dog… was nothing? In this final episode of our Untrained Dog mini-series, we’re stepping into the quietest and most confronting part of connection— stillness. No cues. No fixing. No constant feedback. Just presence. We’ll talk about why “doing less” is often the missing piece in our dog’s sense of safety and how to…
  95. Nov 17, 2025 153 | Un-Train Your Dog to Build a Better Bond Pt2 - BE Quiet {Mini-Series}
    🐾 Hey Dog Lover, Let’s be honest — most of us were taught to talk at our dogs before we ever learned how to listen to them. In this second step of our Untrain Your Dog to Build a Better Bond series, we’re flipping the script. This episode is all about the magic that happens when you get quiet. Like, really quiet. No obedience cues. No “Sit!” or “Stay!” Just presence, awareness, and curiosity. We’ll explore: → The…
  96. Nov 13, 2025 152 | Un-train Your Dog to Build a Better Bond - BE Curious {Mini-Series}
    Hey Dog Lover,🐾 What if the behaviours you’ve been trying so hard to train… aren’t actually what you want? In this episode, we’re kicking off Untraining Week with a powerful mindset shift. We’re diving into the heart of what “training” really means—and why letting go of task-based obedience can open the door to deeper connection with your dog. You’ll hear me unpack: Why traditional obedience cues might be missing…
  97. Nov 10, 2025 151 | Most Trainers Don't Know What a Dog Is-{ Interview with Nelson Hodges Pt 2}
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 If you caught Part 1 of my conversation with Nelson Hodges , you already know the kind of deep, perspective-shifting wisdom he brings to the table. In this second half of our talk, we go even deeper into the emotional landscape of dogs—and how our being matters so much more than our doing . We unpack the question at the heart of it all: What is a dog, really? Not just behaviorally—but emotionally,…
  98. Nov 6, 2025 150 | Most Trainers Don't Know What a Dog Is-{ Interview with Nelson Hodges Pt 1}
    Hey Dog Lover,🐾 This episode is one for the books. I got to sit down with my mentor and dear friend, Nelson Hodges , for a conversation that honestly felt like cracking open the soul of our work with dogs. We explored one foundational (and often misunderstood) question: 👉 What is a dog? …and why getting that right changes everything else. This is part one of a two-part conversation, and believe me, you’ll want to…
  99. Nov 3, 2025 149 | It's Not Personal, It's Pack Mentality {Peace in the Pack Series}
    🐾 Hey there Dog Lover, We’re diving into Part 6 of the Peace in the Pack series — and today’s episode is all about a sneaky dynamic that shows up in a lot of multi-dog homes (especially when you’re adding new dogs into the mix): Us vs. Them . Dogs are deeply wired for social structure. In their world, there’s with us … and there’s not with us . And when we humans unknowingly reinforce that division — through the…
  100. Oct 30, 2025 148 | Should Your Dogs Be on the Furniture? Yes... and Also Maybe No. {Peace in the Pack Series}
    🐾 Hey there, Dog Lover, We're back with Part 5 of the Peace in the Pack series — and today, we're getting into one of those deceptively simple questions that opens the door to a whole lot of deeper conversations: Should your dog be allowed on the furniture? My answer? Yes. …And also maybe no. 😉 This episode isn’t about setting rules — it’s about understanding what levels mean to dogs. From who gets the couch to…
  101. Oct 27, 2025 147 | Your Dog's NOT Jealous: Understanding Possession in the Pack { Peace in the Pack Series}
    🐾 Hey there, Dog Lover, We’re continuing our Peace in the Pack series this week with a topic that hits close to home for so many multi-dog households: possession and resource conflict. Ever said, “Ugh, my dog is so jealous!” when one dog pushes the other away for attention? Yeah. Let’s talk about that. In this episode, I’m diving into: What dogs actually value (spoiler: it’s not always food) Why guarding you is…
  102. Oct 23, 2025 146 | You Don’t Want a “Social” Dog : And Here’s Why {Peace in the Pack Series}
    Hey Dog Lover, You’ve probably heard it before — or maybe even said it yourself: “He’s just social! ” “She’s friendly! ” “They love other dogs!” But here’s the thing: “social” isn’t always what you think it is. And in a multi-dog home, it might actually be the source of your tension. In this episode, we’re digging into the four types of canine sociality — asocial, antisocial, social, and pro-social — and how this…
  103. Oct 20, 2025 145 | The Secret to a Peaceful Pack: This One Concept Changes Everything {Peace in the Pack Series}
    Hey Dog Lover,🐾 The truth is, a peaceful pack isn’t built by making your dogs follow the same training, the same rules, or the same boundaries. Because every dog brings their own unique Dogonality™ to the table. It’s easy to say “rules, boundaries, and expectations,”… but what we sometimes miss is that those rules might need to look different depending on the dog in front of us. And that’s not just okay — it’s…
  104. Oct 16, 2025 144 | What If the Problem Child… Isn’t the Problem? {Peace in the Pack Series}
    Hey Dog Lover, We’re kicking off a brand-new podcast series today called Peace in the Pack — and if you’ve ever found yourself saying, “Ugh, this dog is driving me nuts ,” then this one’s for you. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a perspective shift that might just blow your mind (in the gentlest, most supportive way possible, of course 😉). What if the dog that looks like the “problem child” — the one barking,…
  105. Oct 13, 2025 143 | 3 Things You Can Do Today to Deepen the Bond with Your Dog {No training Required}
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 It’s the Monday after Bootcamp… and Thanksgiving here in Canada. 🇨🇦 So I wanted to offer something simple, grounding, and honestly—really powerful. Because training probably takes up, what? Maybe 5–10% of your day tops? So what’s happening in the other 95%? That’s where your dog is learning the most about who you are— and where your bond is really being built. In this episode, I’ll walk you…
  106. Oct 9, 2025 142 | What Leadership Looks Like ...To Your Dog
    Dear Dog Lover 🐾 Someone once asked me what good training looks like. And I said — it looks like nothing at all. Because when it’s good — when the relationship is solid — you don’t have to do much. It’s quiet. It’s steady. It’s felt. That’s not control. That’s leadership. In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers on a word that’s tossed around a lot in the dog world — leadership — and looking at what it…
  107. Oct 6, 2025 141 | You Think it's Fear-But That's NOT the Problem
    Dear Dog Lover 🐾 You’ve probably heard it before — “Your dog’s behavior problems are rooted in fear.” And while that might be true, fear itself isn’t the problem. Fear is normal . It’s necessary . It’s survival. In this episode, we unpack what really happens when your dog feels fear — and how your response to it can either build trust or break connection. You’ll hear stories about Gunther , my young pup, and how…
  108. Oct 2, 2025 140 | How to Know What’s Really Going On With Your Dog : A Real-Time Behavior Breakdown {BTS Series }
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 In this special behind-the-scenes episode, you’ll be listening in on a powerful coaching moment from inside The Fearless Framework community. This time, I’m working with Candice and her dog, Arlo, as we do a real-time video analysis of Arlo’s behaviour. It’s a super cool conversation where we get to slow things down, look closely at what’s really going on, and talk through what Candice can do next…
  109. Sep 29, 2025 139 | Moving with a Reactive Dog: How to Reset Boundaries, Leadership, and Trust {A Behind-the-Scenes Coaching Series}
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 In this special episode, you’re getting a sneak peek behind the curtain—into a real coaching call from inside The Fearless Framework Online Program We’re quietly eavesdropping (with permission, of course 😉) on a session between me and Laurel, who’s preparing for a big move with her dog, Henry. As Laurel shares, we dive into how a fresh start can be more than just a change of scenery—it can be a…
  110. Sep 25, 2025 138 | Bad Training Advice You Should Ignore (And What to Do Instead)
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 This one might come with a little ambient background noise, courtesy of my son mowing the lawn — because hey, life doesn’t pause when you're trying to record a podcast. 😅 But while he’s out there pushing a mower, we’re in here pushing back on one of the most common (and misguided) pieces of training advice: “Just ignore the behaviour you don’t like.” Here’s the truth: Ignoring your dog’s behaviour…
  111. Sep 22, 2025 137 | Why I Can't Adopt Dogs
    🎉THE CALM DOWN, DOG! BOOTCAMP IS BACK 🎉— and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s happening October 7–8, and we’re diving deep into the real work of living with dogs — not just training them. In this episode, I’m sharing the real reason I got a new German Shepherd puppy… and the realer reason why I’ve been rejected by rescues and breeders more than once. Yep. Despite working professionally with dogs for over 20…
  112. Sep 18, 2025 136 | Puppies, Planes and AHa! Moments: Unscripted Lessons In Building Dog Trust
    Hey Dog Lover ! 🐾 In this delightfully spontaneous episode, we’re keeping it real because, well, life happens! I’m sharing a little behind-the-scenes peek into my world: the whirlwind of getting a new German Shepherd puppy named Gunther, a recent jaunt to England, and some curious insights I picked up about dog culture across the pond. “How interesting!” you’ll hear me say because it’s all about bringing that…
  113. Sep 15, 2025 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…
  114. Sep 11, 2025 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…
  115. Sep 8, 2025 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…
  116. Sep 4, 2025 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…
  117. Sep 1, 2025 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…
  118. Aug 28, 2025 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…
  119. Aug 25, 2025 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…
  120. Aug 21, 2025 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…
  121. Aug 18, 2025 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…
  122. Aug 14, 2025 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.…
  123. Aug 11, 2025 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…
  124. Aug 7, 2025 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…
  125. Aug 4, 2025 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…
  126. Jul 31, 2025 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…
  127. Jul 28, 2025 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…
  128. Jul 24, 2025 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…
  129. Jul 21, 2025 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…
  130. Jul 17, 2025 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…
  131. Jul 14, 2025 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…
  132. Jul 10, 2025 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…
  133. Jul 7, 2025 115 | Want A Deeper Bond with Your Dog? Ask, Don't Tell
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 What if the problem isn’t your dog’s behavior… but how we’re communicating? In this episode, I share a powerful moment that shifted the way I think about leadership, clarity, and connection with our dogs. It's all about learning to ask instead of tell —and why that one shift makes such a big difference. We’ll explore how your posture, tone, and intention shape the way your dog responds—and why…
  134. Jul 3, 2025 114 | Fireworks Freakouts: Helping Your Fearful or Reactive Dog Stay Calm
    Hey there Dog Lover! 🐾 It’s fireworks season! And while we humans love the festivities... our dogs? Not so much. If your fearful dog hides under the bed or your reactive dog goes into full panic mode at every boom, this episode is for you. In today’s chat, we’re diving into why loud noises like fireworks trigger fear-based behaviours—and how you can start building a more confident, resilient dog without relying on…
  135. Jun 30, 2025 113 | Driven by Instinct: How to Build Connection with Your Adventure Dog {Dogonality™ Series}
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Ever feel like everything else in the environment is way more interesting than you? The wind, a leaf, a squirrel 300 yards away—all have your dog’s full attention. You? Not so much. Welcome to life with the Fearless Explorer —those bold, independent dogs who chase the world like it’s their job… and forget you’re even holding the leash. In this episode, we’re unpacking: Why your dog isn’t ignoring…
  136. Jun 26, 2025 112 | When Your Dog’s Always in Flight Mode: How to Create Calm and Trust {Dogonality Series}
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Is your dog always ready to bolt at the drop of a leaf? Skittish, jumpy, hyper-alert—and constantly scanning for the exit? That’s not just a “nervous temperament.” That’s flight mode . And for these dogs, the world feels like too much, too fast, too loud… all the time . In this episode, we’re diving into what it really means to live with an overwhelmed runner and how you can help them slow down,…
  137. Jun 23, 2025 111 | Stuck in Stillness: How to Help Your Fearful Dog Move with Confidence {Dogonality Series}
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Does fear stop your dog in their tracks? No barking. No bolting. Just frozen—staring, trembling, unable to take a single step forward. That’s not stubbornness. That’s survival mode. And for these sensitive souls, the stillness isn’t calm—it’s fear. No treat in the world will get your dog to move if their brain is locked in freeze mode. And no amount of “it’s okay” will convince them it is. In this…
  138. Jun 19, 2025 110 | Tired of Your Dog Running the Show? Give Them a Job Instead! (Dogonality™ Series
    Hey Dog Lover! 🐾 Does your dog have big energy, big opinions, and an even bigger personality? You might just be living with an LBE—Left Brain Extrovert—aka the “life of the party” dog! In this episode, we’re diving into what makes the LBE dog tick (hint: it’s not dominance or treat pouches). These clever, active dogs are often misunderstood when all they really want is a job and a buddy. You’ll learn: Why…
  139. Jun 16, 2025 109 | Is Your Dog Ignoring You Quietly? Why Stillness = Disobedience {Dogonality™ Series}
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Ever feel like your dog is ignoring you… but without actually doing anything wrong? Welcome to the world of the Left Brain Introvert (LBI)—the deep-thinking, cautious, often misunderstood Dogonality™ who isn’t saying “no”… but definitely isn’t saying “yes” either. And that matters. A lot. In this episode, we’re diving into: What Dogonality™ really is (and why it changes everything ) Why your “lazy”…
  140. Jun 12, 2025 108 | The Secret Sauce That Makes Your Dog Want to Follow You ( Without More Training)
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 You’ve probably heard that “leadership matters.” But what does that actually look like in your daily life with your dog? No jargon. No treat pouch. Just real-life leadership your dog can trust. In Part 2 of this two-part series, we’re diving into the Secret Sauce —the stuff that makes your dog want to follow you, even when you’re not “training.” Spoiler alert: it has everything to do with how you…
  141. Jun 9, 2025 107 | Think Your Dog Should Know Better? Why Training Isn't Working
    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Have you ever looked at your dog mid-chaos and thought, “He should know better by now” ? You're not alone. That thought creeps in when you're tired, frustrated, or just not up for another round of treat-pouch training. But what if the real issue isn't your dog "knowing better"... it's that the kind of training you're doing doesn't feel sustainable—or satisfying? In this episode, we’re unpacking the…
  142. Jun 5, 2025 106 | Does Your Dog Really Need More Obedience Training?
    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…
  143. Jun 2, 2025 105 | From Survive to Thrive: Rethinking the Rescue Narrative
    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…
  144. May 29, 2025 104 | You Can’t Command Calm: How to Help Your Dog Feel Safe Without Saying a Word
    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…
  145. May 26, 2025 103 | What Your Dog's "Out of Nowhere" Moments Mean
    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…
  146. May 22, 2025 102 | Fulfilment Factor: More Than Walks and Fetch
    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…
  147. May 19, 2025 101 | What If You’re Scared of Your Dog?
    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…
  148. May 15, 2025 100 | A Trail of Trust- 100 Episodes~ Where we were, Where we are going
    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…
  149. May 12, 2025 99 | Lead with Trust, Not Treats
    🐾 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,…
  150. May 8, 2025 98 | Your Fearful Dog Doesn't Have to Like You
    🐾 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…
  151. May 5, 2025 97 | Burned Out Trying to Be the Good Dog Owner?" Here's the Truth
    🐾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,…
  152. May 1, 2025 96 | The Myth of the "Good Dog "
    🐾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…
  153. Apr 28, 2025 95 | What if You Didn't Have to Train Your Dog?
    🐾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…
  154. Apr 24, 2025 94 | From Struggle to Delight: Heather & Geordie’s Story of Partnership
    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…
  155. Apr 21, 2025 93 | 3 Signs It's Not A Training Problem-And What You Can Do About It
    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…
  156. Apr 17, 2025 92 | 3 Truths About Fear & Body Language You Might Be Missing
    🐾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…
  157. Apr 14, 2025 91 | Struggling with Fear, Barking & Big Emotions? (Q&A Episode!)
    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…
  158. Apr 10, 2025 90 | Struggling to Help Your Fearful Dog? Here’s What You Need to Hear
    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.…
  159. Apr 7, 2025 89 | Tired Of Being Ignored on Walks? Here's What Actually Works
    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…
  160. Apr 3, 2025 88 | When You Love Your Dog… But Don’t Always Like Them
    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,…
  161. Apr 1, 2025 Celebrating Our Dogs’ Cultures (Totally Legit, Not at All Made Up)
    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,…
  162. Mar 31, 2025 87 | Training Didn’t Work. No Tools, No Treats—Just This One Shift
    Hey Dog Lover, What do you do when your dog couldn’t care less that you exist? Jayce was one of the most confident, independent dogs I’ve ever worked with — and for the first few days we lived together, I was just the dope at the end of the leash. He didn’t want my attention, my approval, or my connection. But one weird little moment — involving a frog and a puddle — shifted everything. In this episode, I’m sharing…
  163. Mar 27, 2025 86 | How to Be the Leader Your Dog Needs (without Treats or Tricks)
    Hey Dog Lover, If you’ve ever wondered, “Why isn’t my dog listening?” or felt like you’re doing all the right things but still struggling to connect—this episode is for you. Because treats and tricks can only take you so far. The leadership style your dog really needs isn’t about obedience cues or bribery. It’s about trust, relevance, and understanding who they are at their core. And that’s where your dog’s…
  164. Mar 24, 2025 85 | 3 Signs You Are Misunderstanding Your Dog and How to Fix it
    Hey Dog Lover, Have you ever looked at your dog and thought, “Why are you doing that?” Maybe they freeze, ignore you, or even react in ways that leave you feeling frustrated or confused. It’s easy to assume they’re being stubborn, ignoring you, or just plain difficult. But what if it’s none of those things? What if it’s a misunderstanding? In this episode, I’m sharing the 3 most common signs that you might be…
  165. Mar 20, 2025 84 | The Key to a Beautiful Bond with Your Dog Starts Here:
    Hey Dog Lover! 🐾 You love your dog—that part is easy. But the deep, beautiful bond where you just get each other ? That kind of connection doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when you understand who your dog really is at their core. Because here’s the truth: love is simple, but understanding is transformational. In this episode, we’re digging deep into what it really takes to build a bond that feels effortless…
  166. Mar 17, 2025 83 | Is Your Dog Ignoring You or Are You Ignoring Your Dog?
    Hey Dog Lover! Ever feel like your dog is straight-up ignoring you? You call their name, and they keep sniffing. You ask them to sit, and they stare off into the distance. Frustrating, right? But what if the problem isn’t that they’re ignoring you… what if it’s that you’re ignoring who they really are? In this episode, we’re diving deep into how understanding your dog’s unique personality is the key to better…
  167. Mar 13, 2025 82 | Your Dog Questions, Answered! A Special Q&A Episode
    Hey Dog Lover~ Got dog behavior questions? We’ve got answers! 🎤🐾 In this special Q&A episode, (Paisley is jumping on the mic with us today!) we tackle some of the most common (and quirky) dog training questions from our Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group and past bootcamps. We’re diving into questions like: ✅ What are subtle but powerful ways to boost my dog’s confidence at home? ✅ How do I help my dog…
  168. Mar 10, 2025 81 | Why Sit? – When Obedience Lets Your Dog Down
    Hey Dog Lover, “Sit!” It’s the go-to command, the first thing we teach our dogs, the magic word that’s supposed to mean they’re well-behaved and under control. But have you ever stopped to ask why we make our dogs sit in certain situations? What if, in some cases, asking your dog to sit is actually making them feel more insecure? Today, we’re diving into why obedience isn’t always the answer —and how sometimes, the…
  169. Mar 6, 2025 80 | Stranger Danger! Helping Your Nervous Dog Feel Safe Around House Guests
    Hey Dog Lover, Does the thought of having guests over send you into a panic—not because of your guests, but because of your dog? Maybe they bark like a maniac, hide under the table, or pace like they’re planning an escape route. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Let's talk about what we can do to set our dog up for success and actually enjoy having friends over again. In this episode, we’ll dive into: Why dogs…
  170. Mar 3, 2025 79 | Should I Stay or Should I Go? Making the Best Travel Decision for Your Dog
    Hey Dog Lover~ Spring break is here, and while you're planning your getaway, your dog might not be as excited about the change! 🐾 Should they come along for the adventure, or would they be happier staying home with a sitter or at a boarding facility? The key to making the right decision lies in the Three Stages of Trust-Building from the Fearless Framework. In this episode, we’ll help you determine: ✅ The…
  171. Feb 27, 2025 78 | Is Letting Your Dog on The Furniture a Mistake?
    Hey Dog Lover, Some people say, “Never let your dog on the couch—it’ll ruin your leadership!” Others say, “My dog is my baby! Of course, they’re on the furniture!” Me? I say, have your cake and eat it too! 🍰💪 But here’s the thing—it’s not just about saying yes or no to dogs on the furniture. It’s about understanding how dogs use space, levels, and positioning as part of their communication. In this episode, we’re…
  172. Feb 24, 2025 77 | Stubborn, Fearful, or Just Misunderstood? How to Truly See Your Dog
    Hey Dog Lover, We love putting labels on things—especially our dogs. She’s dominant. He’s stubborn. She’s independent. He’s needy. But here’s the thing: those labels don’t tell the whole story. They carry all of our preconceived ideas about what our dog is rather than allowing us to see their behaviour for what it truly is—just information. Behaviour isn’t a fixed personality trait; it’s a response to the…
  173. Feb 20, 2025 76 | Talk Less, Say More: Why Your Words Might Be Confusing Your Dog
    Hey Dog Lover! Ever feel like your dog has selective hearing? You ask them to “come,” “sit,” or “leave it,” and they look at you like you’re speaking another language (spoiler: you kinda are!). The truth is, words often muddy the waters when it comes to communicating with your dog. In this episode, we’re breaking down why talking less actually helps your dog understand you more. You’ll learn: 🐾 Why too much…
  174. Feb 17, 2025 75 | The Top Mistakes That Make Life Harder When Living With A Fearful Dog
    Hey, Dog Lover! If you’re living with a fearful dog, you know how tough it can be. You’re doing your best, but sometimes it feels like no matter what you try, your dog is still anxious, reactive, or struggling to feel safe. What if some of the things you’ve been told to do… are actually making life harder? In this episode, we’re breaking down the top mistakes dog owners make when living with a fearful dog —and,…
  175. Feb 13, 2025 74 | 4 Ways to Show Up as the Leader Your Dog Needs
    Hey Dog Lover! 🐾 We hear all the time that dogs need a leader—but what does that actually mean? Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about being someone worth following… to a dog . And here’s the catch: your dog doesn’t follow just anyone. They follow someone who truly understands them. In this episode, we’re breaking down four key ways to be a leader your dog actually wants to follow —by learning who they really…
  176. Feb 10, 2025 73 | Navigating Walks With a Fearful Dog with C.A.L.M.
    Hey Dog Lover! 🐾 Does your dog's anxiety turn every walk into a stressful event? If your dog is lunging, freezing, or constantly on edge, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to dread walks forever. In this episode, we’re diving into the C.A.L.M. method —a simple yet powerful framework to make walks more predictable, less stressful, and (dare I say) even enjoyable for both of you! ✅ C – Check the Environment → Spot…
  177. Feb 6, 2025 72 | How to Rebuild Trust After A Setback
    Hey fellow dog lover! 🐾 Setbacks happen, and they can feel heavy—like you’re back at square one. But guess what? You’re never really starting over. The difference now is you. In this episode, we’re diving into how to rebuild trust after a setback—both with your dog and within yourself—so you can move forward with confidence and clarity. You’ll learn how to take small, intentional steps that strengthen your…
  178. Feb 5, 2025 Special Invite for You
    Hey Dog Lover! I’ll be real with you—I seriously considered cancelling next week’s Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp. With everything happening in the world, Everything just feels so heavy right now. I wondered, Is this even the right time? But then I realized… that’s exactly why this needs to happen. We need to connect more than ever over our shared love of dogs now! Because if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably…
  179. Feb 3, 2025 71 | 3 Simple Ways to Deepen Your Bond Without Training
    Hey fellow dog lover! 🐾 Are you ready to finally help your dog feel calmer and more secure—without relying on endless training drills? In this episode, I’m sharing three simple ways to deepen your bond and build trust, so your dog sees you as a safe and confident leader. Whether you have a fearful dog or just want to create a more peaceful, connected relationship, these strategies will help you move beyond…
  180. Jan 30, 2025 70 | The Power of the Pause – How Slowing Down Helps Your Dog Think
    Hey Dog Lover! Ever feel like your dog just isn’t listening fast enough? Or maybe they hesitate, and you’re tempted to push them along, because you know they know...you know? In this episode, we’re diving into The Power of the Pause and why giving your dog space to process their world can make all the difference. Whether you have a fearful pup or just want to strengthen your bond, this simple but powerful technique…
  181. Jan 27, 2025 69 | How Can I Tell if My Dog Is Overwhelmed?
    Hey, fellow dog lover! 🐾 Have you ever wondered if your dog is feeling overwhelmed but weren’t quite sure how to tell? Dogs are constantly communicating through subtle body language and behaviour—and learning to recognize these signs and to move into action to help them feel safe and supported. In this episode, we’re diving into: The telltale signs of an overwhelmed dog (spoiler: it’s not always what you think!).…
  182. Jan 23, 2025 68 | The #1 Thing You Can Do to Help Your Dog Feel Safe
    Hey Friend! 🐾 Want to know the secret to helping your dog feel truly safe? It’s not just about food, water, or treats—it’s about YOU showing up as a calm, consistent leader. In this episode, we’re talking about why being that steady presence in your dog’s life makes all the difference. Here’s what we’re diving into today: What It Means to Be a Calm, Consistent Leader Leaders "go first"—your energy and actions set…
  183. Jan 20, 2025 67 | Be What You Want the Dog to Be. Emotional Mirroring
    Hey Friend! 🐾 You ever notice how your dog seems to pick up on your vibes? Like, if you're stressed, they’re stressed... but if you're chill, they start to relax too? In this episode, we’re diving into emotional mirroring—how your mood directly shapes your dog’s behaviour. Let me tell you about Lexi, a rescue who had a tough time with reactivity on walks, and I had a rough time dealing with her…
  184. Jan 16, 2025 66 | Understand Your Dog’s Love Language: When Affection Isn’t Always Welcome
    Hey fellow dog lover! 🐾 Does your dog bite or nip every time you try to show them affection? It might be time to rethink how you’re connecting with your dog. In this Q&A episode, I tackle the tough question: "My dog bites me every time I pet him—how do I prevent that?" The answer might surprise you: stop petting the dog. 😧 While this isn’t the answer most dog lovers want to hear, respecting your dog’s love…
  185. Jan 13, 2025 65 | The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything for You and Your Dog
    Hey fellow dog lover! 🐾 Are you stuck judging your progress based on an unattainable ideal? In this episode, I’ll help you flip the script and focus on your real accomplishments by looking at how far you’ve come—not just how far you think you have to go. This mindset shift isn’t just for you—it can make all the difference in how you show up for your dog. Together, we’ll explore why celebrating incremental progress…
  186. Jan 9, 2025 64 | The #1 Mistake Dog Lovers Make When Handling Fearful Behaviour.
    Hey, fellow dog lover! 🐾 Are you ready to step up for your dog with confidence? In this episode, I’m sharing why having a plan is the number one thing you need to help your dog feel safe and secure. The best part? Your plan doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to include what you want your dog to do and how you’ll guide them to success. I’ll dive into tools and techniques that can make a big difference, like…
  187. Jan 6, 2025 63 | The #1 Thing I Need You To Know In 2025
    Hey, fellow dog lover! 🐾 Ready to start the new year with confidence and clarity? In this episode, I’m sharing the one thing I want every dog lover to know going into 2025: You are enough for your dog. We’ll explore why the dog training industry often leaves us feeling less-than, why treats are great for teaching but not for building respect, and how showing up consistently is the foundation of a strong, trusting…
  188. Jan 2, 2025 62 | New Year, New You!... Exciting Announcement
    Hey fellow dog lover! Are you ready to kick off the new year with fresh energy and a renewed sense of calm for you and your dog? 🎉 We're thrilled to announce that the Calm Dog Down Bootcamp is back—mark your calendars for January 13-14 at 12 PM EST (11 AM CST, 10 AM MST). This time, we’re going BIGGER, BETTER, and BOLDER! (And yes, it’s technically two days, but you might want to block a little extra…
  189. Dec 30, 2024 61 | How to Build a Relationship with your Dog, Even if You Don't Have the Time
    Hey fellow dog lover! 🐾 Want to Build a Beautiful Bond with Your Dog but Don’t Have the Time? Do you ever feel like a busy schedule makes it impossible to work on your relationship with your dog? Sally asked a great question in the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group about how to build a strong bond when working 12-hour days. In this episode, I’m diving into how relationships with our dogs are not just built…
  190. Dec 26, 2024 Just a little Canadian Boxing Day Note
    Hey there Dog Lover! I hope you are enjoying a little rest and renewal during the holidays. This is just a little note of appreciation for you. Thank you for being a part of my life. Here in Canada, it's BOXING DAY, so I wouldn't be Canadian if I didn't offer a Boxing Day deal on the Fearful Dog Fearless Framework Online Program and Community. So if it's on your heart to join our amazing…
  191. Dec 23, 2024 60 | Happy Holidays & Thank you for being You.
    Hey there friend! This is just a quick note of gratitude for YOU. Words can't portray how much I appreciate you. Thank you for being here, and helping me through a tough time. Thank you for allowing me to share my journey and for sharing yours. Thank you to your dog. Your dog is the reason we have met. And I am so grateful for that! So here's to you. And your dog. Much love to you both. (all) ❤️…
  192. Dec 19, 2024 59 | How to Set Goals That Actually Work for Your Fearful Dog
    Hey Dog Lover! Feeling stuck or overwhelmed when it comes to helping your fearful dog? Maybe you’re caught in the loop of what not to do, or you’ve tried New Year’s resolutions in the past that never really stuck. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? But here’s the good news: change is possible, and it starts with setting clear, meaningful goals. In this episode, I’ll walk you through: 1️⃣ Why goal setting is better than…
  193. Dec 16, 2024 58 |Why Are Dogs So Timid These Days? Real Talk: Owners, Breeders, and the "Rescue All" Mentality
    Hey Dog Lover! I’m super excited to share the mic with my daughter Paisley for this episode! We’re diving into a big question sparking debate in the dog training world: Why are dogs so timid these days? Paisley takes us back to simpler times, sharing what it was like growing up with dogs and how attitudes toward them have changed over the years. And, we explore the finger-pointing and blame game happening in dog…
  194. Dec 12, 2024 57 | The #1 Thing You Can Do to Help Your Dog Thrive This Holiday Season.
    Hey there Dog Lover! 🐾 The holidays are here, and while they bring joy and excitement, they can also be overwhelming—for you and your dog. In this episode, we’re focusing on the number one thing you can do to make this season easier: lower your expectations. I’ll walk you through three simple strategies to help your dog (and you) navigate the holidays with less stress and more connection: 1️⃣ Why the holidays are…
  195. Dec 9, 2024 56 | Winter Reset: 3 Steps to Simplify Your Life with Your Dog.
    Hey there fellow Dog Lover! 🐾 Winter is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and reset. You and your dog can use this soft quiet time to simplify, reconnect, and build a strong foundation for the journey ahead. In this episode, we will discuss The Winter Reset: 3 Steps to Simplify Your Life with Your Dog . Together, we’ll explore: 1️⃣ Why winter is the ideal time to slow down and…
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Page updated October 30, 2026.