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Hey dog lover!
Okay, so hereās the dealā¦
Youāve done the training. Your dog knows the cues.
And yetā¦ every walk feels like a strategy session, every outing ends in stress, and you're still left wondering, āWhy isnāt this working?āIf that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.
In todayās chat, Iām walking you through three signs that the real issue isnāt obedienceāitās something deeper.
Weāll unpack why your dog might be better off-leash than on, what your exhaustion is trying to tell you, and how to stop micromanaging and start leading in a way that actually feels good for both of you.
And of course, Iāll share what you can do to turn things aroundāwithout adding more training to your already overflowing plate.
Letās trade pressure for partnership.
Letās build trust instead of managing behaviour.
Letās get curious (and maybe say āhow interesting!ā once or twice š).So grab your tea, leash, or laundry basket and letās dive in.
With heart and a whole lotta calm,
ā Tracy šP.S. Ready for your next steps?
šÆ Join the Fearless Framework and start building trust with your fearful or reactive dog the relationship-first way:
š Fearless Framework Course & Communityš§ Need clarity fast? Book a Leadership Coaching Call with me here:
šCalm Coaching CallMusic credit:
š¶ Original music Shawn Trotter šø www.shawntrotter.com -
š¾Hey Dog Lover!,
Youāve probably asked it at some point ā maybe even this week:
āIs my dog doing this because theyāre afraid?āItās such a common questionā¦ 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 youāre the one holding the leash ā trying to read your dogās body language in real-time, while your own heart rate is going up ā well, thatās a lot to ask of yourself.
Hereās the truth Iāve learned:
You canāt see the whole picture when youāre standing in the frame.Thatās why in this episode, Iām walking you through:
What fear really looks like (and why itās not always obvious)
The difference between defensive and offensive right brain behavior
How emotions and instinct overlap in dogs
And why understanding your dogās Dogonalityā¢ gives you the power to ask better questions ā not just get better answers
If youāve ever found yourself wondering, āIs it fearā¦ or something else?ā ā this oneās for you.
Letās slow it down, zoom out, and figure out whatās really going on under the surface.Hope you enjoy this episode,
Tracy š¾š NEXT STEPS:
šÆ Take the Dogonalityā¢ Quiz to better understand your dogās brain and behaviour:
www.beyondobedience.ca/quizš„ Want my help?
Book a Calm Coaching Call to get clarity on whatās going on with your dog ā and what to do next.š¬ Letās stay connected:
Come join the free Facebook group for more stories, support, and nerdy behaviour talk:
www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedienceMusic Credit: š¶. Shawn Trotter of www.shawntrotter.com
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Fehlende Folgen?
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Hey there Dog Lover!š¾
This week, Paisley and I sat down to answer some of your most honest, heartfelt questions ā and wow, did you deliver.
From a siren-sensitive Malinois who never leaves your sideā¦ to a fearless Boston with a taste for freedomā¦ to a big, beautiful German Shepherd whose jumping has turned into bruises and scratches ā every question we answered this week was rooted in one thing:
A deep desire to understand.Hereās what we unpack in this April Q&A episode:š¾ Should you let your fearful dog follow you everywhere?
š¾ What to do when your large, excited dogās jumping becomes dangerous
š¾ How to know if your dogās barking is social, defensive, or something else
š¾ When to consider tools like an e-collar ā and how to know if youāre ready
š¾ What to do when reactivity becomes a dopamine-driven pattern
š¾ Helping your dog feel safe around guests
š¾ Teaching a larger dog to be gentle with smaller dogs in the homeIf youāve ever found yourself asking:
āAm I doing the right thing?ā
āIs this fear, or something else?ā
āWhat if Iām not enough?ā
ā¦this episode is for you.Youāre not alone. And more than ever, the world needs the kind of leadership that begins with empathy ā not control.
Hope you enjoy this episode!
Tracy š¾š NEXT STEPS:
š If youāre ready for real changeā¦
Come join the incredible community inside the Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework ā my online course and group coaching space where we go far beyond obedience.Itās where youāll find:
Support from dog lovers who truly get it
Tools that help you build trust and confidence ā without relying on treats or tools
Monthly coaching calls and personalized guidance
And a safe space to stop feeling so alone in your dog journey
š± The world is heavy right now. And I believe, more than ever, people need what our dogs can teach us ā and what we can teach them in return.
Come join us ā www.beyondobedience.ca/fearlessš¬ Letās stay connected:
Come hang out in the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group for more support, reflection, and real-talk:
www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObediencešÆ Take the Dogonalityā¢ Quiz to understand your dogās behaviour on a deeper level:
www.beyondobedience.ca/quizš¶ Music by Shawn Trotter ā www.shawntrotter.com
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Hey dog lover š¾
Have you ever found yourself wondering, āWhy isnāt this getting better yet?ā
Youāre showing up, doing the work, being patientā¦ but your fearful or sensitive dog still seems stuck.In todayās episode, Iām sharing the story of Leviāa shutdown rescue who couldnāt even be touched when he arrived. He taught me one of the most powerful lessons Iāve ever learned:
Progress doesnāt happen on our timeline.
And sometimes, letting go of the clock is what finally opens the door to trust.If youāve been feeling behind, discouraged, or unsure if youāre doing it āright,ā this episode is for you.
Hope you enjoy,
TracyNEXT STEPS:
āØ Ready to break the fear cycle and build confidence naturally?
Join the Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework and start building trustāwithout pressure or overwhelm.
š www.beyondobedience.ca/fearlessš¶ Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the music ā www.shawntrotter.com
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Hey dog lover! š¾
Ever feel like you're just the dope at the end of the ropeābeing dragged along while your dog follows their nose and completely tunes you out? Iāve been there. And so was Chuckles, my husbandās swamp-loving, scent-obsessed Basset Hound who taught me one of the most powerful lessons about fulfillment, relevance, and real connection.
In todayās episode, I take you on a muddy little adventure that changed everything for Chuckles and meāand I just might do the same for you and your dog especially if you're living with a confident, right-brained extrovert who seems more into ditch water than anything you have to offer.
Hope you enjoy,
TracyNEXT STEPS:
āØ Want to understand your dogās Dogonalityā¢? Take the free quiz: www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz
š¬ Want personalized support? Book a coaching session with me: www.beyondobedience.ca/sessionš¶ Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the music ā www.shawntrotter.com
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Hey Dog Lover,
Apollo wasnāt the easiest dog to live with. He had a massive prey drive, a fearless attitude, and a knack for chaos ā and honestly, there were days I didnāt even like him.
But behind all that intensityā¦ was one of the most fiercely loyal, deeply devoted dogs Iāve ever known.
In this episode, Iām telling the story of Apollo ā the dog who made me question everything I thought I knew about leadership, love, and what it means to accept the whole dog, not just the easy parts.
Weāll explore:š¾ How I learned to stop āmanagingā Apolloās intensity and start honouring it
š¾ Why the traits that frustrate us most are often signs of something deeper
š¾ What it looks like to lead a strong-willed, big-hearted dog with structure and respectIf youāve ever had a dog who made you feel like a failureā¦ or tested your patience more than you care to admitā¦ this story is for you.
Because sometimes, the dog who challenges you the most is the one who loves you the hardest.
Next Steps:
Got a bold, high-energy dog like Apollo? Take the Dogonalityā¢ Quiz to discover how to guide them with confidence ā no treats or tricks required.
š www.beyondobedience.ca/quizBe sure to share your quiz results with other dog lovers in our Free Facebook Community Living Beyond Obedience
Music credit: Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com
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Hey dog lover! š¾
Have you been unintentionally denying your dogās cultural identity?
In this episode, we explore the surprisingly overlooked world of honouring your dogās rootsāwhether thatās through themed meals, heritage-based enrichment, or just a deeper understanding of who they really are. Because maybe the reason your dog is ignoring youā¦ is cultural.
Or maybeāitās something else entirely. š
Hope you enjoy,
TracyNEXT STEPS:
āØ Want to understand your dogās Dogonalityā¢? Take the free quiz: www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz
š¬ Ready to connect on a deeper level? Book a coaching session: www.beyondobedience.ca/sessionš¶ Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the music ā www.shawntrotter.com
(P.S. You might want to check the calendar... š)
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Hey Dog Lover,
What do you do when your dog couldnāt care less that you exist?
Jayce was one of the most confident, independent dogs Iāve ever worked with ā and for the first few days we lived together, I was just the dope at the end of the leash. He didnāt want my attention, my approval, or my connection.
But one weird little moment ā involving a frog and a puddle ā shifted everything.
In this episode, Iām sharing the full story of my time with Jayce and the powerful lesson he taught me about relevance, leadership, and the quiet magic that happens when we stop trying to matterā¦ and start showing up.
Youāll hear:š¾ What itās like to live 24/7 with a dog who couldnāt care less about you
š¾ How I stopped chasing connection and started earning it
š¾ Why being invited into your dogās world is more powerful than any command or cueThis oneās for every dog lover whoās ever felt ignored, invisible, or unimportant in their dogās eyes. You are not alone ā and this story might just change how you see your dog forever.
Next Steps:
Not sure what kind of dog youāre living with? Start by taking the Dogonalityā¢ Quiz to better understand your dogās unique personality and how to connect on their terms.
š www.beyondobedience.ca/quizMusic credit: Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com
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Hey Dog Lover,
If youāve ever wondered, āWhy isnāt my dog listening?ā or felt like youāre doing all the right things but still struggling to connectāthis episode is for you.
Because treats and tricks can only take you so far.
The leadership style your dog really needs isnāt about obedience cues or bribery. Itās about trust, relevance, and understanding who they are at their core.
And thatās where your dogās Dogonality comes in.
In this episode, Iām breaking down how to lead your dog based on their unique personalityāwithout treats or gimmicksājust trust, understanding, and a whole lot of love. Youāll learn:
š¾ How to lead a Sensitive Soul (RB/I) who needs safety and gentle encouragement.
š¾ Why an Overwhelmed Runner (RB/E-U) needs you to handle threats and create calm.
š¾ How to become part of the adventure for a Fearless Explorer (RB/E-C).
š¾ How to guide a Life of the Party (LB/E) with structured fun.
š¾ And why a Calm Thinker (LB/I) needs to know why you're worth following.Because leadership isnāt about controlling your dog. Itās about meeting them where they are and showing them youāre worth trusting, every single day.
I hope you enjoy this episode!
ā¤ļø Tracy
P.S. Next Steps:
Not sure what kind of leadership your dog needs? The Dogonality Quiz will show you exactly how theyāre wiredāso you can lead with calm confidence and build a bond that feels natural and effortless. š ā www.beyondobedience.ca/quizāAnd once youāve taken the quiz, join the Living Beyond Obedience Group and share your results. Letās celebrate those lightbulb moments together!
šµ Music Credit: Shawn Trotter ā shawntrotter.com
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Hey Dog Lover,
Have you ever looked at your dog and thought, āWhy are you doing that?ā Maybe they freeze, ignore you, or even react in ways that leave you feeling frustrated or confused. Itās easy to assume theyāre being stubborn, ignoring you, or just plain difficult. But what if itās none of those things?
What if itās a misunderstanding?
In this episode, Iām sharing the 3 most common signs that you might be misunderstanding your dogāand how a simple shift in perspective can change everything. Weāll talk about:
š¾ Why some dogs seem āstubborn,ā when really, theyāre feeling confused or unsure.
š¾ Why your dog might be ignoring youāand why itās not personal.
š¾ How stress and uncertainty can look like aggression (and what to do instead).Because the truth is, every behavior is communication. And when you know how to really listenāthrough the lens of your dogās Dogonalityāyou stop trying to fix behavior, and you start building trust.
I hope you enjoy this episode!
ā¤ļø Tracy
P.S. Next Steps:
Want to know how your dog naturally thinks, reacts, and connects? Take the Dogonality Quiz and discover how theyāre wiredāso you can meet them where they are and build a bond that feels easy and effortless. š ā www.beyondobedience.ca/quizāAnd once youāve got your results, join the Living Beyond Obedience Group and share what youāve learned. Letās celebrate those lightbulb moments together!
šµ Music Credit: Shawn Trotter ā shawntrotter.com
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Hey Dog Lover! š¾
You love your dogāthat part is easy. But the deep, beautiful bond where you just get each other? That kind of connection doesnāt happen by chance. It happens when you understand who your dog really is at their core.
Because hereās the truth: love is simple, but understanding is transformational.
In this episode, weāre digging deep into what it really takes to build a bond that feels effortless and unshakable. Weāll explore:
š¾ Why training, treats, and time arenāt enough to create true connection.š¾ How to move beyond surface-level bonding and connect on a deeper level.š¾ How understanding your dogās unique Dogonality can change everythingābecause when you know how your dog is wired, you stop fighting against their instincts and start working with them.š¾ Why understanding your dog's Dogonality is the first step in learning how to be the reason and the reward in their lifeācreating a bond built on trust, leadership, and true connection.š” Whether your dog is a Sensitive Soul (RB/I), a Fearless Explorer (RB/E-C), or the Life of the Party (LB/E), this episode will help you uncover what they really need to feel safe, understood, and deeply connected to you.
šÆ Next Steps:
Not sure how your dog is wired? Thatās exactly why I created the Dogonality Quizāto help you understand your dogās unique personality and how to build a bond based on true trust and understanding. š ā www.beyondobedience.ca/quizāš¾ And once youāve taken the quiz, join the conversation in the Living Beyond Obedience Group and share your results! Letās talk about how understanding your dog changes everything.
Because when you truly see your dog for who they are, you donāt just change their worldāyou change yours too.
āØ Hope you enjoy this episode!
Tracy
šµ Music Credit: Shawn Trotter ā shawntrotter.com
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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 isnāt that theyāre ignoring youā¦ what if itās that youāre ignoring who they really are?
In this episode, weāre diving deep into how understanding your dogās unique personality is the key to better communication and a stronger bond. Because once you know why your dog behaves the way they do, you can stop fighting against their instincts and start working with them.
Weāll explore:
š¾ Why some dogs seem to ignore commands (and why it's not personal)
š¾ How your dogās Dogonality shapes how they respond to you
š¾ Simple ways to become more relevant to your dog and finally get their attentionšÆ Next Steps:
Want to know how your dog is really wired? Take the Dogonality Quiz and discover how to work with your dogās natural instincts, not against them! š www.beyondobedience.ca/quizš¾ And donāt forget to post your quiz results in the Living Beyond Obedience GroupāIād love to hear what Dogonality your dog falls into and how itās changing the way you see them!
Comment, Share & Enjoy!
See you next time!
Tracy
Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the music. Check out more at www.shawntrotter.com.
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Hey Dog Lover~
Got dog behavior questions?
Weāve got answers! š¤š¾
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.
Weāre diving into questions like:
ā What are subtle but powerful ways to boost my dogās confidence at home?
ā How do I help my dog feel safe and calm around cars?
ā My dog got spooked by a loud noiseānow theyāre terrified of certain areas. What should I do?
ā How do I handle my reactive dog when a threat comes out of nowhere?
ā Is my dog really protecting me, or is there something else going on with their barking at visitors?And much more! If youāve ever wondered, āAm I handling this the right way?āāthis episode is for you.
Hope you enjoy this one!
Tracy and Paisley
š Got a question for a future Q&A? Drop it in the free Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group or message us!
šµ Music Credit: Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the music. Check out more of his work at shawntrotter.com.
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Hey Dog Lover,
āSit!ā Itās the go-to command, the first thing we teach our dogs, the magic word thatās supposed to mean theyāre 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, weāre diving into why obedience isnāt always the answerāand how sometimes, the very thing we think is helping is actually working against our dogs.
In this episode, weāll talk about:
Why obedience should serve a purposeānot just be about compliance.How forcing a sit in uncomfortable situations might be making your dog feel more trapped.The way a leash can interfere with your dogās natural communication.What to do insteadāso your dog feels safe, understood, and supported.Next time you instinctively tell your dog to sit, take a moment and ask yourself why. Are you helping your dog feel more secure, or are you unknowingly making them more vulnerable?
Letās shift the way we think about obedienceābecause a āgood dogā isnāt just an obedient one, but a confident one.
See you inside the episode!
š¾ Tracy
Next Steps
Want to chat more about this? Send me a DM or join my free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience to dive deeper into trust-based training.
Need one-on-one support? Book a coaching call and letās create a plan that works for you and your dog.
šµ Special thanks to Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com for the music!
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Hey Dog Lover,
Does the thought of having guests over send you into a panicānot because of your guests, but because of your dog? Maybe they bark like a maniac, hide under the table, or pace like theyāre planning an escape route. Sound familiar? Youāre 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, weāll dive into:
Why dogs struggle with house guests (hint: itās not just āstranger dangerā).How to set your dog up for success before guests arrive.The doās and donāts of first greetings (spoiler: no talking, no forcing, just space!).What to do if your dog freaks out when a guest stands up.How to build your dogās confidence over time so they donāt just tolerate guests, but actually feel safe around them.This approach is part of my Build Your Brave Protocols inside the Fearful Dog Fearless Framework program. When you join, we can create a step-by-step plan specifically for your dog and your homeābecause no two dogs are the same!
So take a deep breath, and letās talk about how to make having guests over a whole lot less stressfulāfor both of you.
See you inside the episode!
š¾ Tracy
Next Steps
Want more guidance? Check out my Fearless Framework program to break the fear cycle and build trust in a way that feels natural and stress-free. Join here.
Got questions or need support? Join my free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience for real talk and practical training tips.
šµ Special thanks to Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com for the music!
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Hey Dog Lover~
Spring break is here, and while you're planning your getaway, your dog might not be as excited about the change! š¾ 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, weāll help you determine:
ā The three stages of trust-building and how they affect travel readiness
ā Why trust, not obedience, determines your dogās ability to handle new experiences
ā How to evaluate sitters and boarding facilities to match your dogās needs
ā The one question every dog owner should ask: Will I actually enjoy this trip if my dog isnāt comfortable?No one wants a vacation filled with stress and worryāfor you or your dog! Tune in to learn how to set both of you up for success.
š Need help deciding? Book a Calm & Confident Coaching Call where Iāll help you create a stress-free travel or sitter plan based on YOUR dogās trust level.
šµ Music Credit: Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the music. Check out more of his work at shawntrotter.com.
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Hey Dog Lover,
Some people say, āNever let your dog on the couchāitāll ruin your leadership!ā
Others say, āMy dog is my baby! Of course, theyāre on the furniture!ā
Me? I say, have your cake and eat it too! š°šŖBut hereās the thingāitās not just about saying yes or no to dogs on the furniture. Itās about understanding how dogs use space, levels, and positioning as part of their communication.
In this episode, weāre digging into:
Why the real question isnāt āCan my dog be on the couch?ā but āDo I understand what access to space means to a dog?āHow dogs use height and positioning as part of their natural social dynamics.Why a no-furniture rule can be a helpful leadership reset (and why it doesnāt have to be forever).How to create clear and consistent rules so your dog doesnāt feel entitled to the couchābut invited when it makes sense.This isnāt about dominance or control. Itās about clarity, structure, and making intentional choices that support leadership, trust, and a peaceful home.
So whether your couch is already covered in dog hair or you're wondering if your dogās furniture privileges are affecting their mindset, this episode is for you.
See you inside!
š¾ Tracy
Next Steps
Feeling unsure about your leadership and boundaries with your dog? Letās work through it together. Book a Calm & Confident Coaching Call and get personalized guidance for you and your pup.
šµ Special thanks to Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com for the music!
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Hey Dog Lover,
We love putting labels on thingsāespecially our dogs. Sheās dominant. Heās stubborn. Sheās independent. Heās needy. But hereās the thing: those labels donāt 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 isājust information.
Behaviour isnāt a fixed personality trait; itās a response to the environment, experiences, and emotions. Itās how your dog communicates whatās going on inside.
Is your dog really āstubborn,ā or do they just not understand whatās being asked?Are they actually ānervous,ā or have they just learned that the world can be unpredictable?Could they be more confident and adaptable than you ever imagined?In this episode, weāre breaking down how to look past the labels and start seeing behaviour as a window into your dogās experience. Because when you stop defining your dog by their reactions and start understanding why they behave the way they do, everything changes.
And guess what? I have something exciting coming soon! Iām working on the Dogonalities Quizāa fun and insightful way to help you better understand your dogās unique way of interacting with the world. Stay tuned!š
So grab your coffee (or leash) and letās talk about it.
See you inside the episode!
Comment & Share!
Cheers!
š¾ Tracy
Next Steps
Want to keep the conversation going? Join my free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience for real talk, support, and training tips that actually work.
Need personalized help? Book a coaching call and letās create a plan for you and your dog!
šµ Special thanks to Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com for the music!
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Hey Dog Lover!
Ever feel like your dog has selective hearing? You ask them to ācome,ā āsit,ā or āleave it,ā and they look at you like youāre 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, weāre breaking down why talking less actually helps your dog understand you more. Youāll learn:
š¾ Why too much talking turns into background noise for your dog
š¾ How movement, body language, and energy create real engagement
š¾ The simple mindset shift that makes your dog naturally check in with you
š¾ How to play the Be Quiet Gameāa challenge to improve your dogās focus (and your leadership!)NEXT STEPS
Your challenge: Try the Be Quiet Game and let me know how it goes inside our free Facebook group, Living Beyond Obedience! š¶āØ
Wanna work with me? Book a Calm & Confident Coaching Call at www.beyondobedience.ca/session.
š¶ Music Credit: Shawn Trotter | shawntrotter.com
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Hey, Dog Lover!
If youāre living with a fearful dog, you know how tough it can be. Youāre 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 youāve been told to doā¦ are actually making life harder?
In this episode, weāre breaking down the top mistakes dog owners make when living with a fearful dogāand, more importantly, what to do instead.
š¾ Weāll cover:
āļø Why you canāt train fear awayā and what actually builds confidence
āļø How saying āitās okayā might be making your dog more anxious
āļø Why avoiding everything scary keeps your dog stuck
āļø The truth about treats (hint: they donāt replace trust)
āļø How to slow down, build connection, and work at your dogās paceYour dog doesnāt need a quick fix. They need a leaderāsomeone who understands, guides, and supports them. And that? That starts with you.
Hope you enjoy!
Comment/Review and share!
Tracy
NEXT STEPS:
If youāre ready to break the fear cycle and build confidence with your dog, join the Fearful Dog Program! Inside, youāll get the tools, guidance, and support to help your dog feel safe and secureāwhile building the trusting relationship you both deserve.
š¾ Join here: The Fearful Dog Fearless Framework Online Program
And as always, special thanks to Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com for the music.
š§ Hit play and letās dive in!
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