Episodes
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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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Missing episodes?
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Hey Dog Lover! š¾
We hear all the time that dogs need a leaderābut what does that actually mean? Leadership isnāt about control; itās about being someone worth followingā¦to a dog. And hereās the catch: your dog doesnāt follow just anyone. They follow someone who truly understands them.
In this episode, weāre breaking downfour key ways to be a leader your dog actually wants to followāby learning who they really are, what fulfills them, and how to show up in a way that makes them feel safe, seen, and understood.
ā Know Thy Dog ā Leadership starts with understanding.
ā Meet Their Needs, Not Yours ā True leadership means fulfilling whatthey need, not whatās convenient for us.
ā Communicate in a Way They Understand ā Dogs follow energy, movement, and clarityānot words.
ā Be Worthy of Their Trust ā Trust is earned through consistency, advocacy, and reliability.Youāll learnhow to shift from āownerā to true leader, how to make yourself more relevant to your dog, and how to build the kind of trust that makes them WANT to follow you. No more bribing, micromanaging, or relying on obedience tricksājust real, meaningful connection.
Hope you enjoy this episode!
ā TracyNext Steps:
š¶Ready to help your fearful dog build confidence? Check outThe Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework āwww.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
š¾ Join the freeLiving Beyond Obedience Facebook group āwww.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObediencešµMusic Credit: Shawn Trotter (shawntrotter.com)
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Hey Dog Lover! š¾
Does your dog's anxiety turn every walk into a stressful event? If your dog is lunging, freezing, or constantly on edge, youāre not aloneāand you donāt have to dread walks forever.
In this episode, weāre diving into theC.A.L.M. methodāa simple yet powerful framework to make walks more predictable, less stressful, and (dare I say) even enjoyable for both of you!
ā C ā Check the Environment ā Spot potential stressors before your dog does.
ā A ā Assess the Situation ā Read your dogās body languageāthinking mode or reacting mode?
ā L ā Lead with Confidence ā Be the calm, decisive leader your dog can trust.
ā M ā Move with Purpose ā Keep things flowing, whether that means pausing, redirecting, or pushing forward.Youāll learnhow to reduce your dog's fear-based reactions, make proactive choices on walks, and build the trust that transforms your outings. Plus, Iāll share real-life examples of how small shifts in leadership can make a BIG difference for a fearful dog.
Hope you enjoy this episode!
ā TracyNext Steps:
š¶ Thereās still time to join theCalm Down, Dog! Bootcamp āwww.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp
š¾ Join the freeLiving Beyond Obedience Facebook group āšµMusic Credit: Shawn Trotter www.shawntrotter.com
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Hey fellow dog lover! š¾
Setbacks happen, and they can feel heavyālike youāre back at square one. But guess what? Youāre never really starting over. The difference now is you.
In this episode, weāre diving into how to rebuild trust after a setbackāboth with your dog and within yourselfāso you can move forward with confidence and clarity. Youāll learn how to take small, intentional steps that strengthen your relationship and help you shake off that 'starting over' feeling.
š„ Want to fast-track this process and help your dog feel calm and secure? š„
Join me for 2 days of FREE live training in the Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp on February 10 & 11!
Iāll teach you exactly how to help your dog settle faster, stop overreacting, and trust you moreāwithout force, frustration, or overcomplicating things. Because YOU are enough for your dogā¦ or at least, you should be. š (I am going to keep telling you this until you believe me)
š Save your free spot now: www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp
Enjoy! Comment & Share!
Cheers,
Tracyšµ Music credit: Shawn Trotter (shawntrotter.com)
PS. This episode got away from me. Trigger warning: I am talking about recently losing one of my dogs. š¢
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Hey Dog Lover!
Iāll be real with youāI seriously considered cancelling next weekās 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 realizedā¦ thatās exactly why this needs to happen. We need to connect more than ever over our shared love of dogs now!
Because if youāre anything like me, youāve probably felt:
š¾ Frustrated that your dogās anxiety or reactivity isnāt getting better, no matter what you try.
š¾ Overwhelmed by all the advice out there (and still not sure what actually works).
š¾ Exhausted from managing your dogās emotions on top of your own.
š¾ Aloneālike no one really understands how hard this can be.And honestly? I donāt want you to feel that way anymore.
This bootcamp isnāt about drilling more obedience or āfixingā your dog. Itās about understanding them, leading them, and creating calmāfor both of you. Itās about getting out of survival mode and finally feeling like you can breathe again.
So no, Iām not canceling. And if youāre ready for a different approachāone that actually makes sense for you and your dogāIād love for you to join me. Letās figure this out together.
Canāt wait to share this with you!
Cheers!
Tracy
Sign up Today! and Let's Do This Together šŖš¾
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Hey fellow dog lover! š¾
Are you ready to finally help your dog feel calmer and more secureāwithout relying on endless training drills? In this episode, Iām 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 obedience and into true partnership.
And if youāre ready to take this to the next levelā¦ š
š„ Join me for the FREE Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp on February 10 & 11! š„
Over these 2 days of live training, youāll learn exactly how to help your dog feel safe, settle faster, and stop overreactingāwithout force, frustration, or second-guessing yourself. Because you are enough for your dogā¦ or at least, you should be. š
š Grab your free spot now: www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp
Enjoy! Comment & Share!
Cheers,
Tracyšµ Music credit: Shawn Trotter (shawntrotter.com)
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Hey Dog Lover!
Ever feel like your dog just isnāt listening fast enough? Or maybe they hesitate, and youāre tempted to push them along, because you know they know...you know?
In this episode, weāre 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 is a game-changer.
š¾ What is the Power of the Pause? ā How slowing down helps dogs move from reactive to thoughtful responses.
š¾ Why Pausing is Crucial for Fearful Dogs ā Understanding the brainās fear response and how giving your dog time helps them shift from panic to problem-solving.
š¾ Practical Ways to Use the Pause ā How to incorporate this in walks, training, and everyday life to reduce stress and increase confidence.
š¾ The Human Side of Pausing ā How slowing down benefits you, making you a more patient, present, and effective leader for your dog.
š¾ Overcoming the Urge to Rush ā How shifting from frustration to curiosity (hello, How Interesting!) can help both you and your dog navigate challenges together.
Slowing down doesnāt mean stopping progress. It means allowing space for real learning and trust to happen. So, if youāve ever felt the need to hurry up your dogāthis episode is for you.
š§ Grab your leash, take a breath, and letās dive in!
š„ Join the Calm Down Dog Bootcamp! š„Ready to turn your anxious, reactive dog into a calm and confident companion? Spend two immersive days with Tracy learning real-world techniques to help your dog settle, trust, and thrive. No gimmicks, just practical, life-changing strategies that will transform your daily walks, training sessions, and overall bond.
š¶ Claim your spot now: www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp
šµ Music Credit: Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the amazing music! Check out more of his work at www.shawntrotter.com.
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Hey, fellow dog lover! š¾
Have you ever wondered if your dog is feeling overwhelmed but werenāt quite sure how to tell? Dogs are constantly communicating through subtle body language and behaviourāand learning to recognize these signs and to move into action to help them feel safe and supported.
In this episode, weāre diving into:
The telltale signs of an overwhelmed dog (spoiler: itās not always what you think!). How stress builds up and why recognizing overwhelm early can prevent reactive behaviours. What to do when your dog is feeling overstimulatedāwithout adding to their stress. Real-life examples (like what happens at the vet clinic) to help you spot overwhelm in action.
The more you understand your dogās stress signals, the better you can show up for them with confidence and calmness.
Big NEWSš
š Join us for the Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp happening AGAIN!
February 10th & 11th!
Itās two days of clarity, confidence, and connection with your dog.(Oh and it's super fun!)
š Sign up here: www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp
Enjoy, comment & share!
ā TracyNext Steps:
š¾ Need personalized support? Book a Calm Confident Coaching Call and letās create a plan that works for you and your dog.
š¾ Join our amazing community for more support: www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObediencešµ Music by Shawn Trotter www.shawntrotter.com
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Hey Friend! š¾
Want to know the secret to helping your dog feel truly safe? Itās not just about food, water, or treatsāitās about YOU showing up as a calm, consistent leader. In this episode, weāre talking about why being that steady presence in your dogās life makes all the difference.
Hereās what weāre diving into today:
What It Means to Be a Calm, Consistent Leader
Leaders "go first"āyour energy and actions set the tone.
Why being the center of your dogās world creates security and trust.
Why This Approach Works
Dogs thrive on predictabilityāconsistency reduces stress and anxiety.
How your calm leadership helps ease their worries.
Building trust through clear and steady communication.
Practical Ways to Be That Leader
Create routines that bring stability and comfort.
Use clear communicationāboth canine and human styles.
Gain confidence by knowing what to do in tricky situations.
Need Help? Youāre Not Alone
Itās okay to need guidanceāeveryone starts somewhere.
If youāre feeling stuck, Iām here to help with my Calm Confident Coaching Call š.
Hope you enjoy this episode!
Cheers,
Tracy
Next Steps:
Book a Calm Confident Coaching Call š at www.beyondobedience.ca/session.
Focus on predictability and communication with your dog this week.
Join the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group for support and inspiration: www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience.
Tune in now and start building that calm, confident connection with your dog!
Music Credit:Huge thanks to Shawn Trotter for the amazing music šµ. Check him out at www.shawntrotter.com.
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Hey Friend! š¾
You ever notice how your dog seems to pick up on your vibes? Like, if you're stressed, theyāre stressed... but if you're chill, they start to relax too? In this episode, weāre diving into emotional mirroringāhow your mood directly shapes your dogās 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 intensity. With some patience,(which I struggled with) understanding, and this game-changing adviceā"Be what you want your dog to be"āLexi taught me so much!
Hereās what weāre chatting about today:
š§ The Science of Emotional Mirroring:
How your emotions rub off on your dog. Some cool research from Psychology Today that links heart rate changes between dogs and their humans. What the University of Bristol discovered about how dogs react to human stress smells.
š” Creating a Chill Home Environment:
Why simple routines and calm interactions make all the difference. Easy things you can do to help your dog feel safe and curious.
š Seeing Things from Your Dogās Point of View:
Your dogās reactivity isnāt about youāit's about how they see the world. Why swapping frustration for curiosity can change everything ( "How interesting!" If you know you know š).
šæ Simple Ways to āBe What You Want Your Dog to Beā:
Quick breathing exercises to keep yourself grounded. Staying cool and confident when things get tricky. Fun enrichment ideas to keep your dog happy and engaged.
Hope you enjoy this one!
Cheers,
Tracy
Next Steps:
Book a
Join the free Facebook Community
Tune in now and letās do this!
Music Credit:Big thanks to Shawn Trotter for the awesome tunes. Check him out at www.shawntrotter.com.
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Hey fellow dog lover! š¾
Does your dog bite or nip every time you try to show them affection? It might be time to rethink how youāre connecting with your dog. In this Q&A episode, I tackle the tough question: "My dog bites me every time I pet himāhow do I prevent that?"
The answer might surprise you: stop petting the dog. š§
While this isnāt the answer most dog lovers want to hear, respecting your dogās love language is essential rather than teaching them to tolerate ours.
Not all dogs enjoy physical affection, and understanding what makes your dog feel safe and loved is key to building a stronger bond.
If youāve ever felt confused about how to show affection to a dog that doesnāt like being squished, this episode is for you.
Wanna talk one-on-one?
š Book your Leadership Coaching Call today! www.beyondobedience.ca/sessionNEXT STEPS:
š Join the free Facebook community for more support and encouragement: www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience
š Learn more about The Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearlessMusic credit: Shawn Trotter, shawntrotter.com
Enjoy! Comment & Share!
Tracy -
Hey fellow dog lover! š¾
Are you stuck judging your progress based on an unattainable ideal? In this episode, Iāll help you flip the script and focus on your real accomplishments by looking at how far youāve comeānot just how far you think you have to go.
This mindset shift isnāt just for youāit can make all the difference in how you show up for your dog. Together, weāll explore why celebrating incremental progress is essential for building confidence and trust, both for you and your dog.
Wanna talk one-on-one?
š Book your Leadership Coaching Call today! www.beyondobedience.ca/sessionNEXT STEPS:
š Join the free Facebook community for more support and encouragement: www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience
š Learn more about The Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearlessš¶Music credit: Shawn Trotter, shawntrotter.com
Enjoy! Comment & Share!
Tracy -
Hey, fellow dog lover! š¾
Are you ready to step up for your dog with confidence? In this episode, Iām 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 doesnāt have to be perfectāit just needs to include what you want your dog to do and how youāll guide them to success.
Iāll dive into tools and techniques that can make a big difference, like my personal example of door etiquette when repair people visit. These small strategies can create massive shifts in how your DOG sees you handling challenging situations.
āØ Iām also thrilled to introduce something NEW: my Leadership Coaching Calls! š These one-on-one sessions are designed to help you uncover your unique leadership style, build a plan tailored to your dog, and step into 2025 with clarity and confidence.
ā”ļø Be among the first to book your call and take advantage of this special introductory offer: www.beyondobedience.ca/Session. Iām so excited to work with you and your dog!
Enjoy! Comment & Share!
š TracyNEXT STEPS:
šÆ Book your Leadership Coaching Call: www.beyondobedience.ca/Session
š¬ Join our free Facebook community: www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedienceMusic Credit:
šµ Shawn Trotter - shawntrotter.com -
Hey, fellow dog lover! š¾
Ready to start the new year with confidence and clarity? In this episode, Iām sharing the one thing I want every dog lover to know going into 2025: You are enough for your dog.
Weāll 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 relationship with your dog.
If youāve ever doubted whether youāre the right person for your dog, this episode will remind you that everything you need to create an amazing bond is already inside you.
Enjoy! Comment & Share!
TracyNEXT STEPS:
Join my free Facebook group: Living Beyond Obedience Want to dive deeper? Stay tuned for Thursdayās episode, where Iāll unveil my brand-new coaching program designed to help you and your dog thrive!šµ Music credit: Shawn Trotter (shawntrotter.com)
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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? š
We're thrilled to announce that the Calm Dog Down Bootcamp is backāmark your calendars for January 13-14 at 12 PM EST (11 AM CST, 10 AM MST).
This time, weāre going BIGGER, BETTER, and BOLDER! (And yes, itās technically two days, but you might want to block a little extra timeāweāve been known to overdeliver š).
In this episode, weāll share why this Bootcamp is the perfect way to start 2025 with clarity, connection, and actionable steps to help you and your dog thrive.
Whether you're a returning participant or new to the Bootcamp, weāve got something exciting in store for you.
Letās make 2025 the year of calm, confidence, and stronger bonds with our dogs. Tune in for all the detailsāyou donāt want to miss this!
Enjoy! Comment & Share!
TracyNEXT STEPS:
Save your spot for the Bootcamp: www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp -
Hey fellow dog lover! š¾
Want to Build a Beautiful Bond with Your Dog but Donāt 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, Iām diving into how relationships with our dogs are not just built through training, but in the tiny moments of influence throughout the day.
Even when time is tight, every moment is an opportunity to strengthen your connection with your dog. Itās all about those small, everyday interactions that add up over time and create a beautiful, lasting bond. I hope this message gives you inspiration and hope in our busy lives!
Enjoy! Comment & Share!
Cheers!
Tracy
NEXT STEPS:
Got a question or a podcast idea? Why not join the free Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group, just like Sally did!
š Join hereReady to take your dogās confidence to the next level?
Check out The Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework and start building a deeper relationship with your dog today!
š Sign up nowMusic credit: Shawn Trotter ā www.shawntrotter.com
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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 community here's a chance!
Grab your spot!
www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
Add Coupon Code BOXINGDAY at checkout for $50 off!
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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) ā¤ļø
Here's to an incredible 2025 together!
T
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Hey Dog Lover!
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed when it comes to helping your fearful dog? Maybe youāre caught in the loop of what not to do, or youāve tried New Yearās resolutions in the past that never really stuck. Itās frustrating, isnāt it?
But hereās the good news: change is possible, and it starts with setting clear, meaningful goals.
In this episode, Iāll walk you through:
1ļøā£ Why goal setting is better than New Yearās resolutions.
2ļøā£ How to choose a word of the year to guide your journey.
3ļøā£ Setting a big goal and breaking it into smaller, actionable steps.
4ļøā£ The final step: Who do you need to BE to help your dog thrive?You donāt have to stay stuck. Letās make this the year you and your dog take steps forwardātogether.
Enjoy,
Tracyš¬ Comment, review, and share this episode with your dog-loving friends!
P.S. Ready to take the next step?
š Join my Fearful Dog program: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
š Connect in my free Facebook group: Living Beyond ObedienceMusic credit: Shawn Trotter (www.shawntrotter.com)
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