Episodes
Hey Dog Lover! š¾
Do you ever wonder why it feels like more and more dogs are reactive lately? š¤
Or maybe youāre dealing with reactivity yourself and wondering if thereās something you missed along the way.
In this episode, Iām diving into real questions from reactive dog forums, where we explore why reactivity seems so commonāespecially in homes with multiple dogs.
Iāll share two key insights: what it means for your dogās behaviour if you have other dogs in the house, and whether the...
Published 11/11/24
Hey Dog Lover! š¾
Have you ever wondered what it really means to have a strong, healthy relationship with your dog? Are you tired of being told what to do or not to do, without truly understanding your bond? Do you dream of a connection built on trust, understanding, and respect?
In this episode, Iām sharing the key to unlocking your unique relationship style with your dog. Weāll dive into different types of relationshipsāwhether itās Parent/Child, Partners, Teacher/Student, or even...
Published 11/07/24
Hey Dog Lover! š¾
Leadership... It's a dirty word in the dog training industry, but in this episode, I'm breaking down the real meaning of leadership and why itās absolutely essential for you and your dog. š
Iām sharing my own story of facing pushbackāand even bullyingāin the dog training community over the word "leadership."
Many trainers have it all wrong, equating leadership with outdated, force-based methods that do more harm than good. ā
But true leadership? Itās about guiding...
Published 11/04/24
Hey Dog Lover!š¾
Step inside the mind of a fearful dog and discover how they process fear naturally.
In todayās episode, Iāll walk you through a gentle approach-and-retreat protocol designed to let your dog tackle fears at their own pace.
Once you understand this natural process, youāll be able to approach training from a place of understanding, helping to reduce frustrations and empower your dog to face challenges with confidence.šŖ
This episode offers a sneak peek into the Fearful Dog:...
Published 10/31/24
Hey Dog Lover!
Do you feel stuck with your fearful dog? In this episode, we're diving into how to handle setbacks and plateaus with patience, grace, and a step-by-step plan to keep you moving forward.
Learn why setbacks are not failures but valuable feedback, and how hidden triggers can help you better understand your dog's thresholds.
Weāll discuss practical strategies, including my favourite mindset trick to help you reframe challenges and support your dog through their most fearful...
Published 10/28/24
Hey Dog Lover!
Do you think your dogās reactivity might be fear-based? You might be surprised to learn that there are several other reasons why dogs can act out.
In this episode, Iām breaking down 5 surprising causes of reactivity that go beyond fear, and Iāll share how you can recognize these behaviours and manage them more effectively.
Hereās what weāll cover:
Why overstimulation might be overwhelming your dogāand how to help them stay calm.
The frustration that comes from unmet...
Published 10/24/24
Hey Dog Lover!
Ever wonder what it takes to be happy? Happiness can seem elusiveāeven for us humans! But when I talk to fellow dog lovers dealing with fearful or reactive dogs, I often ask them, āWhatās the number one thing you want for your dog?ā The answer is almost always the same: āI just want my dog to be happy.ā
So what truly makes a dog happy?
Spoiler: Itās not their favourite treat or toy!
In this episode, weāre diving deep into what it really takes to create a confident, joyful...
Published 10/21/24
Hey Dog Lover! š¾
Is your dog "freaking out" at the window?
Tried treats to distract and still nothing?
Today, Iām taking you behind the scenes of my thought process on how to decode your dog's barking.(ooohhh scary! š³)
Weāll explore what's really going on when your dog reacts to what's outside, and how you can BE a part of the conversation.
From my "go see and thank you" protocol to understanding why your dog might be barking in the first place, Iāll walk you through how to break...
Published 10/17/24
Hey Dog Lover!
Feeling like your bond with your fearful dog has been slipping, especially since others in the household arenāt following the training rules?
If youāre worried that inconsistent boundaries are affecting your dog's behaviour and connection with you, youāre not alone.
In this episode, we tackle the frustration of seeing all your hard work unravel because someone else isnāt on the same page. Weāll discuss why this inconsistency is especially tough on fearful dogs and what...
Published 10/14/24
Hey, my Fellow Dog Lover!
Thanksgiving is this Monday for us Canadians, šØš¦š¦
So we need to talk about holidays, family and your fearful dog.
If youāre worried about how your dog will handle all the family and friends' gatherings, this episode is for you.
Weāll discuss why ThanksgivingĀ isnātĀ the best time for training and how to support your dog by allowing it to retreat to its comfort zone.
We'll also provide some rules for your guests to follow to ensure your dog feels safe and...
Published 10/10/24
Hey there, dog lover! š¾š
In this episode, we discuss why Halloween can be a truly spooky time for our fearful dogs.
From strange costumes to eerie decorations, this season disrupts your dog's senses, making it harder for them to feel safe and recognize familiar people or environments.
So while some may use this as a "training opportunity", if we have a less than confident dog, this can be a nightmare!
So fearful dog friends this is your permission to give your dog and yourself the night...
Published 10/07/24
Hey there Dog Lover,
Today, weāre getting real about why your fearful dog may still be reactive, even after youāve tried all the training tricks in the book.
The truth is, itās not just about what your dog is doingāitās about mindset, communication, and yes, even the equipment youāre using.
Hereās what weāll break down:
Mindset: Are you focusing on āfixingā your dog or paying attention to how youāre feeling about it? (Spoiler: Your mindset might be the missing key.)
Clear...
Published 10/03/24
Hey there Dog Lover!
In this episode, we tackle 5 sneaky actions that might block your dogās confidence and weaken the bond youāre trying to build. (Spoiler alert: You might be doing some of them without even realizing it!)
From leash pulling to communication mishaps, weāll cover the common mistakes that are holding your dog back. Hereās what weāll dig into:
Leash pulling: Are you worth hanging out with, or are you just the dope at the end of the rope?
Training time: Is it really just...
Published 09/30/24
Hey dog lover!
Have you ever been told that your dog needs to be more social?
What if I told you thatās not always the caseāespecially for fearful dogs? (It's true!)
Earlier this week I hinted at the idea of fostering a "pro-social relationship with your dog.
This week Iāll explain why being "social" isnāt the ideal goal for your dog, and what you should be aiming for instead.
Weāll explore the differences between social, a-social, anti-social, and pro-social behavior, and why...
Published 09/26/24
Hey dog lover!
Have you ever wondered if your dog should always be walking behind you? Does it matter? And what about sniffing?
In this episode, Iām breaking down the truth about leash position.
Does it really matter if your dog walks behind you?
The answer is yes, but maybe not in the way you think.
Iāll explain the dynamics between you and your dog and when it's important to take the lead.
Youāll learn how your position on the leash impacts your fearful dogās ability to handle...
Published 09/23/24
Hey dog lover!
In this episode, I'm diving into the often misunderstood topic of using muzzles in reactivity training.
I'll share why muzzles can actually be a powerful tool for building trust and confidence between you and your dog.
Adding a muzzle can help you become a calmer, more confident guardian, allowing you to safely test trust-building exercises.
If you've ever felt unsure about using a muzzle, this episode is for you. I'll explain why muzzling is not what you thinkāand how...
Published 09/16/24
Hey dog lover!
Is your dog trapped in a cycle of fear?
In todayās episode, we break down the fear cycle to help you step inside the mind of a fearful dog.
Instead of avoiding their fear or distracting them from it, learn how to truly support your dog as they work through it.
Discover why embracing these challenging moments can help your dog build lasting confidence and finally break free from their fear.
Join me for practical insights and strategies to guide your dog toward a...
Published 09/09/24
Hey there Dog Lover!
I'm hosting a free, live 2-day event and you are invited!
Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp
Happening Sept 9th and 10th
10 am MT/11 am CT / 12pm ET
If you have a fearful or fear-reactive dog feeling stuck, this bootcamp will help you understand your dog's needs and how you can BE a powerful influence in their world.
Sign up Today!
www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp
You are not alone in this journey.
Let's do this together.
See you there!
Tracy
Published 09/04/24
Hey there dog lover!
Have you ever felt stuck while training your fearful dog?
Felt like you've tried everything but nothing is working?
Had a few setbacks and now you are questioning "Is it me? Can I even do this?"
If so then you need this reset!
In this episode, I am talking about a 3 step reset to help get you unstuck in your training and get back to actually enjoying your dog again!
Wouldn't that be nice?
And if you know anyone who would benefit from this reset, be sure to share...
Published 09/02/24
Hey dog lover,
Have you ever wondered whether your dogās reactivity is rooted in fear or just aggression? Itās such an important distinction to make because it can really change how you approach helping your dog. In this episode, Iām diving into three key ways to figure it out.
š¾Your Dogās History: Whether youāve had your dog since they were a pup or brought them into your life as a rescue, their background holds important clues.
š¾The Context ofĀ Their Triggers: Understanding the...
Published 08/26/24
Hey there dog lover!
This week on the podcast I am giving you permission to just quit.
Yes, I said it.
You can quit.
Quit all the things
Quit the training
Quit the walking
Quit.
If your walks with your dog are miserable or stressful, you can stop.
And let's take a breath and a reset.
Today, I am discussing what the first steps of a reset will look like for you and your dog.
And if you or someone you know is struggling with your fearful or fear-reactive dog, be sure to sign...
Published 08/19/24
Hey there friend!
Today I was thinking about how the stories we tell about our rescue dogs shape not only how we think of them but also how they see the world.
The power of those stories is the catalyst for today's episode on why our fear-reactive dogs stay stuck in the fear cycle.
I hope you enjoy the episode!
and
BIG NEWS!!!
I have an online LIVE 2-day event happening Sept 9-10th that you need to be a part of!
It's the (drum roll please...)
Calm Down Dog! Bootcamp
Help your...
Published 08/12/24
Hey there friend!
Well I know the answer to this will be a resounding YES. Of course but...
Are you dreaming of life that is EASY with your dog?
I have noticed that for many dog lovers, life with dogs is challenging, frustrating or even down right hard.
So today I am sharing the 4 situations of living with dogs that make everything soooo easy for me and my pack.
Designed to live within a framework that dogs understand, you can simplify your life with your dogs.
This is how I live with a...
Published 08/05/24