Om Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
Do you long to have a happy, confident dog you can take anywhere?
Are you worried your reactive, fearful dog may hurt someone or something else?
Do you have to “prepare” yourself to take your dog for a walk around the block?
Hey there! I’m Tracy, a retired vet tech turned dog trainer, mom, wife and all-around dog lover. When I realized the key to building confidence in my dog was in understanding him and NOT just tossing treats and obedience my life changed! Now I have a pack of “just good dogs” I trust to take anywhere. And I am sharing it all here! So put down that leash & let's get to it!
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165 | The Resolution Your Dog’s Been Waiting For (00:17:22)
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 different kind of New Year’s resolution — one that actually changes dog behavior.We’ll explore:Why less talking and more breathing changes everythingHow dogs read your body, energy, and nervous system — not your wordsWhat “quiet leadership” really looks like in everyday lifeA resolution worth making: being more still, more present, and more awareThis isn’t about saying nothing.It’s about being something.Because when you slow down, your dog can finally exhale.And when you show up calmly and clearly, your dog doesn’t have to work so hard to figure out the world.I hope you enjoy it.💛– TracyNEXT STEPS 🐾👣If you’re ready to deepen your connection with your dog and create a calm, confident life together, I invite you to join The Fearless Framework — my 12-month online program that helps you build a beautiful bond so everything gets easier with your dog.Yes, even reactivity.Yes, even fearfulness.Yes, even the behaviours you were told were “just how your dog is.”🎶 Music Credit:Shawn Trottershawntrotter.com
164 | Merry Christmas to You and Your Pack (Yes, I Said Pack) (00:05:19)
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 moments.It lives in presence.In shared space.In the quiet rhythm of simply being together.In this Christmas episode, we’re not training anything.We’re reflecting.We’ll talk about:What Christmas really means to our dogs (and why it’s simpler than we think)The comfort of familiar energy, steady leadership, and calm connectionWhy your dog feels safest when you feel groundedHow togetherness—not perfection—is the greatest gift you can giveYes, I may use the word pack… but not in the way you’ve been taught to fear it.Here, pack simply means belonging.A safe social unit.A place where everyone can exhale.This episode is an invitation to let go of expectations, pressure, and “shoulds”—and to lean into the quiet moments that make this season special.Because leadership during the holidays doesn’t mean managing chaos.It means being the calm inside it.From my home to yours, from my dogs to yours…Merry Christmas. 🎄🐾Thank you for being here, for caring so deeply, and for choosing connection—today and always.Hope you enjoy! Tracy
163 | What Your Newly Adopted Dog Really Wants (Hint: it's not more stuff) (00:22:30)
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 predictabilityThe secret power of calm, “boring” leadershipHow to be the reason your dog feels safe — even in a brand-new worldYour new dog doesn’t need more stuff — they need stability, softness, and someone who gets it. 💛I hope you enjoy this one. Don’t forget to follow, share, and rate!Next Steps:🐾👣 Join the Fearless Framework, our 12-month online program that helps you not only understand your dog, but build confidence naturally—without relying on tools, tricks, or treats.👉 BeyondObedience.ca/fearless🎶 Music credit to Shawn Trotter at ShawnTrotter.com
162 | Holiday Hangover is Real: Why Your Dog is Biting or Melting Down (00:21:48)
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 false reassuranceSimple shifts to support recovery — like crate time, quiet time, and rhythm resetsLet’s ditch the guilt and get curious. Because understanding how stress accumulates helps us prevent those post-holiday “behaviour surprises.”I hope you enjoy this one. Tracy xoxoxoDon’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review!Next Steps🐾👣Want to work with me?Join the Fearless Framework, our 12-month online program that helps you not only understand your dog, but build confidence naturally—without relying on tools, tricks, or treats.👉 BeyondObedience.ca/fearless🎶 Music credit to Shawn Trotter at ShawnTrotter.com
161 | Stop Socializing Your Dog! Try This Holiday Strategy Instead (00:23:39)
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 learn how to:Read your dog’s subtle “no thanks” signals 👀Step in and advocate without over-coddlingRedefine pro-social as something way better than exposure therapySpoiler alert: Your dog doesn’t need more exposure. They need you to show up with calm, clarity, and curiosity.I hope you enjoy this one. Tracy xoxoxoPS: Don’t forget to follow, share, and rate! Next Steps🐾👣:Join the Fearless Framework, our 12-month online program that helps you not only understand your dog, but build confidence naturally—without relying on tools, tricks, or treats.👉 BeyondObedience.ca/fearless🎶 Music credit to Shawn Trotter at ShawnTrotter.com
160 | Stop Buying All The Stuff! Why Leadership is the Gift Your Dog Really Needs (00:21:00)
🐾 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 actually help your dog feel safe and settled—especially during the holidays when stress can sneak in. So instead of asking “what should I buy my dog?” let’s ask: “how can I be the gift?”Spoiler: You already are. 💛We hope you enjoy this episode.Tracy xoxoxoNext Steps 🐾👣Ready to take your relationship with your dog to the next level?Consider joining the Fearless Framework, our 12-month coaching program with monthly Zooms, community support, and everything you need to build a big, beautiful bond with your dog.👉 beyondobedience.ca/fearless🎵 Music Credit: Shawn Trotter – shawntrotter.com
159 | Does Your Dog Actually Trust You? The Mistake Many Rescue Adopters Make (00:24:26)
🐾 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), how to spot the difference between affection and actual security, and how to approach this with curiosity rather than guilt. Because when your dog says “I don’t feel safe,” they’re not being stubborn—they’re being honest. And that’s powerful feedback.How interesting! 🐶We hope you enjoy this episode.Tracy xoxoxNext Steps 🐾👣Ready to take your relationship with your dog to the next level?Consider joining the Fearless Framework, our 12-month coaching program with monthly Zooms, community support, and everything you need to build a big, beautiful bond with your dog.👉 beyondobedience.ca/fearless🎵 Music Credit: Shawn Trotter – shawntrotter.com
158 | Are You Coming in Too Hot? Understanding the Fearful Dog's Mind (00:26:59)
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 dog’s perspective.We’ll talk about prey-mind vs. predator-mind, body language, and the often-overlooked subtleties of pressure and approach that can either build trust… or blow it.You’ll learn:What “predator energy” looks like from a dog’s point of viewHow to soften your presence so your dog can breatheWhy the way you connect matters more than the thing you doIf you’ve ever been told your dog is “weird” or “overreacting,” this one will shift your lens completely—and help you show up in a way your dog can actually feel safe around.I hope you enjoy this one.Tracy xoxoNext steps: 🐾👣Join the Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework—our 12-month online coaching program that’s changing the game for reactive, anxious, and misunderstood dogs.When you enroll, you’ll get:Monthly live Zoom Q&A calls and trainings to guide you through the tough stuffAccess to a supportive private community of humans walking this same roadA Relationship-First Roadmap that helps you lead with calm confidenceReal coaching. Real connection. Real change—for you and your dogBecause your dog doesn’t need perfect.They need you. Aligned, aware, and ready to lead with heart.Come join us at 👉 beyondobedience.ca/fearlessMusic Credit 🎶Special thanks to Shawn Trotter – www.shawntrotter.com
157 | Tossing Treats Making Things Worse for Your Fearful Dog? (00:21:04)
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 here’s the truth: if you’re not part of the process, you’re missing out on how YOU can influence your dog’s behaviour in a meaningful way.We’ll talk about:Why “treat and retreat” might not be the whole pictureThe difference between influencing vs. observing behaviourHow to build trust from the inside out—not from the sidelinesIf your dog is still anxious, reactive, or unsure—despite all the food and effort—this one’s for you.I hope you enjoy this one.Tracy xoxoNext steps: 🐾👣Join the Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework, our signature 12-month online coaching program built for dog lovers just like you.This is where everything changes.Here’s what you’ll get inside:Monthly Zoom Q&A calls and trainings where we tackle your real-life challengesA private, supportive community of people walking the same pathStep-by-step lessons on trust, leadership, and relevance—not just rules and techniquesCoaching that grows you, not just your dog’s behaviourYour relationship will bloom.Everything gets better and easier when you understand how to be the person your dog needs you to be.Join us at: 👉 beyondobedience.ca/fearlessMusic Credit 🎶Special thanks to Shawn Trotter – www.shawntrotter.com
156 | Help for Fearful , Anxious Reactive Dogs: Questions You Didn't Know You Asked (00:49:22)
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, thoughtful, and packed with relatable struggles and supportive solutions.Whether you're living with a fearful pup, navigating meds, or just wondering why your dog can’t seem to settle—you’ll probably find yourself in one of these stories.Hope you enjoy this one.Tracy XOXO_________________________________________________________Next Steps 🐾👣Want to build your dog’s confidence—and your own?Come join us inside The Fearless Framework—a 12-month online course and community designed to help you and your dog move beyond fear and frustration using trust, leadership, and calm connection.Learn the tools to support your dog through their fear cycle—no treats, tricks, or timelines. Just real relationship-first progress.✨ Learn more and enroll here:👉 beyond-obedience.thrivecart.com/fearlessSpecial thanks to musician Shawn Trotter for this episode’s music.🎶 Visit shawntrotter.com for more.
155 | Feel Like A Bad Dog Mom? Me too Let's talk about it (00:25:26)
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 failing at this whole “dog mom” thing… this one’s for you.Hope you enjoy this one.Tracy XOXONext Steps 🐾👣Want to build your dog’s confidence—and your own?Consider joining us inside The Fearless Framework—my 12-month online course and community designed to help you move through the fear cycle with trust, communication, and calm connection.This isn’t about obedience—it’s about understanding, leadership, and becoming someone your dog can truly trust.✨ Learn more and enroll here:👉 beyond-obedience.thrivecart.com/fearless_____________________________________________________________Special thanks to musician Shawn Trotter 🎶 Visit shawntrotter.com for more.
154 | Un-Train Your Dog to Build a Better Bond Pt3 - BE With {Mini-Series} (00:29:32)
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 practice being withyour dog in a way that builds real trust—without needing to earn it through obedience or effort.Let’s stop doing and start being.Hope you enjoy this one.XOXO, TracyNext Steps 🦶🐾Join the Untrained Dog Challenge happening now inside the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group:www.facebook.com/groups/livingbeyondobedience🎶Special Thanks to Shawn Trotter www.shawntrotter.com
153 | Un-Train Your Dog to Build a Better Bond Pt2 - BE Quiet {Mini-Series} (00:21:41)
🐾 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 Be Quiet Game: what happens when you stop talking and start observing→ How to “Ask the Dog” without commands — using movement, intention, and gentle gestures→ Why your energy, posture, and presence already speak volumes→ And the first big step to learning how to talk dog… is learning how to be stillIt’s all rooted in one of my favourite Nelson-isms:"If you want to learn to talk to your dog... shut your mouth."Hope you enjoy this one.– Tracy xoxo👣🐾 Next Steps:Join the Untrain Your Dog Challenge inside the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group.See the pinned post for details on how you can win a 30-minute free coaching call with me.Want to take your relationship a step further?Join the Fearless Framework — where you learn how to control yourself and influence the dog, not control the dog. (~N. Hodges) 🎶 Music Credit: Shawn Trotter – www.shawntrotter.com
152 | Un-train Your Dog to Build a Better Bond - BE Curious {Mini-Series} (00:32:08)
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 the markWhat “heel,” “sit,” or “stay” are really about (spoiler: it’s usually not about the command itself)How to spot the difference between compliance and communicationWhat it means when your dog checks out on a walk—and why that’s a how interesting moment, not a mistakeWays to reconnect by observing, listening, and letting your dog be a dogWhether you have one dog or five, this episode will help you start noticing the subtle ways your dog is already showing you what they need—you just may need to untrain your ears (and ego) to hear it. 😉Hope you enjoy this one!Tracy xoxoxNEXT STEPS 👣🐾Now is your time to join The Fearless Framework, my 12-month online program designed to help you break the fear cycle, build trust, and raise a confident dog—without obedience drills or treat-dependency.👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless 🎶 Music credit: Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com
151 | Most Trainers Don't Know What a Dog Is-{ Interview with Nelson Hodges Pt 2} (00:36:38)
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, relationally, instinctually.Together, we explore:Why most trainers are missing the pointHow your internal state shapes your dog’s worldWhat leadership looks like when it’s rooted in calm, connection, and relevanceAnd why understanding your dog on a feeling level changes everythingIf you’ve ever felt like your dog is misunderstood by mainstream training advice, this conversation will feel like coming home. You’ll walk away seeing your dog—and yourself—through a new, compassionate lens. And probably saying “How interesting!” more than once. 😉✨ Special note: If you sign up for Nelson’s monthly class subscription before the end of the year, you’ll receive one month FREE! His teachings are a gift, and now’s a great time to dive in.To learn more or sign up:🌐 www.CHRInstitute.com📘 Follow Nelson on Facebook: Nelson HodgesI hope you enjoy this one.Tracy xoxoxNEXT STEPS 🐾👣Ready to deepen your relationship with your dog? Join me inside the Fearless Framework—an online program and community designed to help you build trust, confidence, and a more connected relationship with your dog. This isn’t about obedience. It’s about understanding.👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless And come hang out with us in the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group! It's a free, safe, and encouraging space for curious dog lovers like you.👉 Join the group here
150 | Most Trainers Don't Know What a Dog Is-{ Interview with Nelson Hodges Pt 1} (01:05:18)
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 listen with a pen in hand and your curiosity dialled all the way up. Because Nelson doesn’t just talk about dogs… he helps you see them. Really see them.In this episode, we dive into:Dogs can smell your thoughts ( I know this one hit me hard!) How a dog’s survival instincts shape their behaviour — and how our responses often miss the markWhat it actually means to “know” a dog on their terms, not oursAnd so much more! Expect to be challenged. Expect to be inspired. And most of all… expect to say “How interesting!” more than once. 😉Hope you enjoy!Tracy xoxox🐾 Show Notes & ResourcesTo learn more about Nelson Hodges and his work, check out:🌐 www.chrinstitute.com Facebook: Canine Human Relationship InstituteLet’s Keep the Conversation Going!We’d love to hear your takeaways from this episode — whether it’s an aha moment or a “how interesting!” shift in perspective. Come share inside our Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group and let’s continue the conversation together. 🐕
149 | It's Not Personal, It's Pack Mentality {Peace in the Pack Series} (00:31:18)
🐾 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 way we set up our homes, introduce new dogs, or even talk about “my dog vs. your dog” — it creates unnecessary conflict and tension in the pack.In this episode, we’re unpacking:Why dogs are hardwired to value group cohesionHow crates, furniture, baby gates, and guest seating can accidentally send the wrong messageWhat “us vs. them” looks like in foster and blended householdsWhy even you can become a high-value resource that shifts the group dynamicReal-life examples (including what I learned from my own pack and boarding dogs)You’ll walk away from this episode with a clearer picture of how to structure your environment and mindset to support pro-social, pack-centered living — without accidentally drawing invisible battle lines.I hope you enjoy this one.Tracyxoxo🐾👣 Next Steps:If you’re ready to go beyond obedience and start living with your dog intentionally, it’s time to join me in The Fearless Framework.We’ll help you understand your dog — and yourself — in ways that lead to more confidence, connection, and peace in your home.🐾 Join today: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearlessI can’t wait to start this journey with you.Music Credit 🎶 Shawn Trotter @ shawntrotter.com
148 | Should Your Dogs Be on the Furniture? Yes... and Also Maybe No. {Peace in the Pack Series} (00:30:21)
🐾 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 who sleeps on the bed, your dogs are constantly making choices based on strategy, safety, and social standing.In this episode, we dig into:How elevation influences canine communication (and conflict)Why leadership is more about clarity than controlThe role of the den (your bed!) in pack dynamicsHow little moments — like who moves who — say a lot about the social structureWhy some dogs show tension in elevated spaces (and what that actually means)Plus, I’ll share a behind-the-scenes look at Irie and the occasional “toothy whispers” she shares with the rest of the pack — and what that taught me about space, status, and fairness.I hope you enjoy this one.See you next week for Part 6.Tracyxoxo👉 Next Steps:If you really want to understand your dog — and decode the way they move through the world — it starts with learning how to read canine conversations.That’s exactly what we do inside The Fearless Framework — together.🎉 Join today: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearlessI can’t wait to start this journey with you.Music Credit 🎶 Shawn Trotter www.shawntrotter.com
147 | Your Dog's NOT Jealous: Understanding Possession in the Pack { Peace in the Pack Series} (00:37:48)
🐾 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 often the biggest source of conflict — and how our human emotions add fuel to the fireHow possession shows up in subtle (and not-so-subtle) waysThe difference between healthy play and tension-filled controlWhy “fairness” is a human concept, not a canine oneI’ll also share one of the biggest lightbulb moments I had comparing my house pack to my kennel pack — and what it taught me about my own role in the tension I was seeing.If you've ever dealt with growling over toys, snippy moments between dogs, or tension when one dog comes in for love, this episode is for you.I hope you enjoy this one.See you in the next episode.Tracyxoxo 👣🐾Next Steps:If you really want to understand dog behaviour, canine conversations, and how to create clarity and peace in your pack, you need to be inside The Fearless Framework.This is where we walk the walk.Together.With heart, intention, and a healthy dose of dog nerdiness. 🐾🎉 Join today: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearlessI can’t wait to start this journey with you.Music credit: 🎶. Shawn Trotter www.shawntrotter.com
146 | You Don’t Want a “Social” Dog : And Here’s Why {Peace in the Pack Series} (00:35:52)
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 spectrum plays out in real-life relationships between your dogs (and between you and your dogs, too).We’ll talk about:Why “friendly” often means boundarylessWhy some dogs bulldoze others while others withdrawHow you might be acting social instead of pro-social with your own dogAnd what a truly pro-social pack actually looks likeThis episode might change the way you see your dogs — and your role as a leader — for good.Hope you enjoy this one. See you in the next episode!Tracy xoxoxoNext Steps:👣🐾If this episode hit home — if you found yourself thinking “Oh no… my dog might not be pro-social” or “I’ve been labeling my dog ‘friendly’ when really… they’re just kind of rude,” — then here’s the truth:You don’t just need more training tools. You need a new lens.And that’s exactly what the Fearless Framework is here to give you.It’s not a course about fixing your dog — it’s a 12-month coaching experience designed to help you:Build trust-driven leadership that actually works in a multi-dog homeUnderstand your dogs at a deeper level — from personality to behavior to pack dynamicsStop second-guessing yourself and start leading with calm, grounded confidenceCreate a peaceful, connected life with your dogs — not just a well-managed oneBecause you and your dogs deserve more than obedience.You deserve understanding, connection, and confidence.You deserve to live beyond obedience.💻 Join me inside the Fearless Framework at beyondobedience.ca/fearlessLet’s build something beautiful together.
145 | The Secret to a Peaceful Pack: This One Concept Changes Everything {Peace in the Pack Series} (00:28:57)
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 essential.In this episode, we’re talking about how to honour the individual dog — their play style, their processing style, their personality — while still guiding the whole crew under the shared umbrella of a pro-social pack.This is where leadership meets relationship.And it changes everything.Hope you enjoy this one. See you in the next episode!Tracy xoxoxoNext Steps:👣🐾🐾 Haven’t taken the Doggonality Quiz yet? Take it here — it’s the perfect first step toward clarity.🧭 Ready to take this thing to the next level?Want to deepen your leadership and confidence? Join the Fearless Framework at beyondobedience.ca/fearless🎶 Music by Shawn Trotter – shawntrotter.com
144 | What If the Problem Child… Isn’t the Problem? {Peace in the Pack Series} (00:22:25)
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, pacing, reacting — isn’t actually the root of the issue? What if they’re just the messenger?I’ll tell you the story of Jamie, her anxious dog Daisy, and her sweet new rescue Homer — and how what looked like a simple case of “fix Daisy” turned out to be a much deeper pack dynamic that was quietly playing out under the surface.We’ll talk about:How canine social pressure flies under the radarWhat subtle behaviors to watch for (even from the “chill” dog)Why reactivity is often a protest, not a personalityAnd how leadership means observing the whole pack, not just the loudest memberBecause peace in your home starts with seeing what’s actually going on — not just what’s barking the loudest.Hope you enjoy this one — see you in the next one! 🐾NEXT STEPS🐾👣If you’re ready to stop controlling your dog and instead start building real harmony and partnership with them, then you are ready for The Fearless Framework Online Program and Community 🦴 Use coupon code BOOTCAMP to save big on The Fearless Framework — and get bonus private coaching calls during our Bootcamp Special, on now through October 19th!👉 beyondobedience.ca/specialSpecial music credit to Shawn Trotter – www.shawntrotter.com
143 | 3 Things You Can Do Today to Deepen the Bond with Your Dog {No training Required} (00:21:46)
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 through 3 simple things you can do today (no training required!) to strengthen connection, deepen trust, and help your dog feel safe in your everyday life.🔹 Be QuietIf you want to talk to your dog... shut your mouth. (Yep—Nelson said it first. 😉)We spend so much time narrating, cueing, correcting—that we forget to actually listen.Try this: spend 5–15 minutes moving through your world with your dog in silence.Observe. Notice. Let the quiet speak.Because the quiet moments are where the real communication happens.🔹 Notice How You Move Through SpaceYour presence affects your dog—every time you move, shift, or reach.Leadership starts with noticing, not controlling.So today, just pay attention:How does your dog respond when you walk into a room or step closer?No fixing. No labeling. Just awareness.🔹 Be Curious About What Matters to Your DogIf your dog stops to explore something—go see what it is.Not to redirect. Not to control. Just to witness it with them.That tiny act of curiosity says, “What matters to you, matters to me.”And that’s where mutual relevance—and trust—grow.You don’t need to “do” more training to build a better bond.You need:✨ More silence✨ More noticing✨ More genuine curiosityWhen you change how you show up in the everyday moments, your dog will feel it—and your relationship will grow stronger.So… which one can you try today?Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxoxNEXT STEPS 👣🐾🎉 Missed Bootcamp?You can still catch the replays and learn what calm, confident leadership really looks like to your dog.🦴 Watch or join at: Calm Down, Dog Bootcamp👥 Join our free community!Come hang out with us inside Living Beyond Obedience, my private Facebook group where we talk about leadership, trust, and what it really means to be your dog’s safe place.👉 www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience🎵 Podcast music by Shawn Trotter → shawntrotter.com
142 | What Leadership Looks Like ...To Your Dog (00:18:51)
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 actually means to your dog.Because here’s the thing…Leadership doesn’t look like “being in charge.”It looks like awareness.It looks like calm in uncertainty.It looks like trust you can feel.You’ll hear stories about Gunther (of course 😉) and how real leadership isn’t loud, reactive, or over-commanding — it’s quiet consistency. It’s being the one who notices, who moves first, who says with energy alone, “I’ve got this. You don’t have to worry.”“You don’t have to be louder than your dog.You just have to be calmer than their fear.”This episode is for you if:You’ve been trying to lead but it feels like micromanagingYou’ve ever confused obedience with influenceYou’re ready to show up in a way your dog actually feels safe followingBecause leadership isn’t positional — it’s relational.You don’t earn it through control.You earn it through clarity, consistency, and calm.Hope you enjoy! Please be sure to share! Rate! and Comment! Tracy xoxoxNEXT STEPS 👣🐾🎉 If you’ve been part of the Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp this week — this is the work.You’re already practicing what leadership looks and feels like to your dog.And if you’re just tuning in, it’s not too late.You can still catch the replays, join the conversations, and start showing up in a way your dog truly feels.🦴 Save your spot at beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp🎵 Podcast music by Shawn Trotter → shawntrotter.com
141 | You Think it's Fear-But That's NOT the Problem (00:23:29)
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 sitting quietly in a field turned fear into calm… and how standing tall during a siren helped him regulate through trust instead of redirection.Because here’s the truth:✨ Fear doesn’t need to be fixed. It needs to be felt, seen, and walked through — together.If we rush to correct or distract, we risk missing the very thing our dogs need most: a partner in survival.This episode is for you if:You’ve ever tried to “train away” your dog’s fearYou’re curious about what real emotional safety looks likeYou want to learn how to lead with calm confidence (instead of commands)Hope you enjoy! Be sure to share, rate or comment! Tracy xoxoxNEXT STEPS 👣🐾🎉 Join the Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp — happening October 7–9!Learn the skills to help your dog process fear, build confidence, and feel safe again — without obedience drills or overwhelm.🦴 Save your seat here: beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp🎵 Podcast music by Shawn Trotter → shawntrotter.com
