Episodios

  • 127 | Leadership Isn't Loud: Why Quiet Confidence Works
    Aug 18 2025

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾
    Have you ever felt like you’re just not the “leader type”?
    Maybe you’re not loud enough. Not confident enough. Not “trainer-y” enough.

    Here’s the tail-wagging truth:
    You don’t need to be loud. You don’t need to be dominant.
    You just need to be clear. Calm. Trustworthy.

    In this episode, we’re redefining leadership—not as something you do, but something you be.
    Because your dog isn’t looking for perfection... they’re looking for someone who won’t crumble when things get messy.

    Inside this episode:
    🐾 Why “loud” doesn’t equal “leader” (and what actually builds trust)
    🐾 What calm, quiet confidence really looks like—plus stories of Wellington and Nigel
    🐾 How to use The Leadership Score Card™ to guide—not control—your dog
    🐾 Why quiet, observant people often make the best leaders
    🐾 And how to stop second-guessing and start showing up with grounded clarity

    Your dog doesn’t need a boss. They need a guide.
    This is your invitation to step into that role—with steadiness, not shouting.

    Hope you enjoy this episode. Be sure to rate, share and leave a comment!

    Tracy

    NEXT STEP 🐾👣
    If you're ready to take this whole living in harmony with your dog on a whole new level then you have to be inside:

    The Fearless Framework, a 3-step process to build trust and confidence in both you and your dog.
    💛 Learn how your dog learns
    💛 Build calm routines that rebuild trust
    💛 And walk through the world together—without bribes, tools, or overthinking.

    Let's do this thing together!

    Special thanks to Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com for the music 🎶



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    33 m
  • 126 | Your Dog Isn't a Fur Baby- But You are Still A Parent
    Aug 14 2025

    Hey Dog Lover! 🐾

    Okay… so I don’t love the term “fur baby.” 🙃
    But you know what? If you’re showing up, leading, loving, and learning alongside your dog—you are still parenting. Just not in the “let’s dress up for brunch” kind of way.

    In this episode, I’m sharing a story about the time a parenting coach absolutely went off on me for suggesting that dog leadership and parenting might have something in common. Spoiler alert: her own story accidentally proved my point.

    We’ll talk about:

    • Why “pet parenting” gets a bad rap (and how to do it better)

    • The 5 principles of parenting (from expert Dr. Aliza Pressman) that directly apply to dogs

    • How to lead your dog without dominating—or disappearing

    • Why repair matters more than perfection (yep, even with your dog)

    This one isn’t about raising “obedient” dogs—it’s about becoming the person your dog feels safe to follow.

    • “Am I messing this up?”

    • “Will my dog ever forgive me?”

    • “Why is this SO hard sometimes?”

    Then press play. You’re not alone—and you’re doing better than you think.

    Come check out the Fearless Framework—the relationship-first way to lead your fearful or reactive dog with heart, not just habits.
    Hope you enjoy this one!

    Tracy

    Be sure to like, share and rate the show!

    NEXT STEPS 👣🐾

    Join the Free Facebook Group Living Beyond Obedience for a like-minded fun community!


    Ready to take this dog thing to the next level?

    Join the Fearless Framework Student Community. Learn how to reach your dog so that everything else gets easier!


    Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the music. 🎶


    Links:

    Mels Robbins Episode with an interview with Dr Aliza Pressman

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    25 m
  • 125 | Feeling Exhausted: Having a Dog Isn’t Supposed to Be This Much Work
    Aug 11 2025

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾

    You love your dog.
    But if you're feeling frustrated, short-tempered, or just plain tired—this episode is for you.

    Because here’s the truth:
    You were told to train more. Socialize more. Enrich more.
    But what happens when you don’t have anything more to give?

    If having a dog is starting to feel like a full-time job... how interesting.

    In this episode, we explore why the relationship might feel heavier than it should:

    • Why constant cueing means you’re always leading the dance (and that’s exhausting)

    • How micromanaging your dog signals a lack of trust

    • Why bribery might feel like connection—but isn’t

    • And how over-correcting chips away at your dog’s confidence and your own

    This isn’t about trying harder.
    It’s about trying differently.

    Let’s trade control for connection.
    Let’s shift from obedience to leadership.
    And let’s build a relationship that feels sustainable—for both of you.

    Hope you enjoy this episode. Be sure to leave a rating, review, or a comment to let me know you're enjoying this.

    NEXT STEPS 🐾👣
    If you’re ready to stop micromanaging and start mentoring
    The Fearless Framework helps you:
    🐾 Build a relationship rooted in trust, not transactions
    🐾 Let go of constant correcting and managing
    🐾 Lead with calm, confident clarity—without burning out

    Learn more: beyond-obedience.thrivecart.com/fearless

    Special thanks to music composer Shawn Trotter at shawntrotter.com


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    23 m
  • 124 | Help A Fearful Dog Out. Don't Make it Weird
    Aug 7 2025

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾

    You see a scared dog—and your heart jumps in to help.
    So you crouch down, soften your voice, toss out a “hi sweetie”… and maybe even offer a little face-level fist bump of encouragement.

    You know... "smell my hand, I am a good person"

    And yet... the dog shrinks back even more.
    Yikes.

    Here’s the truth:
    When dogs are feeling uncertain, we often get weird. We shrink ourselves, change our energy, or turn into a Disney side character trying to soothe a fear that actually needs leadership, not pity.

    This episode is your reminder that being calm, clear, and normal is often the best thing you can offer a fearful dog.

    We’ll unpack:

    • Why your tone, posture, and energy matter more than your words

    • How well-meaning “comforting” behaviours can actually confuse and pressure your dog

    • What dogs really need in moments of uncertainty (hint: not a squeaky-voiced cheerleader)

    • How to show up as steady—instead of shrinking down

    When in doubt, don’t overdo it. Don’t over-emote.
    Just lead. And don’t make it weird.

    Hope you enjoy this episode. Be sure to leave a rating, review, or a comment to let me know you're enjoying this.

    NEXT STEPS 🐾👣
    Want to know how to respond in a way that builds trust—even in hard moments?
    Inside the Fearless Framework, you'll learn how to:
    🐾 Read your dog’s signals without second-guessing
    🐾 Build calm confidence without coddling
    🐾 Lead in a way that feels safe—for both of you

    Join us at: beyond-obedience.thrivecart.com/fearless

    Special thanks to music composer Shawn Trotter at shawntrotter.com


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    28 m
  • 123 | When Your Dog Training Isn’t Working: 3 Signs It’s Not a Training Problem

    Aug 4 2025

    Hey Dog Lover,🐾

    If you’ve ever looked at your dog and thought, “But you know this… why aren’t you doing it?” — I see you. And I promise, you’re not alone.

    In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s really going on when your training isn’t landing—and why it might not be about training at all. 🤯

    We’ll unpack 3 signs that your dog’s behaviour has less to do with disobedience and everything to do with trust, leadership, and nervous system overwhelm.

    Here’s what we dig into:

    • Why your dog knows it—but doesn’t do it when it counts

    • How treat-bribing and over-cueing can quietly erode trust

    • What your dog needs instead of more reps or louder commands

    We’ll also talk about that “I feel like a treat-dispensing robot” vibe—because the goal isn’t constant managing. The goal is calm, connected leadership that actually works in real life.

    💭 What if it’s not about getting your dog to listen louder… but helping them feel safer to follow?

    Let’s get curious (you know I love a good “How interesting!” moment), and gently shift from control to connection—one paw print at a time.

    Hope you enjoy this one,
    Tracy 🐾
    Be the reason and the reward in your dog’s life.


    NEXT STEPS 🐾👣

    Are you inside our free Facebook community?
    Come join us in Living Beyond Obedience—where we talk all things trust, relevance, and relationship-first dog life.
    www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience

    🐾 Ready to Do This Thing?

    If you're tired of doing all the things and still not seeing the shift...
    Let's make living with your dog so much easier.
    Join Fearless Framework—and build lasting confidence for you and your dog!
    www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless

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    17 m
  • 122 | The Answers to Questions You Never Asked: Helping a Fearful Dog Trust Again
    Jul 31 2025

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾
    What if your biggest goal right now wasn’t “get the dog outside”—
    but build enough trust that they want to go with you?

    In this episode, I share a real-life story from one of our new Facebook group members: Wendy, whose 6-month-old shelter pup is afraid to even step outside.
    No walks. No potty. Just pads and a whole lot of uncertainty.

    Sound familiar?

    Here’s the truth:
    Fearful dogs don’t need to be forced into bravery.
    They need someone to believe in first.

    We’ll explore:

    • Why trust is more important than “getting outside”

    • The power of daily patterns to calm a nervous system

    • How to stop pushing and start following your dog’s curiosity

    • What “BE With” looks like in real life

    • Why comfort zones aren’t a problem—they’re a starting point

    This isn’t about “training through fear.”
    It’s about becoming someone your dog can lean into, not away from.

    Hope You Enjoy This One!

    Cheers

    Tracy

    🐕 Next Steps:

    If your dog shuts down, resists going outside, or just doesn’t feel safe in the world yet—this is exactly why I created the Fearless Framework.

    Inside, you’ll learn how to:
    ✅ Break the fear cycle
    ✅ Build real trust (before asking for more)
    ✅ Create a calm, predictable rhythm
    ✅ Go from “potty pad only” to peaceful, connected walks

    🎉 This isn’t obedience.
    It’s the foundation for everything that comes after.

    👉 beyond-obedience.thrivecart.com/fearless


    Special Thanks:

    🎵 Music by Shawn Trotter


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    27 m
  • 121 | He’s Just Not That Into You (Yet): Why Your Dog Ignores You
    Jul 28 2025

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾
    Ever feel like you’re head-over-heels for your dog… but the feeling’s not exactly mutual?

    You’re bringing the snacks, the snuggles, the “who’s a good boy” energy—and he’s over there sniffing dirt like you don’t even exist.
    Yeah. We’ve all been there.

    This episode is your loving-but-honest wake-up call:
    If your dog only checks in for treats, ghosts you in new places, or forgets you exist on walks—it’s not because they don’t love you. It’s because they’re not into you… yet.

    We’ll cover:

    • Why dogs aren't loyal to feelings—they're loyal to experiences

    • The “He’s Just Not That Into You” dating metaphor that explains so much

    • How to stop begging for attention and start earning curiosity

    • The “Play Hard to Get” strategy to make yourself magnetic again

    • How connection → curiosity → leadership (in that order)

    This isn’t about obedience.
    It’s about relevance.
    And it starts with you becoming the most interesting thing in your dog’s world.

    Hope you enjoy!

    Tracy

    P.S.

    Next Steps 🐶

    Want your dog to want to be with you—even when life is distracting?
    Inside the Fearless Framework, you’ll learn how to:

    ✅ Build relationship-driven relevance that sticks
    ✅ Flip “meh” into “wow” using curiosity-based strategies
    ✅ Guide your dog’s focus—without begging, bribing, or barking
    ✅ Become someone your dog chooses to follow, even in hard places

    No more chasing. No more clinging.
    Just a calm, confident connection that changes everything.


    Special Thanks:

    🎵 Music by Shawn Trotter

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    31 m
  • 120 | Vet Visits Hit Different: Your Dog's Worst Day
    Jul 24 2025

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾
    Does your dog panic the moment you pull into the vet clinic parking lot?
    Do you start sweating before the car's even in park?

    Vet visits with a fearful or reactive dog can feel like emotional combat.
    You’re doing your best—but somehow it still ends in trembling, barking, and that deep, gnawing feeling: “Why is this so hard?”

    Here’s the truth no one tells you:
    You’re not failing.
    Your dog’s not broken.
    You’re just both navigating a world that doesn’t understand how safety is built.

    In this episode, we’ll unpack:

    • Why vet visits overload your dog’s nervous system

    • How trauma sticks—and shows up in places you least expect

    • What calm leadership actually looks like in the chaos

    • A practical survival guide for tough vet days

    • A story of one very shaky car ride (and the lessons it taught me)

    If you’ve ever wished the vet visit could just be less dramatic, this episode is your go-to plan for calm, clarity, and connection—even in the hard stuff.


    Hope You Enjoy!

    Tracy

    Next Steps 🐾

    If your dog spirals at the vet—and you spiral right along with them—you don’t need more treats. You need a better way to lead.

    Inside the Fearless Framework, you’ll learn how to:

    • Build trust before the crisis hits

    • Handle high-stress moments without shutting down

    • Walk into the clinic like you’ve got a plan (because you do)

    • Be the calm in the chaos—even when your dog is losing it

    This isn’t about “fixing” your dog.
    It’s about becoming someone they can follow through the hardest stuff.

    Come and be a part of an incredible community of dog lovers like you! I can't wait to start this journey with you.

    SPECIAL THANKS:

    🎵 Music by Shawn Trotter


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    32 m