DiscoverBeyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs
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Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs

Author: Tracy Franken: Retired Vet Tech , Dog Trainer, Dog Lover, Dog Bond Specialist šŸ¾

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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 ā€œprepareā€ yourself to take your dog for a walk around the block?
Hey there! Iā€™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 ā€œjust good dogsā€ I trust to take anywhere. And I am sharing it all here! So put down that leash & let's get to it!
52Ā Episodes
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Hey Dog Lover! šŸ¾ Does your fearful dog struggle with the chaos of the day? The secret to a calmer, more confident dog might be simpler than you think: predictability. Even better, Pattern of Predictability (P.O.P.) This episode explores the power of ā€œbookendingā€ your dogā€™s day with consistent, comforting routines. By creating predictable patterns in the morning and evening, you help protect your dog from overwhelm and set them up for a positive day of learning and exploring. Weā€™ll talk about: Why predictability matters for fearful dogs. How starting and ending the day right can reduce anxiety. Simple steps to build a routine and comfort zone If youā€™re ready to help your dog feel more secure and confident, grab your favourite beverage ā˜• and tune in! ~ Tracy P.S. NEXT STEPS? Join our Living Beyond Obedience Facebook Group (www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience) for free resources and community. Or check out The Fearful Dog Student Community (www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless). šŸ’»āœØ šŸŽ¶ Music Credit: Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for our podcast music! (www.shawntrotter.com)
Hey Dog Lover! šŸ¾ Have you ever wondered what your dog is really saying? Dogs are always having tiny conversationsā€”with us, with other dogs, and even with the world around them. But hereā€™s the catch: knowing when to butt in and when to butt out is key. šŸ¶šŸ’¬ In this episode, we dive into the art of listening to canine conversations and how understanding these subtle cues can make a BIG impact. Did you know that while dogs donā€™t hold grudges, they do remember unfinished business? Taking the time to BE quiet, observe, and say "How interesting!" can transform your relationship with your dog. It reduces the chances of "toothy disagreements" šŸ¦· and deepens the bond between you and your dog as an intentional, observant leader. šŸŒŸ So if you have multiple dogs or even if your dog plays with other dogs and youā€™ve ever wondered, "Is this too much? Should I step in?"ā€”this episode is for you! Grab your favourite beverage ā˜•, and letā€™s get into it. ~ Tracy P.S. Want to learn more? Join us in {free}the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook Group for free resources and community! Or, if you're ready for more support, check out The Fearful Dog Student Community šŸŽ¶ Music Credit: Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for our podcast music! (www.shawntrotter.com)
Hey Dog Lover! šŸ¾ Ever wonder what itā€™s like to live with a whole pack of dogs? In this episode, Iā€™m giving you a peek into my day-to-day, from our feeding rituals šŸ½ļø to the unique personalities šŸ• that make life with a pack so rich and unpredictable. Itā€™s not all sunshine and roses šŸŒžšŸŒ§ļøā€”lately, there have been some "toothy disagreements" between a few of my dogs, and Iā€™ll share what is causing them and the steps Iā€™m taking to keep the peace. Grab a notebook and pen šŸ“ to follow along; Iā€™ll be sharing some good tactics along the way! Enjoy! Share! Review! ā¤ļø Tracy P.S. NEXT STEPS: Join the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience to connect with me and other dog lovers! šŸ¾
Hey Dog Lover! šŸ¾ Do you ever wonder why it feels like more and more dogs are reactive lately? šŸ¤” Or maybe youā€™re dealing with reactivity yourself and wondering if thereā€™s something you missed along the way. In this episode, Iā€™m diving into real questions from reactive dog forums, where we explore why reactivity seems so commonā€”especially in homes with multiple dogs. Iā€™ll share two key insights: what it means for your dogā€™s behaviour if you have other dogs in the house, and whether the big changes during COVID might actually be affecting our dogs more than we realize. Do you think the pandemic played a role in anti-social behaviour? Letā€™s break it down and uncover what might really be going on. Grab your favourite treat for you and your dog, and letā€™s dig into it together! Enjoy!Share! Review! Tracy Next Steps; Join the Free Facebook groupā  Living Beyond Obedienceā  Want to partner with me to help you and your dog? Enroll in ā The Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework.ā 
Hey Dog Lover! šŸ¾Have 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, Iā€™m sharing the key to unlocking your unique relationship style with your dog. Weā€™ll dive into different types of relationshipsā€”whether itā€™s Parent/Child, Partners, Teacher/Student, or even Athlete/Coachā€”and discover what fits you and your dog best. Youā€™ll get simple, thought-provoking questions to guide you in defining and strengthening your bond. If youā€™re ready to deepen your connection with your dog in a way thatā€™s fair, realistic, and empowering, this episode is for you. Lean in, and letā€™s redefine what a meaningful relationship with your dog can be! Next Steps: Join our Free Facebook Community: Living Beyond Obedience šŸ¾ ā€“ A place to connect and grow with fellow dog lovers. Explore The Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework: Learn more here šŸ¾ā¤ļø ā€“ Build a confident, connected bond with your dog. I hope this brings you and your dog closer! šŸ’– Enjoy! Share! Review! (please šŸ’œ)
Hey Dog Lover! šŸ¾ 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 itā€™s absolutely essential for you and your dog. šŸ• Iā€™m sharing my own story of facing pushbackā€”and even bullyingā€”in 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Œ But true leadership? Itā€™s about guiding with confidence, trust, and consistencyā€”not control. šŸ¾šŸ’– And guess what? YOU (not dog training influencers) get to decide your leadership style and qualities of a good Leader. Join me as we redefine what leadership means for dog guardians and why itā€™s the key to a balanced, happy relationship with your dog. šŸ•šŸ¾ Weā€™ll also go through an exercise to help you claim your unique leadership style by creating a personal value list. šŸ“‹ Iā€™ll share my own values and style to inspire you to show up as the calm, confident guide your dog needs. ā¤ļø Next Steps: Ready for more support? šŸ‘‡ Join our Free Facebook Community: Living Beyond Obedience ā€“ a supportive space for dog lovers like you. šŸ¾šŸ¶ Take the Next Step in Your Journey: Check out The Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework here šŸŒ, where we dive deep into building trust and confidence with your dog, step by step. šŸ¾ā¤ļø Letā€™s transform the way you and your dog experience leadershipā€”together! šŸ¾šŸ’– Enjoy! Share And please leave me a comment of review! Talk to you later Tracy
Hey Dog Lover!šŸ¾ Step inside the mind of a fearful dog and discover how they process fear naturally. In todayā€™s episode, Iā€™ll 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, youā€™ll be able to approach training from a place of understanding, helping to reduce frustrations and empower your dog to face challenges with confidence.šŸ’Ŗ This episode offers a sneak peek into the Fearful Dog: Fearless Frameworkā€”perfect for anyone ready to help their dog build lasting resilience. If youā€™re ready to dive deeper, join us in the full Fearless Framework program at www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless I can't wait to walk this journey with you and your dog! Tune in to start helping your dog process fear in a way that feels natural and safe! Enjoy! Share! and Review! Talk later! Tracy
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. Weā€™ll discuss practical strategies, including my favourite mindset trick to help you reframe challenges and support your dog through their most fearful moments. Want to connect with other dog lovers who are navigating similar challenges? Join us in the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook Group for support and guidance: Join Here. For those ready to make real progress, explore the Fearful Dog Program, a complete guide to building confidence in your dog at www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless. Enjoy!, Share! Write a Review! Cheers Tracy
Hey Dog Lover!Do you think your dogā€™s 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, Iā€™m breaking down 5 surprising causes of reactivity that go beyond fear, and Iā€™ll share how you can recognize these behaviours and manage them more effectively. Hereā€™s what weā€™ll cover: Why overstimulation might be overwhelming your dogā€”and how to help them stay calm. The frustration that comes from unmet needs and how to bring more balance into your dogā€™s life. What your dogā€™s territorial instincts are really aboutā€”and why your own energy could be playing a big role. How prey drive might be making your walks more challenging than they need to be. Why sudden changes in behaviour might not be fear, but actually a sign of health issues. Understanding the real cause behind your dogā€™s behaviour is the first step to managing it effectively. Tune in to explore these surprising reasons and learn simple, actionable tips to help your dog stay calm and balanced! šŸŽ§ Hit play now and uncover the truth behind your dogā€™s reactivity. Next Steps: Join the Facebook community to share your experiences Ready for more? Check out my Fearful Dog Online Program
Hey Dog Lover! Ever wonder what it takes to be happy? Happiness can seem elusiveā€”even for us humans! But when I talk to fellow dog lovers dealing with fearful or reactive dogs, I often ask them, ā€œWhatā€™s the number one thing you want for your dog?ā€ The answer is almost always the same: ā€œI just want my dog to be happy.ā€ So what truly makes a dog happy? Spoiler: Itā€™s not their favourite treat or toy! In this episode, weā€™re diving deep into what it really takes to create a confident, joyful dog. Iā€™ll be sharing 3 key strategies that will help you build a stronger bond with your dog, boosting their confidence and trust along the way. Youā€™ll learn: Why leadership matters for a happy dog (and itā€™s not about control). How giving your dog the right kind of freedom can be a game-changer for their confidence. The secret to reinforcing positive behaviours that help your dog feel more secure. These strategies will unlock the secret to a happier, healthier dogā€”no commands required! If youā€™ve been longing to see your dog live their best life, this episode is for you. Hit play now and discover how to create lasting happiness for your dog! NEXT STEPS: Join the Facebook community to share your progress: Ready for more? Check out my Fearful Dog program: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless
Hey Dog Lover! šŸ¾ Is your dog "freaking out" at the window? Tried treats to distract and still nothing? Today, Iā€™m taking you behind the scenes of my thought process on how to decode your dog's barking.(ooohhh scary! šŸ˜³) Weā€™ll 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, Iā€™ll walk you through how to break down the behaviour and be a part of the solution. šŸ• Hope you enjoy this episode! Talk later Tracy P.S. Want more help understanding your fearful dog's behaviour? Consider joining the Fearful Dog Fearless Framework. (www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless) Lots of support and Q&A inside the community. OR Do you want me to help you decode your fearful dog's behaviour? Letā€™s connect! Head over to beyondobedience.ca and sign up for the Canine Chronicles. āœØ
Hey Dog Lover!Feeling like your bond with your fearful dog has been slipping, especially since others in the household arenā€™t following the training rules? If youā€™re worried that inconsistent boundaries are affecting your dog's behaviour and connection with you, youā€™re not alone. In this episode, we tackle the frustration of seeing all your hard work unravel because someone else isnā€™t on the same page. Weā€™ll discuss why this inconsistency is especially tough on fearful dogs and what steps you can take to restore harmony and rebuild the bond with your dogā€”even when you feel like throwing in the towel. But you don't have to do it alone! Are you looking for a supportive group coaching program and an amazing community? Check out my new online program Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework program here: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless We would love to welcome you and your dog to join us! Cheers,Tracy
Hey, my Fellow Dog Lover! Thanksgiving is this Monday for us Canadians, šŸ‡ØšŸ‡¦šŸ¦ƒ So we need to talk about holidays, family and your fearful dog. If youā€™re worried about how your dog will handle all the family and friends' gatherings, this episode is for you. Weā€™ll discuss why ThanksgivingĀ isnā€™tĀ 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 everyone enjoys the holiday stress-free. Tune in for helpful tips, and to all my Canadian dog lovers... Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Talk later Tracy Oh and P.S. Donā€™t forget to join me in The Canine Chronicles at beyondobedience.ca! (wait on the page for the pop up and stay connected) šŸ‡ØšŸ‡¦šŸ¦ƒ
Hey there, dog lover! šŸ¾šŸŽƒ 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 off! (and I will give you some suggestions on how to do that!) I also give you practical tips, like how to create a safe space for your dog during trick-or-treating and how to gently expose them to decorations without overwhelming them. By the end, youā€™ll be ready to help your dog through the spooky season with less stress and more confidence! šŸŽƒšŸ‘» I hope you enjoy this special season episode! Talk to you soon Tracy PS Letā€™s be pen pals! āœ‰ļøšŸ¾ Head over to Beyondobedience.ca and sign up for the Canine Chronicles to stay in touch!
Hey there Dog Lover, Today, weā€™re getting real about why your fearful dog may still be reactive, even after youā€™ve tried all the training tricks in the book. The truth is, itā€™s not just about what your dog is doingā€”itā€™s about mindset, communication, and yes, even the equipment youā€™re using. Hereā€™s what weā€™ll break down: Mindset: Are you focusing on ā€˜fixingā€™ your dog or paying attention to how youā€™re feeling about it? (Spoiler: Your mindset might be the missing key.) Clear communication: Itā€™s not just about what you donā€™t want your dog to doā€”does your dog even know what you want them to do? Equipment: The right tools make all the difference. Are you unknowingly using gear thatā€™s making things worse? Buckle in... I am talking about the controversial reality of dog training equipmentšŸ˜³ Letā€™s figure out whatā€™s really going on and get you and your dog on the path to a calmer, more confident life together. Hope you enjoy it! Let me know your thoughts! Tracy Are we pen pals yet? Be sure to join the Canine Chronicles for more tips and updates at beyondobedience.ca!
Hey there Dog Lover! In this episode, we tackle 5 sneaky actions that might block your dogā€™s confidence and weaken the bond youā€™re trying to build. (Spoiler alert: You might be doing some of them without even realizing it!) From leash pulling to communication mishaps, weā€™ll cover the common mistakes that are holding your dog back. Hereā€™s what weā€™ll 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 about sit and stay, or is your dog picking up on your daily vibes? Yes and no: We can't live in the fantasy world of yes or the dull drum of noā€”balance is everything. Accountability: Do you mean it when you say no? (Your dog might not think so!) Talking too much: Your dogā€™s not your therapist (jk but also for real šŸ˜‰)ā€”less chat, more action! Ready to boost your dogā€™s confidence and strengthen your bond? Youā€™re in the right place. Hope you enjoy! Tracy P.S. Are we pen pals? For more tips and updates, join the Beyond Obedience Canine Chronicles at beyondobedience.ca and letā€™s get your dog living their best life!
Hey dog lover! Have you ever been told that your dog needs to be more social? What if I told you thatā€™s not always the caseā€”especially 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 Iā€™ll explain why being "social" isnā€™t the ideal goal for your dog, and what you should be aiming for instead. Weā€™ll explore the differences between social, a-social, anti-social, and pro-social behavior, and why pro-social is what you really want. By the end of this episode, youā€™ll have a clearer understanding of how to support your fearful dog and encourage healthier interactions. And if you want to dive even deeper, my Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework program is now open for enrollment! This course will help you build your dog's confidence and sharpen your communication skills, so you can guide them through fear and foster trust without relying on traditional training methods. Not sure if this program is the right fit for you and your dog? Reach out, and we can chat to find out together! To learn more, head over to beyondobedience.ca/fearless. Enjoy! Please be sure to share and if you haven't already please leave a comment (Spotify) or 5 Start written review on Apple It really does make a difference! See you next week! Tracy
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, Iā€™m 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. Iā€™ll explain the dynamics between you and your dog and when it's important to take the lead. Youā€™ll learn how your position on the leash impacts your fearful dogā€™s ability to handle perceived threats and why being in the right spot is crucial. Discover how positioning yourself "in-between" can help build your dog's confidence and allow you to guide them through tough situations. And If you would like to explore this topic further with me by your side, then Iā€™ve got great news! The Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework is now open for enrollment. In this program, weā€™ll dive deep into building your dog's confidence and developing your communication skillsā€”without relying on traditional training methods. Youā€™ll learn how to guide your dog through fear, rebuild trust, and create lasting change in both your mindset and your dog's behavior. To get all the details and join me, head over to beyondobedience.ca/fearless. See you Thursday! (oh yeah! we are also going to hang out 2x/week now! yay!šŸŽ‰) Tracy
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 thinkā€”and how it can make a real difference in your relationship with your dog. Enjoy! Tracy PS: The Calm Down, Dog! BootCamp was amazing, and I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined! If you missed it and want more info about the new and improved Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework program, it's now open for enrollment! If youā€™re struggling with a fearful or reactive dog and looking for a solution that goes beyond traditional training methods, (some might say Beyond Obedience šŸ˜‰) this program is for you. Visit www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless to learn more.
Hey dog lover! Is your dog trapped in a cycle of fear? In todayā€™s 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 more fearless life! Also! It's not too late to join us in the CALM DOWN, DOG! BOOTCAMP! Happening Sept 9th and 10th at 12pm ET Sign up today, www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp (Don't worry there will be replays if you can't make it live) Cheers, Tracy
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