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!
60Ā Episodes
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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
Hey Dog Lover! Feeling stuck or overwhelmed when it comes to helping your fearful dog? Maybe youā€™re caught in the loop of what not to do, or youā€™ve tried New Yearā€™s resolutions in the past that never really stuck. Itā€™s frustrating, isnā€™t it? But hereā€™s the good news: change is possible, and it starts with setting clear, meaningful goals. In this episode, Iā€™ll walk you through:1ļøāƒ£ Why goal setting is better than New Yearā€™s resolutions.2ļøāƒ£ How to choose a word of the year to guide your journey.3ļøāƒ£ Setting a big goal and breaking it into smaller, actionable steps.4ļøāƒ£ The final step: Who do you need to BE to help your dog thrive? You donā€™t have to stay stuck. Letā€™s make this the year you and your dog take steps forwardā€”together. Enjoy,Tracy šŸ’¬ Comment, review, and share this episode with your dog-loving friends! P.S. Ready to take the next step?šŸŽ‰ Join my Fearful Dog program: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearlessšŸ’Œ Connect in my free Facebook group: Living Beyond Obedience Music credit: Shawn Trotter (www.shawntrotter.com)
Hey Dog Lover! Iā€™m super excited to share the mic with my daughter Paisley for this episode! Weā€™re diving into a big question sparking debate in the dog training world: Why are dogs so timid these days? Paisley takes us back to simpler times, sharing what it was like growing up with dogs and how attitudes toward them have changed over the years. And, we explore the finger-pointing and blame game happening in dog trainer forumsā€”bad breeders, the "rescue all" mentality, and, of course, YOU, the dog lover. But hereā€™s the thing: I believe the real issue runs deeper. From polarized trainer advice to owners feeling lost and overwhelmed, we unpack how todayā€™s dog training culture may be creating more confusion than solutions. šŸŽ§ Join us for a candid, heartfelt conversation about whatā€™s really going onā€”and how we can all do better for our dogs. Tracy P.S. Comment/Share/ Review! šŸ’œ Next Steps: Explore The Fearful Dog program: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless Join my free Facebook community: www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience šŸŽ¶ Music credit: Shawn Trotter (www.shawntrotter.com).
Hey there fellow Dog Lover! šŸ¾ Winter is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and reset. You and your dog can use this soft quiet time to simplify, reconnect, and build a strong foundation for the journey ahead. In this episode, we will discuss The Winter Reset: 3 Steps to Simplify Your Life with Your Dog. Together, weā€™ll explore:1ļøāƒ£ Why winter is the ideal time to slow down and reset.2ļøāƒ£ Simple strategies to clear up confusion and strengthen your bond.3ļøāƒ£ How to embrace this season as a time of reflection and renewal for both you and your dog. Ready to Reset? Jump into this episode! Like/Review & Share! ā™„ļø Tracy PS Ready to take the next step?šŸŒŸ Join The Fearful Dog program and start building your dogā€™s confidence today: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearlessšŸŒŸ Connect with like-minded dog lovers in the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook community: šŸŽµ Music Credit: Shawn Trotter www.shawntrotter.com
Hey Dog Lover!Ā šŸ¾ Have you ever had one of those days? You know, the kind where nothing goes right, and everything just seems to get worse? Sometimes, our dogs have the same kind of days. In this episode, weā€™ll explore how layered stress worksā€”how triggers can stack and push your fearful dog closer to their bite threshold. Youā€™ll learn:āœØ Why stressors build up and what that means for your dogāœØ How to recognize when your dogā€™s stress is piling upāœØ Simple strategies to bring your dog back to their comfort zone and help them decompress By understanding layered stress, you can help your dog stay calm and avoid those overwhelming moments. So let's take a look at how we can be a good advocate for our dogs on those crazy days when nothing is going right šŸ’• Next Steps:šŸ¶ Join our free community for more tips and support:Ā www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObediencešŸ¾ Ready for a deeper dive? Become part of the student community:Ā www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless Music Credits:šŸŽµ Music by Shawn Trotter. Check out his amazing work atĀ www.shawntrotter.com.
Hey Dog Lover!Ā šŸ¾ Have you ever wondered when to move forward with your fearful dog or when to give them space? If so, this episode is for you! šŸŽ™ļø Weā€™re diving into why avoiding triggers isnā€™t the answer and how to help your dog move past them. Youā€™ll discover how to:āœØ Build trust so your dog feels safe with youāœØ Test progress with curiosity (not shame!) using ā€œHow Interestingā€ momentsāœØ Gradually expose your dog to triggers to build lasting confidence Itā€™s time to stop avoiding and start thrivingā€”both for you and your dog! šŸ’• Next Steps:šŸ¶ Join our free community for more tips and support:Ā www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObediencešŸ¾ Ready for a deeper dive? Become part of the student community:Ā www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless Music Credits:šŸŽµ Music by Shawn Trotter. Check out his amazing work atĀ www.shawntrotter.com.
Hey Dog Lover!Today Iā€™m sharing one of my favourite tools for raising awareness about your relationship with your dog: The Leadership Scorecard. Itā€™s all about understanding the subtle ā€œcanine conversationsā€ happening every day between you and your dog and how they shape your bond. Whether itā€™s about who gets the couch or whoā€™s leading the walk, every interaction matters. If you want to share your life (and your furniture!) with your dog while being a positive influence, you need to understand what this ā€œscorecardā€ reveals about your relationship. šŸŽ§ Grab your headphones and get ready for some deep insights into leadership, communication, and how to take your connection with your dog to the next level. āœØ Reminder: Black Friday Flash Sale! āœØFrom Nov 25-29th, use coupon code PODCAST to save $50 on The Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework program. Join now and step into our incredible community just in time for our December Christmas Zoom Party! šŸŽµ Music Credit: Shawn Trotter ā€“ www.shawntrotter.com
Hey Dog Lover!Do you ever feel like youā€™re battling the same struggles with your dog over and over? From feeling overwhelmed by your dog's behaviour to wondering if youā€™ll ever see real progress, itā€™s easy to feel stuck and isolated. But what if the missing piece wasnā€™t another training tipā€”but a supportive community of people who truly get it? In this episode, Iā€™m sharing 6 powerful reasons why being part of a like-minded community is a game-changer for both you and your dog. From real breakthroughs to heartfelt wins, Iā€™ll show you how the right group can help you through challenges and give you confidence, consistency, and encouragement. Imagine starting 2025 with a fresh outlook, a supportive community by your side, and the tools you need to finally see results. This could be the new beginning youā€™ve been searching for. šŸŽ§ Grab your headphones -you donā€™t want to miss this one! Oh, even better news... āœØ Black Friday Flash Sale! āœØFrom Nov 25-29th, use coupon code PODCAST at check out to save $50 when you enroll in The Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework program. Join this week, grab the discount, and step into our incredible communityā€”just in time for our December Christmas Zoom Party, featuring live video analysis, celebration, and holiday cheer! šŸŽ„šŸ¾ Donā€™t waitā€”this offer ends Nov 29th! Next Steps: Enroll Now: www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless šŸŽµ Music Credit: Shawn Trotter ā€“ 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!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!
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