Welcome to Beyond Obedience The Podcast, where we delve into the art of fostering a beautiful bond with your dog that transcends mere obedience and rehabilitation. Explore a transformative journey in dog companionship where your dog is the true expert. Unleash the potential for fun and creativity in your life with your dog. We will be sharing stories and interviews as well as giving helpful actionable tips to dog lovers to build a bond with your dog that goes beyond obedience. (see what I did there?) This isn't your average dog training podcast, this is Beyond Obedience.
Hey Dog Lover!
Hey dog lover,You know those moments where your dog reacts out of nowhere? One second everything feels calm… and the next—boom. Barking, lunging, pacing, chaos. It's confusing, frustrating, and sometimes downright scary.But here's the truth: those moments are never as random as they seem.In this episode, we're unpacking:Why those “hold your breath” moments matterHow stress stacks up—sometimes silentlyWhy dogs remember unfinished conversationsAnd what you can do to interrupt the spiral without panic or punishmentThis is a must-listen if you're navigating unpredictable behavior, multi-dog dynamics, or just trying to be a better leader for your reactive or sensitive pup.Hope you enjoy! Tracy
Hey Dog Lover!In this very special 100th episode, Paisley and I are reflecting on the journey—how this podcast went from a final message to a full-blown mission. We're celebrating the episodes you loved most, sharing powerful stories from our incredible community, and giving you a peek behind the scenes at what's next for the Fearless Framework.If you've ever felt like you're walking through the world with a misunderstood dog and just want to get it right—this episode is for you.Here's what we dig into:The top 5 most-downloaded episodes and why they resonatedReal-life testimonials from fellow dog lovers (get your tissues ready)Why the Dogonality Quiz is such a game-changerHow we're upleveling the Fearless Framework and building a movement rooted in leadership, calm, and connectionAnd yep… that one time I got kicked in the face
Hey Dog Lover,What happens when we stop trying to “fix” our dog — and start asking who they truly are?In this episode, I sit down with Heather to talk about her incredible journey with Geordie — a dog she once believed she'd never truly connect with. Together, we explore what it means to see the world through your dog's eyes, to lead with emotional reliability, and to step into a quiet, shared language of partnership.Heather reflects on:
Hey dog lover!Okay, so here's the deal…You've done the training. Your dog knows the cues.And yet… every walk feels like a strategy session, every outing ends in stress, and you're still left wondering, “Why isn't this working?”If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.In today's chat, I'm walking you through three signs that the real issue isn't obedience—it's something deeper. We'll unpack why your dog might be better off-leash than on, what your exhaustion is trying to tell you, and how to stop micromanaging and start leading in a way that actually feels good for both of you.And of course, I'll share what you can do to turn things around—without adding more training to your already overflowing plate.Let's trade pressure for partnership.Let's build trust instead of managing behaviour.Let's get curious (and maybe say “how interesting!” once or twice
Hey there Dog Lover!
Hey dog lover
Hey dog lover!
Hey Dog Lover,Apollo wasn't the easiest dog to live with. He had a massive prey drive, a fearless attitude, and a knack for chaos — and honestly, there were days I didn't even like him.But behind all that intensity… was one of the most fiercely loyal, deeply devoted dogs I've ever known.In this episode, I'm telling the story of Apollo — the dog who made me question everything I thought I knew about leadership, love, and what it means to accept the whole dog, not just the easy parts.We'll explore:
Hey dog lover!
Hey Dog Lover,What do you do when your dog couldn't care less that you exist?Jayce was one of the most confident, independent dogs I've ever worked with — and for the first few days we lived together, I was just the dope at the end of the leash. He didn't want my attention, my approval, or my connection.But one weird little moment — involving a frog and a puddle — shifted everything.In this episode, I'm sharing the full story of my time with Jayce and the powerful lesson he taught me about relevance, leadership, and the quiet magic that happens when we stop trying to matter… and start showing up.You'll hear:
Hey Dog Lover,If you've ever wondered, “Why isn't my dog listening?” or felt like you're doing all the right things but still struggling to connect—this episode is for you.Because treats and tricks can only take you so far. The leadership style your dog really needs isn't about obedience cues or bribery. It's about trust, relevance, and understanding who they are at their core.And that's where your dog's Dogonality comes in.In this episode, I'm breaking down how to lead your dog based on their unique personality—without treats or gimmicks—just trust, understanding, and a whole lot of love. You'll learn:
Hey Dog Lover,Have you ever looked at your dog and thought, “Why are you doing that?” Maybe they freeze, ignore you, or even react in ways that leave you feeling frustrated or confused. It's easy to assume they're being stubborn, ignoring you, or just plain difficult. But what if it's none of those things?What if it's a misunderstanding?In this episode, I'm sharing the 3 most common signs that you might be misunderstanding your dog—and how a simple shift in perspective can change everything. We'll talk about:
Hey Dog Lover!
Hey Dog Lover!Ever feel like your dog is straight-up ignoring you? You call their name, and they keep sniffing. You ask them to sit, and they stare off into the distance. Frustrating, right? But what if the problem isn't that they're ignoring you… what if it's that you're ignoring who they really are?In this episode, we're diving deep into how understanding your dog's unique personality is the key to better communication and a stronger bond. Because once you know why your dog behaves the way they do, you can stop fighting against their instincts and start working with them.We'll explore:
Hey Dog Lover~ Got dog behavior questions? We've got answers!
Hey Dog Lover,“Sit!” It's the go-to command, the first thing we teach our dogs, the magic word that's supposed to mean they're well-behaved and under control. But have you ever stopped to ask why we make our dogs sit in certain situations?What if, in some cases, asking your dog to sit is actually making them feel more insecure?Today, we're diving into why obedience isn't always the answer—and how sometimes, the very thing we think is helping is actually working against our dogs.In this episode, we'll talk about:Why obedience should serve a purpose—not just be about compliance.How forcing a sit in uncomfortable situations might be making your dog feel more trapped.The way a leash can interfere with your dog's natural communication.What to do instead—so your dog feels safe, understood, and supported.Next time you instinctively tell your dog to sit, take a moment and ask yourself why. Are you helping your dog feel more secure, or are you unknowingly making them more vulnerable?Let's shift the way we think about obedience—because a “good dog” isn't just an obedient one, but a confident one.See you inside the episode!
Hey Dog Lover,Does the thought of having guests over send you into a panic—not because of your guests, but because of your dog? Maybe they bark like a maniac, hide under the table, or pace like they're planning an escape route. Sound familiar? You're not alone.Let's talk about what we can do to set our dog up for success and actually enjoy having friends over again. In this episode, we'll dive into:Why dogs struggle with house guests (hint: it's not just “stranger danger”).How to set your dog up for success before guests arrive.The do's and don'ts of first greetings (spoiler: no talking, no forcing, just space!).What to do if your dog freaks out when a guest stands up.How to build your dog's confidence over time so they don't just tolerate guests, but actually feel safe around them.This approach is part of my Build Your Brave Protocols inside the Fearful Dog Fearless Framework program. When you join, we can create a step-by-step plan specifically for your dog and your home—because no two dogs are the same!So take a deep breath, and let's talk about how to make having guests over a whole lot less stressful—for both of you.See you inside the episode!
Hey Dog Lover~Spring break is here, and while you're planning your getaway, your dog might not be as excited about the change!
Hey Dog Lover,Some people say, “Never let your dog on the couch—it'll ruin your leadership!”Others say, “My dog is my baby! Of course, they're on the furniture!”Me? I say, have your cake and eat it too!
Hey Dog Lover,We love putting labels on things—especially our dogs. She's dominant. He's stubborn. She's independent. He's needy. But here's the thing: those labels don't tell the whole story. They carry all of our preconceived ideas about what our dog is rather than allowing us to see their behaviour for what it truly is—just information.Behaviour isn't a fixed personality trait; it's a response to the environment, experiences, and emotions. It's how your dog communicates what's going on inside.Is your dog really “stubborn,” or do they just not understand what's being asked?Are they actually “nervous,” or have they just learned that the world can be unpredictable?Could they be more confident and adaptable than you ever imagined?In this episode, we're breaking down how to look past the labels and start seeing behaviour as a window into your dog's experience. Because when you stop defining your dog by their reactions and start understanding why they behave the way they do, everything changes.And guess what? I have something exciting coming soon! I'm working on the Dogonalities Quiz—a fun and insightful way to help you better understand your dog's unique way of interacting with the world. Stay tuned!
Hey Dog Lover!Ever feel like your dog has selective hearing? You ask them to “come,” “sit,” or “leave it,” and they look at you like you're speaking another language (spoiler: you kinda are!). The truth is, words often muddy the waters when it comes to communicating with your dog.In this episode, we're breaking down why talking less actually helps your dog understand you more. You'll learn:
Hey, Dog Lover!If you're living with a fearful dog, you know how tough it can be. You're doing your best, but sometimes it feels like no matter what you try, your dog is still anxious, reactive, or struggling to feel safe. What if some of the things you've been told to do… are actually making life harder?In this episode, we're breaking down the top mistakes dog owners make when living with a fearful dog—and, more importantly, what to do instead.
Hey Dog Lover! I'll be real with you—I seriously considered cancelling next week's Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp. With everything happening in the world, Everything just feels so heavy right now. I wondered, Is this even the right time? But then I realized… that's exactly why this needs to happen. We need to connect more than ever over our shared love of dogs now! Because if you're anything like me, you've probably felt:
Hey fellow dog lover!
Hey Dog Lover! Ever feel like your dog just isn't listening fast enough? Or maybe they hesitate, and you're tempted to push them along, because you know they know...you know? In this episode, we're diving into The Power of the Pause and why giving your dog space to process their world can make all the difference. Whether you have a fearful pup or just want to strengthen your bond, this simple but powerful technique is a game-changer.
Hey fellow dog lover!
Hey fellow dog lover!
Hey, fellow dog lover!
Hey fellow dog lover! Are you ready to kick off the new year with fresh energy and a renewed sense of calm for you and your dog?
Hey fellow dog lover!
Hey there Dog Lover! I hope you are enjoying a little rest and renewal during the holidays. This is just a little note of appreciation for you. Thank you for being a part of my life. Here in Canada, it's BOXING DAY, so I wouldn't be Canadian if I didn't offer a Boxing Day deal on the Fearful Dog Fearless Framework Online Program and Community. So if it's on your heart to join our amazing community here's a chance! Grab your spot! www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless Add Coupon Code BOXINGDAY at checkout for $50 off!
Hey there friend! This is just a quick note of gratitude for YOU. Words can't portray how much I appreciate you. Thank you for being here, and helping me through a tough time. Thank you for allowing me to share my journey and for sharing yours. Thank you to your dog. Your dog is the reason we have met. And I am so grateful for that! So here's to you. And your dog. Much love to you both. (all) ❤️ Here's to an incredible 2025 together! T
Hey Dog Lover! Feeling stuck or overwhelmed when it comes to helping your fearful dog? Maybe you're caught in the loop of what not to do, or you've tried New Year's resolutions in the past that never really stuck. It's frustrating, isn't it? But here's the good news: change is possible, and it starts with setting clear, meaningful goals. In this episode, I'll walk you through:1️⃣ Why goal setting is better than New Year's resolutions.2️⃣ How to choose a word of the year to guide your journey.3️⃣ Setting a big goal and breaking it into smaller, actionable steps.4️⃣ The final step: Who do you need to BE to help your dog thrive? You don't have to stay stuck. Let's make this the year you and your dog take steps forward—together. Enjoy,Tracy
Hey Dog Lover! I'm super excited to share the mic with my daughter Paisley for this episode! We'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 forums—bad breeders, the "rescue all" mentality, and, of course, YOU, the dog lover. But here's the thing: I believe the real issue runs deeper. From polarized trainer advice to owners feeling lost and overwhelmed, we unpack how today's dog training culture may be creating more confusion than solutions.
Hey there Dog Lover!