Podcasts about brilliant partners academy

In today's heartwarming episode, we dive into the essence of consent and freedom in our relationship with our dogs. Reflecting on a coaching session from the Brilliant Partners Academy, we discuss how reimagining our approach towards dogs can build a deep-rooted trust and a cooperative partnership.    Many of our dogs face anxiety at the vet and with difficult caregiving procedures, and this episode provides insights on handling those situations. The conversation revolves around allowing our dogs to have the agency of choice, creating an environment where they feel seen and heard. We unravel what it means to put on our ‘professional hat', emphasizing a drama-free approach, ensuring our dogs know we have their backs.    Peppered with personal anecdotes about Kathy's dog, Sue, and the importance of reading our dog's small gestures, this episode will resonate deeply with every dog mom. It's about listening, understanding, and evolving our bond with our dogs.   3 key takeaways:   Granting dogs the freedom of choice enhances trust and cooperation in the relationship. Stepping into a professional, no-drama role helps our dogs feel secure and supported. Recognizing and valuing the micro-moments of consent can have profound effects on our bond with our dogs.   Quotes:   "Allowing our dogs the freedom and agency to give consent helps foster a deep trust and willing cooperation."   "It's the intention of listening that matters. Showing our dogs that we truly hear them is what creates the level of trust needed for our dogs to give their consent."   "Those little moments where I allow my dog the freedom to give her consent are why she's so cooperative. It's my intention she responds to more than anything."   LOVE TO LEARN MORE?  Become a calm and confident Dog Mom with a cooperative, happy dog ... without obedience training, or relying on treats or arousing games, or corrections of any type.    Here are some next steps:   SUBSCRIBE to Kathy's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DancingHeartsDogAcademy/videos   LISTEN or READ Kathy's Podcast and Blog on her Website: https://dancingheartsdogacademy.com/   GET STARTED work with Kathy: https://dancinghearts.link/foundation   LET'S CONNECT on the socials for more partnership tips and advice: -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancinghearts/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathykawalec/   LISTEN TO PODCASTS: Subscribe to the Enlightened By Dogs podcast in your favorite app! Don't forget to leave us a rating and review – it would make Kathy very happy!   Subscribe on  Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/dancinghearts/

In this episode of the "Enlightened by Dogs" podcast, Kathy sheds light on what might be keeping us from having that trusting, heart-to-heart connection with our dogs. Often, without realizing it, we may be building walls between ourselves and our dogs, in spite of our true intentions.   Being stuck in our heads, worrying, or fearing mistakes can hinder the genuine connection that we crave. Kathy emphasizes the importance of being present, avoiding the busy-ness trap, and understanding our unintentional addiction to drama. Inspired by insights from her Brilliant Partners Academy, Kathy shares stories of dog moms who discovered the magic that unfolds when they shift their focus from overthinking to being present and open hearted.    Listen in as Kathy urges us to re-evaluate our habits, breathe through challenges, and embrace the true essence of partnership with our dogs.   Key Takeaways:   Building a heart-to-heart connection with our dogs often begins by fostering a similar connection with ourselves. Our own habits, including overthinking, excessive worrying, and keeping ourselves and our dogs too busy, can prevent deeper bonding. By recognizing and adjusting these patterns, we can pave the way for a more harmonious, cooperative relationship with our dogs. Focusing on heart-to-heart connections and embracing a "safe, calm, and happy" lifestyle leads to transformative relationships with our dogs.   Quotes:   "If we're stuck in our head, trying hard to not make a mistake, we're building a wall between us and our dog instead of being connected heart-to-heart in the moment.”    "As dog moms, we can get caught up in trying so hard to 'do it right'. All this overthinking creates unnecessary drama, taking us away from connecting with our dogs when they need us most."   "We often overthink, striving for perfection as dog moms. Yet, what a dog most needs is to feel connected, to feel like they belong, to be heard. It's not about getting everything right but about being present and open hearted."   "When you're obsessing over the 'right' way to be a good dog mom, I want you to breathe through that discomfort. Then decide: I'm going to quiet my mind, open my heart, and connect with my dog."   "When the focus becomes solely about doing things 'right,' it's easy to overlook the genuine moments of heart connection that we really want."   LOVE TO LEARN MORE?  Become a calm and confident Dog Mom with a cooperative, happy dog ... without obedience training, or relying on treats or arousing games, or corrections of any type.    Here are some next steps:   SUBSCRIBE to Kathy's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DancingHeartsDogAcademy/videos   LISTEN or READ Kathy's Podcast and Blog on her Website: https://dancingheartsdogacademy.com/   GET STARTED work with Kathy: https://dancinghearts.link/foundation   LET'S CONNECT on the socials for more partnership tips and advice: -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancinghearts/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathykawalec/   LISTEN TO PODCASTS: Subscribe to the Enlightened By Dogs podcast in your favorite app! Don't forget to leave us a rating and review – it would make Kathy very happy!   Subscribe on  Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/dancinghearts/

In this guest edition of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy introduces Erin who tells us about her journey with her unexpectedly intense Border Collie, Jess.   Erin, a lovely member of the Brilliant Partners Academy, picked up Jess with the hope of love, joy and adventure. To start off with, things were really hard! Jess' behaviors left Erin feeling anxious, stressed and even panicked at times.   It all started when they brought home a border collie bundle of joy they named Jess. The puppy was intense and without major 'issues', but Erin was feeling overwhelmed, anxious and often panicked. She was exhausted with worry about making mistakes and thousands of 'worse-case scenarios' played over and over in her mind. Every small behavior issue with the puppy felt BIG, and like a crisis for Erin. Buying books and enrolling in courses and looking for advice to 'fix' everything only left her feeling worried, exhausted and stressed out.   They are in a completely different place now, and Erin shared: "These days, I feel so much calmer and happier - I love life with my wee dog! We are doing great, we love each other and I know we can figure anything out together. We enjoy our walks and adventures and cuddles. I trust her so she is off lead and exploring so much more which she loves. My relationship with Jess is 90% joyful, loving and fun, rather than 90% worried, stressed, upset and frustrated like before."   There is so much to takeaway from this interview, so jump right in! In this episode: How Erin's constant worry and confusion about doing the right thing was lifted Dealing with an intense puppy brings more than expected How Erin and Jess rebuilt their life together, and now enjoy a safe, calm and happy relationship   Quotes: “She was up every couple of hours through the night, wanting reassurance. I didn't feel equipped to deal with that. Now I feel I know how to respond.”   “I've got a little way to go. But things don't freak me out anymore. That's the difference.”   “Trust what feels right for you. It might not be my approach. It could be something else.”   LOVE TO LEARN MORE?  Become a calm and confident Dog Mom with a cooperative, happy dog ... without obedience training, or relying on treats or arousing games, or corrections of any type.    Here are some next steps:   SUBSCRIBE to Kathy's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DancingHeartsDogAcademy/videos   LISTEN or READ Kathy's Podcast and Blog on her Website: https://dancingheartsdogacademy.com/   GET STARTED work with Kathy: https://dancinghearts.link/foundation   LET'S CONNECT on the socials for more partnership tips and advice: -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancinghearts/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathykawalec/   LISTEN TO PODCASTS: Subscribe to the Enlightened By Dogs podcast in your favorite app! Don't forget to leave us a rating and review – it would make Kathy very happy!   Subscribe on  Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/dancinghearts/  

This week, Kathy turns the spotlight on a member of the Brilliant Partners Academy. Terri joins this Enlightened By Dogs episode to tell the tale of her beloved Bella and their shared transformation.   Terri's life was turned upside down when they decided to adopt Bella from the local shelter...and quickly found out that EVERYTHING over-aroused her. Bella's intensity and reactivity made almost everything in life seem impossible and they got into a red zone spiral they couldn't get out of. Terri was feeling angry, frustrated, embarrassed, and sad.   Today? Terri shares: "I never dreamed I would be hiking with BOTH of my dogs, enjoying nature without constantly scanning, and I love having the tools I learned in BPA to keep my little pack safe, calm and happy!"   Every dog has different needs, personality types, and complexities, and the learning process never really ends. In this episode, Terri shares her experiences with Bella and what she's learned from being a BPA member.   Terri adopted Bella from a shelter and found herself stuck in a red zone spiral. She would never have dreamed of one day enjoying hiking with her. But through her own insights and BPA learning processes, she has helped Bella develop into the calmer dog she is today.   Tune in to this heartwarming story, and be sure to take notes for your own transformation with your dog!   In this episode: How Terri learned to deeply listen to her dogs' needs Why sticking with BPA and the partnership lifestyle is crucial for Terri Why remaining calm helps your dogs remain calm, and how to do that Quotes: “I have to tell myself not to get tense because if I'm tense, she's tense. If I'm calm, she's calm.”   “If we're sitting on the couch and I take a deep breath, Bella takes a deep breath too. I know she can mirror me.”   “I praised Bella anytime she wanted to be beside me. I was like: “You're just such a wonderful dog,” and I just let my heart flow out with her.”   LOVE TO LEARN MORE?  Become a calm and confident Dog Mom with a cooperative, happy dog ... without obedience training, or relying on treats or arousing games, or corrections of any type.    Here are some next steps:   SUBSCRIBE to Kathy's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DancingHeartsDogAcademy/videos   LISTEN or READ Kathy's Podcast and Blog on her Website: https://dancingheartsdogacademy.com/   GET STARTED work with Kathy: https://dancinghearts.link/foundation   LET'S CONNECT on the socials for more partnership tips and advice: -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancinghearts/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathykawalec/   LISTEN TO PODCASTS: Subscribe to the Enlightened By Dogs podcast in your favorite app! Don't forget to leave us a rating and review – it would make Kathy very happy!   Subscribe on  Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/dancinghearts/  

What is the best thing to do when your dog is “protecting” you in an unwanted way that is damaging to you physically and emotionally?   Today Kathy is sharing a segment from a coaching call in from her Brilliant Partners Academy to discuss this exact situation…   This dog mom has a retired service dog who is feeling anxious right now, due to an allergy flareup, a new puppy in the family, and stress all around. Lola (the dog) has lately started overprotecting her human mom when delivery people come to their door. She is pulling really, really hard and almost pulling Diane out of her wheelchair.   Kathy works through the details and talks her student through the difference between when a dog is protecting us because it's clearly unsafe and we appreciate their protection, and when a dog is dangerously taking on a protective role unnecessarily.   What do we do? Well, there's this balance between permissive and clear and kind. We can focus on finding a balance that brings freedom and responsibility together, in order to create positive and lasting change in our family.   In this episode:   Managing Lola's stress and anxiety, implementing self-care strategies, and supporting each individual in the family. Strategies for preparation in advance of deliveries, using an emergency rescue as needed, while focusing on long-term solutions. Understanding how to be a clear, kind & confident loving leader for your anxious dog who doesn't know what to do about their emotions.   Quotes:   "It's easy to forget how hard it is to adjust to a new family configuration. Just like us, our dogs need time to adapt and recalibrate. It's important to create a peaceful family dynamic during this time."   "Having strategies to maintain safety, calm and cooperation in advance will prevent explosive reactions from our dogs. It's important to be proactive and guide them in a calm, clear and positive way."   "Our dogs' behavior can often be a reflection of their physical and emotional state, so taking steps to help them feel better can lead to a happier and calmer home."   "Even though our dogs can't speak to us, they communicate their needs and feelings in other ways. It's important to listen and work together to find solutions that will help both us and our dogs."   “Being a loving leader for your dog requires clarity, kindness and love.”  

Kathy has shared many tales of the dogs she's known over the years, but in this guest edition of Enlightened by Dogs, she introduces Erin who tells us about her journey with her Border Collie Jess. Erin, a lovely member of the Brilliant Partners Academy, picked up Jess with the hope of love, joy and adventure. To start off with, things were really tough! Jess' behaviors left Erin anxious, stressed and even panicked at times. But through her own knowledge and progression, plus the help of the BPA, Erin and Jess' relationship is now stronger than ever and, in just four months, she has settled perfectly into Erin's family. In this episode: How Erin's constant worry was lifted Dealing with an intense puppy How BPA helped Erin and Jess enjoy a calmer relationship Quotes: “She was up every couple of hours through the night, wanting reassurance. I didn't feel equipped to deal with that. Now I feel I know how to respond.” “I've got a little way to go. But things don't freak me out anymore. That's the difference.” “Trust what feels right for you. It might not be my approach. It could be something else.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community

Kathy has shared the stories of so many dogs she's had the pleasure of knowing. But this week, she turns the spotlight on a member of the Brilliant Partners Academy. BPA member, Terri joins Enlightened By Dogs to tell the tale of her beloved Bella and what she's learned during her time with her. Every dog has different needs, personality types, and complexities, and the learning process never really ends. In this episode, Terri shares her experiences with Bella and what she's learned from being a BPA member. Terri adopted Bella from a shelter and found herself stuck in a red zone spiral. She would never have dreamed of one day enjoying hiking with her. But through her own insights and BPA learning processes, she has helped Bella develop into the calmer dog she is today. In this episode: How Terri listens to her dogs' needs Why sticking with BPA is crucial for Terri Why remaining calm helps your dogs remain calm Quotes: “I have to tell myself not to get tense because if I'm tense, she's tense. If I'm calm, she's calm.” “If we're sitting on the couch and I take a deep breath, Bella takes a deep breath too. I know she can mirror me.” “I praised Bella anytime she wanted to be beside me. I was like: “You're just such a wonderful dog,” and I just let my heart flow out with her.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community

Most of our dogs are reactive when it comes to grooming, visiting the vet or other unavoidable tasks. The truth is that most of these aren't the most pleasant activities for our dogs. But while we can't blame our dogs for reacting, these are must-do tasks. We've got to find a way to carry them out so that our dogs are left safe, calm, and happy in the end. That's where consent comes in. In this Enlightened by Dogs episode, Kathy explains how a shift in our intentions can change everything. Viewing the freedom to give consent as a must-have for our dogs helps unlock a whole new level of trust. She shares a coaching segment from the Brilliant Partners Academy, where dog-mom Penny asks for pointers on how to support her dog, who isn't a fan of visiting the vet. Kathy also demonstrates the trust-building power of allowing your dog to give consent through a personal story about her dog, Lucy. In this episode: Why it's important to embrace a brilliant partnership as a process What it means to step into your role as a professional How trust can lead to situations where your dog gives consent Quotes: “Allowing our dogs the freedom and agency to give consent as much as possible develops a deep trust, understanding, and next-level collaboration.” “We need to give our dogs more empowerment and put them in situations that allow them to consent whenever possible.” “When we approach things with the intention of inviting consent, so many things open up in our relationship with our dogs.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community

Are you ready to become the best version of yourself and the human that your dog needs you to be? Well, it all starts with inspired action. It's one thing to seek guidance on how to become a wholesome person and a brilliant partner. But it's another to actually take these insights and use them to build an amazing partnership. On this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast, Kathy takes us through a piece from a Brilliant Partners Academy training class. She shares four questions that will reveal the values you hold dearest and explains how you can use them to create a daily affirmation that will get you closer to the person you aspire to be. In this episode: Why it's not just important to listen but to take inspired action too Kathy shares four questions to help you discover the qualities you value most How to create an affirmation that reminds you how you want to live Quotes: “It takes inspired action every single day to live a brilliant life, and when we are more brilliant, our dogs automatically match us.” “If you don't take action, nothing is going to change, and even if it does, it'll not be nearly as much as it could've if you took inspired action.” “When creating your affirmation, don't overthink it. Follow your heart, your instincts, and your intuition.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community

Do you sometimes feel out of your depth as you try to understand your dog and form that meaningful connection with them? Well, you're not alone. Many dog parents before you have struggled with confidence in the fact that they are doing right by their dogs. Naturally, once these feelings creep in, it becomes a bit harder to establish that incredible bond with their dogs. In this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast, Kathy shares the testimonies of four different dog moms, who happen to be Brilliant Partners Academy students. They describe a range of different struggles and circumstances that mirror what most dog moms out there are braving through every day. It's wonderful to see the transition from a place of little to no confidence up to the point where everything turned around for the better. In this episode: How BPA dog mom Sandra Chilton and rough collie Nigella transitioned from anxiety to a confident partnership What it took for Alicia Martin to rebuild trust with her dachshund, Joey Marika Bertram's transition from traditional dog training to a partnership mindset Ros Swallow's path to a less reactive partnership with her dogs Quotes: “The key thing is to focus on what's easy — loving the dog that you've got, not the dog that you perceived you'd get.” - Sandra Chilton “Because we're always thinking in this set up scenario versus real life, we just keep doing the same things over and over again, thinking something will change.” - Marika Bertram “The power to change habits starts with us first, not with our dogs — it starts with us being aware, present, prepared, and also being okay if that plan doesn't work.” - Marika Bertram Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community

What does it mean to be heard? Both you and your dog are social mammals and so have a deep need to be understood and cared for. Meeting this need can help you live the brilliant partnership with your dog that you dream of. In this episode, Kathy discusses how real listening can help you stay calm and connected to your dog and why it's one of the four core daily practices from the Brilliant Partners Academy. She also talks about the relationship between listening and leadership and how to embrace being the loving leader that your partnership deserves. In this episode: Understanding what it really means to be listened to What true leadership is Why being a loving leader is a good thing What real heart-to-heart, mind-to-mind listening is How to listen mindfully ­– even in stressful situations Quotes: “To be heard means to be listened to without judgment about how we should be better or should be different than what someone thinks we should be.” “To be heard means to be loved, without condition.” “We're in some process of blossoming into the next iteration of who we are.” “Good leaders are good listeners.” “Our dogs are changing, we are changing. And yet, at each step along the way, we are already perfect.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community

Living with a reactive dog can be a frustrating experience, and as a first-time dog mom, it can be a confusing one as well. In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy revisits a conversation she had with first-time dog mom and BPA member Paulina Grzesinska-Mrozek. Paulina was struggling with her dog Badi, who was very reactive to other dogs and people both in their apartment and on walks. After trying her luck with a behaviorist (who Badi wouldn't even let in the apartment), Paulina tried the Brilliant Partners Academy. And she hasn't looked back since! Today, their partnership is strong and built on trust and a mutual understanding. Hear about Paulina's experiences and how she used the BPA partnership principles to achieve this complete transformation. In this episode: How Paulina initially struggled to understand Badi's needs How Paulina and Badi have transformed their partnership together The partnership principles that Paulina found most useful How Paulina and Badi became role models for each other Quotes: “BPA had a big impact on me understanding Badi's behaviors. Now when I just look at him, I know what he wants to communicate.” “Now I understand it so much better. I learned how to listen to him.” “I'm learning how to actually be there with him. When I catch myself […] going somewhere else with my thoughts, I'm like, no, no, no, we are here and now. Don't worry about other stuff, you are here and now.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To explore other episodes, click here.

Having one reactive dog can be challenging enough but imagine adding another one into the mix! In this Enlightened By Dogs episode, Kathy revisits a conversation she had with Ros Swallow, proud dog mom to two beautiful (yet highly reactive) Hungarian Vizslas. Ros had tried everything and had adapted her lifestyle to try and keep her dogs calm. Yet, she felt overwhelmed with anxiety whenever she took them out for a walk. People, dogs, bikes, and everything in between would always trigger panic and reactivity in her dogs. Ros eventually took a leap of faith and joined Brilliant Partners Academy to learn how to become a calm and confident role model. Hear her experience and how BPA helped to turn Ros and her partnership with Phoebe and Myrtle around. In this episode: What triggered Phoebe and Myrtle's reactive and anxious behaviors The steps Ros took before joining BPA How BPA helped Ros transform her relationship with her dogs What Ros loves most about the BPA community Quotes: “The progress we have made is beyond anything I have ever imagined possible.” “What I really like about BPA and the coaching is that all I need is myself and my dog. And I don't have to think that hard about how I'm going to react in this particular situation because it becomes a habit.” “If you're willing to make a commitment, if you're willing to follow the program, step by step, the support really is there.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read and explore other episodes, click here.

Sometimes we just get so caught up in the drama, urgencies, to-do lists, and life's responsibilities that we forget what's truly important. We can even get lost in an idea of how our dogs are supposed to be. We fixate on how they're meant to look and behave without even realizing that it's all down to choice. In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy takes you through a simple way to change your perspective on life in general, but more specifically, with your relationship with your dog. Kathy shares some stories from members of the Brilliant Partners Academy on how they learned to “join up” with their dogs rather than try to control them. In this episode: Why you need to “join up” with your dog rather than control them How to stay focused on “the main thing” Why connection with your dog is so important Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “When we're available for connection, magical stuff happens.” “Rather than try to convince our dogs or campaign for our dog's attention, how about sometimes we just join up with our dogs?” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

If your dog struggles with over-arousal, you'll be no stranger to emotional outbursts. Overwhelming experiences like these can trigger anxieties that make it difficult for you and your dog to move forward. But life with a reactive dog doesn't have to be this way. When Andrea Baumann got her standard poodle, Tobias, she dreamed he would become her service dog. Andrea was aware of Tobias' over-arousal and was prepared to help him overcome this so that one day, he could help her. But over time, Tobias' reactivity got worse. Andrea turned to the Brilliant Partners Academy and has since been on a journey that's transformed her life and their relationship. In this episode, Kathy speaks to Andrea about the obstacles they've overcome and more! In this episode: The impact one-on-one training had on Tobias' real-world responses What changed when Andrea shifted her focus from issues to connection How Andrea takes a proactive approach to Tobias' reactivity Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “I wasn't making good choices for us by putting him in situations that were too hard, thinking that we were training or counter-conditioning.” “When I can help my own stress and role model calm, he responds to that.” “I was so focused on his behavior issues that I was missing out on the joy and the connection.” “We're on a journey, but I'm loving where we are.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

When it comes to reactive dog behavior, it can feel like you’ve tried just about everything, and nothing seems to work. A reactive dog can put a huge strain on your relationships with your beloved pets. It can significantly impact the quality of a dog’s life as well as your own. Traditional training is what many people turn to. But if that doesn’t work, what next? The truth is, helping your dog isn’t about forcing them to act differently. It’s about opening your mind and looking at it from a different perspective. Stella Murrell and her dog, Henna, came to the Brilliant Partners Academy (BPA) around 18 months ago looking for a solution. Henna was a young dog with a series of physical and mental difficulties that were impacting her and Stella’s partnership. In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy chats to Stella about her journey towards building a strong partnership with Henna. Stella and Henna are a fantastic success story for BPA and highlight why striving for a partnership lifestyle is so worth it. In this episode: What Stella and Henna's relationship looked like before BPA The different steps and tactics Stella tried How the Brilliant Partners Academy transformed the way Stella interacted with Henna What their strong and loving partnership looks like now Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “I'd been trying to turn her into another dog. I just couldn't accept her. And once I did accept her, then everything changed.” “I was quite dismayed the first time I went to a trainer. She said, ‘You need to give this dog a very firm hand.’ That was the exact opposite of what was needed.” “People stop me in the street and say, ‘Is that the same dog?’” “The biggest gift that you can give to your dog is partnership and communication.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

Are the activities you do with your dog really meeting both your needs? Both you and your dog are social beings. You have socialization and intellectual stimulation needs that you have the power to fulfill. But we often make mistakes about how to socialize our dogs and the engagement that we have with them. In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy shares a segment from one of her Brilliant Partners Academy classes. She talks about two topics, including how to meet your dog’s social needs in real-life situations and how to balance the activities you do with your dog to avoid over-arousal. She also shares a framework to help you be more mindful about creating a brilliant life for you and your dog. In this episode: Meeting your needs and your dog’s needs as a social being How to balance engagement and activities with your dog Why it’s important to accurately assess your dog’s response to daily activities Kathy’s recommended framework to plan activities with intention Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “We're looking to love our dogs’ choices authentically from our heart, at every opportunity.” “You want to do your best to consider both yours and your dog's needs when you look for your social activities.” “We need to be in a state of learning and growing mentally, and it's just as important for your dog as it is for you.” “Your dog can learn to associate you, and engagement with you, with high arousal and activities only.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

What do different dog greetings really mean? Have you ever wondered why your dog greets you the way they do? Why do they get so excited when you come home? Why do they jump up, spin around in circles, or clobber you with their front paw? As dog moms, most of us fully embrace whatever way our dogs choose to greet us. Of course, we might find it cute and adorable when our dogs jump up to greet us. However, guests might not appreciate your dog hurling themselves at them when they walk through the door. We often have difficulty understanding how to handle our dog’s greetings, so let’s talk about it! In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy shares some of her best tips to help you better understand your dog’s greetings. She also reveals how you can learn to manage greetings so that both parties feel safe, calm, and happy using The Greeting Protocol from the Brilliant Partners Academy! In this episode: Why dog greetings must meet their social needs Four rules to consider before letting your dog greet others and vice versa How to adjust the way you and your dog greet one another How to use The Greeting Protocol to manage safe, calm, and happy greetings between your dog and other dogs or humans Interesting statistics about dog greetings Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “If your dog is already over-aroused, over-excited and is already disconnected from you, you have to skip the greeting.” “You are responsible for managing the greeting.” “Greetings should only happen if you and your dog are connected, attentive, and responsive to one another.” “Dogs prefer to play with other dogs that are similar to themselves.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

Is your dog reactive on the leash? Maybe your dog hates being on the leash and won’t even let you put it on. Or, perhaps your dog pulls on the leash and lunges towards other dogs, moving objects, or other people. Whatever the case, your dog is not a fan of the leash and will do just about anything to avoid it! If any of this sounds familiar, this is the episode for you! Kathy has met hundreds (if not thousands) of dog moms through the years who have dealt with this frustrating issue. The good news is that there are ways to calm a reactive dog, and inside the Brilliant Partners Academy, Kathy teaches ‘the partnership way’ to handle leash reactivity. In this episode, Kathy shares some of her best advice for dog moms struggling with leash reactivity using tried and tested partnership principles! You’ll also hear a segment from a real-life coaching session that Kathy did with a BPA member struggling with a very leash-reactive dog. Enjoy! In this episode: How to react when a strange dog approaches your dog Why you should create a protective bubble for you and your dog The importance of staying connected to your dog during stressful situations How remaining safe, calm, and happy can help build your dog’s trust Why you should try to prepare and prevent incidents from happening Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “Have the intention of putting you and your dog inside of a protective bubble.” “Be present, calm and attentive to how your dog feels.” “We make decisions based on what we know to be true today with our dog.” “You don't need to try to fake it, be honest with your dog.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

What should you do if your family isn't on board with your goal of creating a partnership lifestyle with your dog? Many people assume that if the whole family isn't on board, it’s impossible to create a partnership lifestyle. While it can make it slightly more challenging for some, not everyone in the family has to follow "the rules" for you to develop a loving connection with your dog. Of course, it would help if everyone in the family followed your lead, but don't worry if that's not feasible. You can still build a brilliant partnership with your dog whether your family are on board or not! Kathy explains how in this episode of the Enlightened By Dogs podcast, where she shares a very special segment from a coaching session with a member of the Brilliant Partners Academy. This dog mom is dealing with the common issue of having a family who isn’t on board with everything she has learned about the partnership lifestyle. So, Kathy shares some of her best tips and strategies to help her and other dog moms make the partnership lifestyle work when their families disagree! In this episode: Why it doesn’t matter if your family doesn’t agree with what you are doing to create a partnership lifestyle with your dog How family members will gradually mirror what you’re doing with your dog How to take responsibility without confrontation Understanding that dogs behave differently with different people Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “You can take responsibility for certain things are likely to be confusing for the dog” “Dogs can have different relationships with each family member” “Our dogs can definitely learn and change” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

What should you do when your dog refuses to listen? You tell them to come to you, they run in the opposite direction. You ask them to stop barking, and they bark louder. You ask them to get off the couch, and they snuggle into it some more. You get the idea. Sometimes, it feels like our dogs are rebellious on purpose. They flat out refuse to listen, and you’re left wondering if they go out of their way to make your life harder. When your dog refuses to listen to you, what should you do about it? In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy shares a segment from a coaching call she did with members of the Brilliant Partners Academy. It was such a great lesson on what you can do when your dog gives you a hard time and how to reconnect with your dog when they just won’t listen to you. Enjoy! In this episode: Hear from a member of the BPA who has a dog who has changed their behavior recently Why you need to change your perspective as a dog mom when things don’t go as planned Why your dog’s “misbehavior” is their way of trying to communicate with you What to do if your dog doesn’t like the leash Tips to help improve your walking partners dance Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “My dog is not giving me a hard time, my dog is having a hard time” “The leash is what you make it to mean” “Walking on a leash is a learned skill that requires a high level of impulse control from both parties” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

Are you and your dog resilient? Building resilience is so important to create a strong partnership with your dog. Yet, not many people talk about the power of resilience within the dog community. It’s time to change that! Being resilient gives you the ability to adapt quickly and bounce back stronger when things don’t go as planned. However, it’s important that both you and your dog are resilient, which is something that you can work on together. But, what does it mean be resilient? And, how can you and your dog build your resilience together? In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, I re-visit some key lessons I taught during a very special masterclass inside the Brilliant Partners Academy. You’ll discover why you need to be resilient if you want to build a strong, successful partnership with your dog. You’ll also learn how resilient partners never give up, even when life gets really tough. Listen in to find out how you and your dog can build a resilient partnership! In this episode: Why you need to create social support for your dog The importance of giving your dog some control over their own life How to create mental, emotional, and physical balance Six ways to build resilience The sources of resilience Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “Resilient partners don’t give up when life gets hard” “Dogs need to feel that they have some amount of control over their own life” “Choice is essential for a balanced mind” “Remember that we are keepers of the light. Our dogs need us to love them, to be open minded, to be resilient and bounce back” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

Stella's wild child Henna was a special puppy who endured serious illness, affecting her brain and their relationship. Henna's lunging and barking at everything embarrassed Stella, who became stressed about the effect this out of control dog was having on the family. Resonating with the BPA focus on heart, connection and understanding, Stella joined the BPA and soon began to really 'hear' Henna. She soon realized that it was fear and lack of trust that was the driver for the unruly behavior. The Brilliant Partners Academy became their guiding light. When speaking about her time as a member of BPA, Stella said, “after just six months of being in BPA, our lives were transformed.” Stella and Henna have come a long way in a short space of time, proving that it doesn’t take an eternity to create a loving partnership connection with our dogs. In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, you’ll hear Stella and Henna’s story from ‘the dark days’ of Henna’s unruly behavior to nowadays, where she has become the light and joy of Stella’s life! Enjoy! In this episode: Henna’s behavioral issues before joining BPA Why Stella was looking for a holistic approach to help Henna Henna’s medical issues and how they affected her brain and behavior What made Stella decide to join BPA and why she resonated with our core principles How life has changed since Stella and Henna joined BPA Some BPA strategies that have helped improve Henna’s behavior The importance of listening to your dog and making them feel safe Stella shares her advice for other struggling dog moms Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “I thought I knew an awful lot about dogs, and I thought I knew a lot about so called training, and Henna proved me completely wrong” “I forgot to tell her that I loved her”  “BPA is about really connecting with your dog and really listening to your dog and not trying to fix your dog” “One of the turning points was when I accepted her for who she is” “Now she feels that she's part of the family” “BPA will change your life and it will bring you so much joy and empathy” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

Can you imagine being a first-time dog mom with a reactive dog that just won’t listen to you? This is the situation that first-time dog mom, Paulina, found herself in after adopting a reactive dog named Badi. Paulina struggled to understand Badi and couldn’t figure out why he always barked at other dogs and things outside the window. This caused Paulina to judge herself and to compare her dog with others, creating more frustration for both of them. Now? Life has completely changed for them both. They understand each other on a much deeper level and Paulina has learned to listen to her dog. In this special episode of Enlightened By Dogs, you’ll hear all about how this first-time dog mom learned to listen and love her reactive dog named Badi. You’ll also get a unique insight into the Brilliant Partners Academy from the perspective of a first-time dog mom. In this episode: An overview of the problems that Badi and Paulina faced before joining BPA How life has changed since joining BPA The life-changing protocols that helped Badi and Paulina develop a deeper bond What Paulina has to say about her experience with BPA and why she recommends it for not just first-time dog moms, but all dog moms! Quotes: “Our dogs are such great teachers if we just pay attention” “The partnership lifestyle is like literally the best thing” “I'm so grateful for all the lessons that he's giving me, even though the beginning was super hard” “I'm sometimes role modelling for him, but there are times when he's role modelling for me” Love this and want more? Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

Does your dog compulsively chase little animals (and leaves blowing in the wind)? Perhaps your dog is frightened of traffic and is a nightmare to walk down the street? Well, what if you heard a story about a dog mom (and member of my Brilliant Partners Academy) whose dog had both issues? That’s right, this stressed dog mom was struggling with a rescue dog named Charlie who became very reactive around trucks, cars, bikes and pretty much anything with wheels. He also had an insane compulsion to chase things that moved and as a result, completely turned the family upside down. In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, you’ll hear the full story about this dog mom, Sue Mimm, and her beloved rescue dog, a Border Collie/Springer Spaniel cross named Charlie. You’ll also discover what tips and tactics helped Sue and Charlie turn their life around and become brilliant partners. This is the first of a series of case studies Kathy is sharing on the podcast about dog moms who have struggled with their dog’s behavior and how they turned things around with help from the Brilliant Partners Academy, so make sure you subscribe and keep coming back each week to hear real-life stories from incredible and inspirational dog moms! In this episode: How Sue met and rescued Charlie Charlie’s main issues with traffic and chasing moving animals (and objects) The breaking point experience that almost led to Sue giving up on Charlie What made Sue promise to keep Charlie and give him a loving home How the Brilliant Partners Academy helped change Sue and Charlie’s life forever Quotes: “We literally go anywhere and everywhere together. He's my sidekick.” “I would practice staying present with my dogs and being fully connected.” “I was on the kitchen floor and he came over to me and put his head in my chest as if he was saying, I’m sorry.” “It moved from a transactional relationship to one based on heart connection, mutual understanding, trust and cooperation.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

In its purest form, unconditional love is not contingent upon your dog’s behavior. Yes, you might get frustrated or even angry when your dog misbehaves, but you don’t stop loving them because of it. There’s a reason why Kathy refers to members of the Brilliant Partners Academy as ‘dog moms.’ It’s because you are, in a sense, your dog’s mom. When you love a dog, you love them like a mother. Their behavior does not influence that love. You love them no matter what they do. We love our dogs unconditionally, regardless of how they behave or how many shoes they chew up! In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, you’ll hear part 3 of the 3-part series Kathy has shared on walking through life in partnership with your dog. In this episode, Kathy digs deeper into the unconditional love that dog moms have for their dogs and what this really means. Listen in to develop a deeper understanding of what lies beneath your dog’s behavior, and how you can get back to loving and appreciating your dog! In this episode: Understanding the power of a mother’s love What unconditional love really means What it means to be a mother (or a dog mom) Why mothering isn’t something you can learn, it comes from within How reward-based training can make our love for our dogs conditional How to embrace your motherly instincts Quotes: “Loving your dog unconditionally is not contingent upon your dog’s behavior”  “Do you need to be a biological mother to be a mother to another?”  “Just because we have… a strong desire to love our dogs unconditionally, does that mean we always behave that way?” “You and your dog are perfect.” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

Do you ever feel like your dog “forgets” their training as soon as you leave the house? Walking your dog around the house or garden is one thing. Transitioning those skills to places outside of those areas is an entirely different story and often, the perfect recipe for disaster. After weeks or even months of practicing walking in harmony with your dog, it can be really disappointing when everything you’ve been training for goes out the window the moment you go to the park or wander too far from home. So, why does this keep happening? Why, even with a lot of training and practice, do you still struggle to walk in partnership with your dog? You’ll discover the answer on this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, where Kathy continues to share key segments from a coaching session with members of the Brilliant Partners Academy for her 3-part mini series on how to walk in partnership with your dog. In this episode, Kathy dives into why training doesn’t work in real life, what causes the difficulty in translating those skills to real life, and what you can do about it! In this episode: Why it seems like your training is forgotten in real life Why you shouldn’t get lost in your thoughts Why walking your dog in harmony is a lot like walking with a toddler What keeps you from walking in partnership with your dog (and what to do about it!) Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “There’s an inherent, natural and authentic mechanism amongst us as a social species that allows us to connect with another and walk together in harmony” “Let’s step into our dog’s paws… and help them to step into our shoes.”  “Always look for the few core pieces that we need to have a transformation” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

Do you want to leverage your best self and become the person you always wanted to be? Not only that, but become the person that your dog needs you to be? Kathy believes that you can work on yourself while simultaneously building your partnership with your dog. To help you achieve that level of brilliant partnership, Kathy is sharing a series of fun exercises to help you improve your partnership with your dog on this episode of the Enlightened By Dogs podcast. These exercises are designed to help you get in touch with what your best self is, what those qualities are, and what your dog needs from you. Many members of the Brilliant Partners Academy have completed these exercises and seen incredible results. They became the best version of themselves, their perspective changed, and their dogs blossomed too! So, are you ready to improve your partnership with your dog? Let’s get into the exercises! In this episode: What you can learn from other dog people How to identify qualities you admire in other dog moms Why you should think about the qualities that your dog values in you and other humans How to express the qualities that your dog admires in everyday life Why you tend to resonate with some qualities more than others How to create positive affirmations to help you live a happy life with your dog Quotes: “Discover the qualities that your dog most values in you as a human expand those because you already have them” “You have qualities that your dog admires” “Create a process of affirmation that you can use every day that will remind you of how you choose to live with your dog” “Let's help spread some partnership magic around the planet” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

How can you tell what your dog is feeling? And, how do know if your dog is truly happy? These are BIG questions. We all want to make sure that our dogs are happy and they’re enjoying their live to the fullest. Nobody wants their dog to feel sad, frightened, over-aroused, or distressed. But, understanding how your dog really feels takes time. It’s easy to misinterpret your dog’s emotions and feelings because they don’t show their feelings in the same way as humans. So, how can you know what your dog is really feeling? In this ‘behind-the-scenes’ episode of Enlightened By Dogs, you’ll get to hear a part of a coaching session from inside the Brilliant Partners Academy! Kathy explains why it’s so easy to misinterpret our dog’s feelings and she shares how to know what your dog is really feeling. In this episode: How stress impacts you and your dog How to tell if you and your dog need a ‘stress reset’ Hear some amazing case-study examples from BPA members How to know what your dog is feeling The problem with having a transactional relationship with your dog The truth about how much high-energy activity your dog needs each day Quotes: “Relaxation does not mean inactivity!” “You and your dog need a stress RESET” “Dogs are as socially intelligent as humans” “People have fast turnarounds when the humans commit themselves to being brilliant partners” Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Dancing Hearts Dog Academy Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here.

Are you struggling with a reactive dog? If your dog gets over-excited, distracted, or anxious and won’t listen to you, the Brilliant Partners Academy can help you be the partner your dog needs! The Brilliant Partners Academy is a holistic, positive, heart-connected partnership training program that equips you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to develop a deeper bond and a trusting relationship with your dog. In this special episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy interviews a few BPA members who share their stories including the highs and the lows with their dogs. Hear how far they’ve come since joining the Academy and discover the potential that every dog has to blossom and shine. You’ll hear about some common struggles we’ve all faced with our dogs and how these incredible dog moms were able to overcome those issues and master partnership skills so they (and their dogs) could start to enjoy a freeing and happy life together. We hope hearing these stories from some of our wonderful BPA members inspires you and makes you realize that all dogs, no matter how ‘misbehaved’ they may be, have what it takes to unleash their true potential… you just have to give them the chance. In this episode: How a deaf puppy with OCD struggled with resource guarding and found the help he needed to avoid being re-homed How a reactive mountain hunting dog grew to tolerate being around other dogs in a busy town setting How an over-excited dog who lunged and barked at other dogs found the loving partner they needed Why your mindset is so important and how it can impact your dog’s mood, reactions, and behavior What it really feels like to be brilliant partners with your dog How a dog who loved hunting and chasing other animals got a second chance at a forever, loving home How a dedicated dog mom transitioned her transactional relationship with her dog into a heart-connected relationship instead The transformation of a troublemaker dog who supported her owner through a heart-breaking experience and changed their relationship forever Quotes: “I signed up for the free workshop and never looked back.” “If you believe and follow the BPA principles, your success is inevitable.” “I feel like we are in a dance together.” “I know that we were meant to be together… I can’t believe how far we’ve both come.” “I learned how to reward from my heart, instead of out of my pocket.” “I called her in my mind, and she was right there.”   Love this and want more? Subscribe to the Enlightened By Dogs podcast in your favorite app! Don’t forget to leave us a rating and review – it would make Kathy and all of her four-legged friends very happy! Kathy is offering a big “thank you” for rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts   Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Enlightened by Dogs Website Facebook Community

Are you finding it hard to feel safe, calm, and happy during difficult times? COVID-19 has caused a great deal of fear, uncertainty, and upheaval around the world. Many of us are in self-isolation and quarantine with our stress buckets filled to the brim. However, even though it seems like the entire world is upside down, it’s more important than ever that you and your dog are there for each other. Kathy touches on this difficult topic on this episode of Enlightened By Dogs and shares how you can be the partner that your dog needs, even in difficult times like this. A Brilliant Partnership works both ways – by focusing on building a safe, calm, and happy lifestyle with your dog (even when disaster strikes), you can depend on your dog to be there for you, just like you’re there for them too. In this episode: How difficult times impacts your relationship with your dog How to plant the seed of trust in your relationship with your dog How Kathy came up with the idea for Dancing Hearts A look at some of the Dancing Hearts Principles members of BPA live by How to take part in the free 5-day Brilliant Partners Workshop What to expect from the Brilliant Partners Academy and why you should consider joining! Quotes: "Our hearts hold the secret for happy living." "Role model compassion and respect for all living things." "We're all connected in this magnificent web of life." "It's going to help take your mind off of the stress and overwhelm." Love this and want more? Subscribe to the Enlightened By Dogs podcast in your favorite app! Don’t forget to leave us a rating and review – it would make Kathy and all of her four-legged friends very happy! Kathy is offering a big “thank you” for rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts   Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Enlightened by Dogs Website Facebook Community Read the blog post on this topic.

Are you being the calm leader and guide that your dog needs you to be? When things go south, our dogs look to us for guidance. Whether you realize it or not, you are role modeling for your dog. When you’re stressed and anxious, your dog is stressed and anxious too. When you’re calm and relaxed about a situation, your dog is much more likely to feel calm and relaxed too. But what happens when unexpected drama erupts, and your dog is triggered? Kathy has a protocol for that! In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy reveals the inner workings of her ‘Get Back to Grazing’ protocol that she teaches VIP members inside the Brilliant Partners Academy. The Get Back to Grazing Protocol teaches you how be a calm role model for your dog – even when the unexpected happens!   In This Episode: What the ‘Get Back to Grazing’ protocol is How your dog interprets your emotional and physical responses Breaking down the ‘Get Back to Grazing’ protocol into easy-to-follow steps The importance of protecting your mind from negative thoughts How to defuse a stressful situation   Quotes: “When we get off balance, our dog gets off balance.” “We are the ones that our dogs are looking to for what we are supposed to do next.” “There is no denying that your dog knows your every mood and your every thought.” “There's no failures - there are only opportunities to learn.” “Connect with your dog, love your dog.”   Love this and want more? Subscribe to the Enlightened By Dogs podcast in your favorite app! Don’t forget to leave us a rating and review – it would make Kathy and all of her four-legged friends very happy! Kathy is offering a big “thank you” for rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts   Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Enlightened by Dogs Website Facebook Community Read the blog post on this topic.

Do you have a transactional or a relational lifestyle with your dog…and which is better? Dogs are socially intelligent beings and show human-like social cognition in a variety of ways. You can (and should) use that intelligence to form cooperative partnerships as a lifestyle with your dog. We have more in common with our dogs than we think. The concept of using our dogs social intelligence to develop meaningful bonds with them is just one of the partnership principles that members of Kathy’s Brilliant Partners Academy live by. Kathy dives into the topic of transactional vs relational further on this episode of Enlightened By Dogs and reveals a few revelations that might surprise you. One such revelation uncovers the truth about why treats, toys, and games do not build a trusting partnership lifestyle. Yes, this episode might be a little controversial, but by the end of it, you’re going to have the knowledge, tools, and insight to build a happy and peaceful relational lifestyle with your loyal companion – and what can be better than that?   In This Episode: The difference between having a transactional and relational relationship with your dog What it really means to have a partnership lifestyle with your dog How good leaders make their dog feel safe Why social engagement is so important for both humans and dogs Busting the myth that dogs “aren’t capable of being well behaved without being paid to do so” Five things that we have in common with our dogs Three social needs that we MUST meet for our dogs   Links & Mentions from this episode: EBD053 Relationships Fail Without These 3 Social Needs! Simon Sinek’s TED Talk – Why good leaders make you feel safe   Quotes “I don’t want to be my dog’s boss.” “Because we are social mammals, we are socially intelligent - just like our dogs.” “The natural response to feeling safe amongst our own is trust and cooperation.” “Dogs need us to create a circle of safety and the vibe of the family circle is created by us, the dog moms!”   Want More of Kathy? Brilliant Partners Academy Enlightened by Dogs Website Facebook Community To read the blog post on this topic, click here.

How can you launch a membership site when your work is based on touch and emotion? Kathy Kawalec has worked with animals for over 35 years and offered transformative, life-changing training. However, bad weather threatened to destroy her revenue — and her growing business. Now, through Brilliant Partners Academy, she’s able to work with people and their animals all over the world, and the membership model gives them the time they need to make life-changing breakthroughs. Find out how she translated her unique skills into a powerful membership site at TRIBEHub.com/20.   Get Access to the Full Show Notes! To get access to the full story and to all the resources mentioned during today's episode, visit TribeHub.com20   FREE Guide – Launch & Grow a Profitable Membership Site Ready to reclaim your time and attract more monthly paying customers? Our step-by-step guide will show you how to build a membership site that turns your passion into recurring profit. Visit GetTribeGuide.com to get your free guide today! 

Welcome to the Enlightened by Dogs podcast hosted by Kathy Kawalec. During this episode, Kathy presents a segment of an interview with one of the member’s of Brilliant Partners Academy, Kelly. Kelly’s dog, Merle was an extremely reactive dog and in this interview, Kelly and Kathy describe how the partnership approach was administered and worked in soothing his behavior.  In this episode, you will hear life-changing advice for both you and your dog! Listen for more: Kelly and Merle’s backstory Reactive nature and behavior to other moving things and dogs Where the behavior occurs Adverse training Numerous trainers Using a muzzle Exposure method was not working How a privacy fence was helpful Using the clarity chart Kelly and Kathy’s key points and actions Kelly’s shifts in Skillset Mindset Emotional   Intention   “I wasn’t going to give up on this dog. I was just going to love him.” “Looking for moments and opportunities to be with him and give enrichment.” “I finally came to the realization that he just wanted to be with me.” “When we teach ourselves to measure progress and look back and see how far we’ve come is when the magic starts to happen.” “He’s one of the best-trained dogs. It was me who needed help.” “You think it’s for their own good. You know you’re going to keep them safe, but they only understand that you’re trying to take them to deal with scary stuff.”   Register for Kathy’s Free Partnership Workshop. Transform Your Rocky Relationship with Your Dog into A Brilliant Partnership Dancing Hearts Workshop   Brilliant Partners Academy Enlightened by Dogs Website Facebook Community

In this episode, Kathy discusses the issue of our dogs running the fence line, barking frantically. Kathy shares a clip of one of her coaching sessions, from her Brilliant Partners Academy program, with Claire who struggled with her dog lunging, running and barking along the fence line at the neighbor’s dog. She talks about the disconnection between us and our dogs at that point and what we can do to get the connection back. Claire has successfully been able to stop her dog from doing these things through her coaching! Claire’s question: "How do I stop my dog, Marley, from jumping and barking at the neighbor’s fence when the neighbor’s dog is out? He stops when I shout, “no,” to him and comes back in. He also sits by the fence looking for her if she’s not out. I’m pleased that he’s now listening and stopping when I tell him, “no,” as he used to have deaf ears to this. But how can I stop the initial rushing, jumping, barking?" Listen in to this episode to hear Kathy's coaching advice for Clair. Kathy wants to know how you feel about this coaching moment. What have you tried or will you try after listening to this episode? Kathy also recommends listening to episode 4 and episode 9. "Dogs get into a zone when running the fence like that, and they just can't hear us" “Instead of yelling ‘no’ at him, try going away to the other side of the yard or go in the house. If you were to leave him out there he wouldn’t be interested in staying out there without you.” "Every time your dog runs out, barking and running the fence, and you shout out no ... you are leaking trust and damaging your relationship" "When we are dealing with embedded patterns of behavior, we need to interrupt and manage the situation to create the space for a new habit to be created." Sign up for the next [free] Brilliant Partners workshop: https://dancinghearts.link/bpaworkshop   Enlightened by Dogs Website Facebook Community       EBD Podcast on Lisbyn EBD Podcast on iTunes    

Does your distracted or reactive dog make you absolutely crazy sometimes? Distracted and Reactive dogs often behave in a way that makes us nervous or afraid ... and unable to go places where there are other dogs ... or unable to trust our dogs off leash. Do you find yourself getting frustrated with the way they behave? Well, you’re not alone, and that doesn’t have to be your reality! Distracted behavior and reactivity can be resolved by establishing a deep connection with your dog based on trust, confidence, love and respect. It’s easier said than done, but with a few tools from a coaching session, Kathy delivers to her Brilliant Partners Academy members. Soon, you’ll be noticing positive changes in your life, and the behavior of your distracted or reactive dogs.   In This Episode Using the clarity chart and how it helps in creating trust and confidence between you and your dog What happens when your dog disconnects from you and stops listening The 80/20 rule, what it is and how it applies to your relationship with your dog How will you support your dog as their partner?   “Building trust starts with stopping trust and confidence leaks between you and your dog” “Circumstances that build trust must be proactively created” “I don’t expect my dogs to be going through life staring at me, that's not the kind of engagement I want” “Make it clear that you have something useful to say"   Sign up for the next Brilliant Partners workshop: https://dancinghearts.link/bpaworkshop  

There’s a common mistake that we make with our dogs and it involves attention seeking behaviours and separation anxiety! Tag along on this episode and listen in to a question and answer session Kathy hosted with her Brilliant Partners Academy members! Kathy covers obsessive and compulsive attention seeking behaviours, and what to do when you have a hard time leaving your dog when you go away!   In This Episode Fully integrating your dog into the family Connecting deeply to create a better relationship Redirection creates more problems than it solves Pacifiers are not substitutes for true belonging Leaving to go on vacation, and avoiding separation anxiety Learning to become the future you The golden cord   “You’re treating him like he needs special treatment” “He’s a loved and valued member of the family” “We’re going to reinforce the things that we want” “They just want you” “We want to give our dogs that true connection” “Separation anxiety is not a one way flow”   More Kathy www.enlightenedbydogs.com

Sometimes out of the deepest fires of anguish, abuse and adversity comes the greatest gift for both ourselves and others. While today's guest would have never chosen the hardship she suffered as a child, it did come bearing the gift of silent, intuitive communication. She's taken these gifts and is now teaching people how to heal and thrive through their partnerships with their dogs . Her name is Kathy Kawalec, and this is The YES Effect Show! Kathy Kawalec is an author, the founder of www.CognitiveDogTraining.com and creator or Brilliant Partners Academy, Herding Partners Academy, and Creative Alchemy Passion Plan. Kathy creates legendary communication between dogs and humans through holistic, heart-connected partnership training. If you're looking to make more money and build the kind of life that lights you on FIRE, stay tuned until the end of this show for a very special announcement on how we can work together! For full show notes on all of our episodes, visit http://shellivarela.com/the-yes-effect-show/