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 😉).

So grab your tea, leash, or laundry basket and let’s dive in.

With heart and a whole lotta calm,
– Tracy 💛

P.S. Ready for your next steps?

🎯 Join the Fearless Framework and start building trust with your fearful or reactive dog the relationship-first way:
👉 Fearless Framework Course & Community

🎧 Need clarity fast? Book a Leadership Coaching Call with me here:
👉Calm Coaching Call

Music credit:
🎶 Original music Shawn Trotter 🎸 www.shawntrotter.com

🐾Hey Dog Lover!,

You’ve probably asked it at some point — maybe even this week:
“Is my dog doing this because they’re afraid?”

It’s such a common question… and honestly, a really complicated one.
Because fear can show up in a lot of ways: barking, lunging, freezing, chasing, or even growling. And to make it even trickier? Those same behaviors could also come from frustration, confusion, or instinct.

And when you’re the one holding the leash — trying to read your dog’s body language in real-time, while your own heart rate is going up — well, that’s a lot to ask of yourself.

Here’s the truth I’ve learned:
You can’t see the whole picture when you’re standing in the frame.

That’s why in this episode, I’m walking you through:

• What fear really looks like (and why it’s not always obvious)

• The difference between defensive and offensive right brain behavior

• How emotions and instinct overlap in dogs

• And why understanding your dog’s Dogonality™ gives you the power to ask better questions — not just get better answers

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is it fear… or something else?” — this one’s for you.
Let’s slow it down, zoom out, and figure out what’s really going on under the surface.

Hope you enjoy this episode,
Tracy 🐾

👉 NEXT STEPS:

🎯 Take the Dogonality™ Quiz to better understand your dog’s brain and behaviour:
www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz

📥 Want my help?
Book a Calm Coaching Call to get clarity on what’s going on with your dog — and what to do next.

💬 Let’s stay connected:
Come join the free Facebook group for more stories, support, and nerdy behaviour talk:
www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience

Music Credit: 🎶. Shawn Trotter of www.shawntrotter.com

Hey there Dog Lover!🐾

This week, Paisley and I sat down to answer some of your most honest, heartfelt questions — and wow, did you deliver.

From a siren-sensitive Malinois who never leaves your side… to a fearless Boston with a taste for freedom… to a big, beautiful German Shepherd whose jumping has turned into bruises and scratches — every question we answered this week was rooted in one thing:
A deep desire to understand.

Here’s what we unpack in this April Q&A episode:🐾 Should you let your fearful dog follow you everywhere?
🐾 What to do when your large, excited dog’s jumping becomes dangerous
🐾 How to know if your dog’s barking is social, defensive, or something else
🐾 When to consider tools like an e-collar — and how to know if you’re ready
🐾 What to do when reactivity becomes a dopamine-driven pattern
🐾 Helping your dog feel safe around guests
🐾 Teaching a larger dog to be gentle with smaller dogs in the home

If you’ve ever found yourself asking:
“Am I doing the right thing?”
“Is this fear, or something else?”
“What if I’m not enough?”
…this episode is for you.

You’re not alone. And more than ever, the world needs the kind of leadership that begins with empathy — not control.

Hope you enjoy this episode!

Tracy 🐾

👉 NEXT STEPS:

💛 If you’re ready for real change…
Come join the incredible community inside the Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework — my online course and group coaching space where we go far beyond obedience.

It’s where you’ll find:

• Support from dog lovers who truly get it

• Tools that help you build trust and confidence — without relying on treats or tools

• Monthly coaching calls and personalized guidance

• And a safe space to stop feeling so alone in your dog journey

🌱 The world is heavy right now. And I believe, more than ever, people need what our dogs can teach us — and what we can teach them in return.
Come join us → www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless

💬 Let’s stay connected:
Come hang out in the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group for more support, reflection, and real-talk:
www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience

🎯 Take the Dogonality™ Quiz to understand your dog’s behaviour on a deeper level:
www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz

🎶 Music by Shawn Trotter – www.shawntrotter.com

Hey dog lover 🐾

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Why isn’t this getting better yet?”
You’re showing up, doing the work, being patient… but your fearful or sensitive dog still seems stuck.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the story of Levi—a shutdown rescue who couldn’t even be touched when he arrived. He taught me one of the most powerful lessons I’ve ever learned:
Progress doesn’t happen on our timeline.
And sometimes, letting go of the clock is what finally opens the door to trust.

If you’ve been feeling behind, discouraged, or unsure if you’re doing it “right,” this episode is for you.

Hope you enjoy,
Tracy

NEXT STEPS:
✨ Ready to break the fear cycle and build confidence naturally?
Join the Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework and start building trust—without pressure or overwhelm.
👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless

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

Hey dog lover! 🐾

Ever feel like you're just the dope at the end of the rope—being dragged along while your dog follows their nose and completely tunes you out? I’ve been there. And so was Chuckles, my husband’s swamp-loving, scent-obsessed Basset Hound who taught me one of the most powerful lessons about fulfillment, relevance, and real connection.

In today’s episode, I take you on a muddy little adventure that changed everything for Chuckles and me—and I just might do the same for you and your dog especially if you're living with a confident, right-brained extrovert who seems more into ditch water than anything you have to offer.

Hope you enjoy,
Tracy

NEXT STEPS:
✨ Want to understand your dog’s Dogonality™? Take the free quiz: www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz
💬 Want personalized support? Book a coaching session with me: www.beyondobedience.ca/session

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

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:🐾 How I learned to stop “managing” Apollo’s intensity and start honouring it
🐾 Why the traits that frustrate us most are often signs of something deeper
🐾 What it looks like to lead a strong-willed, big-hearted dog with structure and respect

If you’ve ever had a dog who made you feel like a failure… or tested your patience more than you care to admit… this story is for you.

Because sometimes, the dog who challenges you the most is the one who loves you the hardest.

Next Steps:
Got a bold, high-energy dog like Apollo? Take the Dogonality™ Quiz to discover how to guide them with confidence — no treats or tricks required.
👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz

Be sure to share your quiz results with other dog lovers in our Free Facebook Community Living Beyond Obedience

Music credit: Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com

Hey dog lover! 🐾

Have you been unintentionally denying your dog’s cultural identity?

In this episode, we explore the surprisingly overlooked world of honouring your dog’s roots—whether that’s through themed meals, heritage-based enrichment, or just a deeper understanding of who they really are. Because maybe the reason your dog is ignoring you… is cultural.

Or maybe—it’s something else entirely. 😉

Hope you enjoy,
Tracy

NEXT STEPS:
✨ Want to understand your dog’s Dogonality™? Take the free quiz: www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz
💬 Ready to connect on a deeper level? Book a coaching session: www.beyondobedience.ca/session

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

(P.S. You might want to check the calendar... 😉)

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:🐾 What it’s like to live 24/7 with a dog who couldn’t care less about you
🐾 How I stopped chasing connection and started earning it
🐾 Why being invited into your dog’s world is more powerful than any command or cue

This one’s for every dog lover who’s ever felt ignored, invisible, or unimportant in their dog’s eyes. You are not alone — and this story might just change how you see your dog forever.

Next Steps:
Not sure what kind of dog you’re living with? Start by taking the Dogonality™ Quiz to better understand your dog’s unique personality and how to connect on their terms.
👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz

Music credit: Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com