Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Body Language, Anxious Dogs, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs

Tracy Franken- Dog Trainer, Vet Tech, Dog Lover, šŸ¾
  • 4.7 (31)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated Weekly

Do you wish you could enjoy life with your dog again? Are you struggling with a reactive, fearful, anxious, or misunderstood dog? Do walks, visitors, or everyday situations leave you feeling stressed, frustrated, or embarrassed? I'm Tracy Franken, a retired vet tech turned dog trainer. I discovered the secret to a life of ease with my dogs; Through trust-based training, and a deeper understanding of dog behaviour, I'll help you build confidence, strengthen your relationship, and create a dog you can trust in the real world. Because lasting change starts with understanding the dog you love.

  1. 216 | Am I Helping My Dog... or Making Things Worse?

    3d ago

    216 | Am I Helping My Dog... or Making Things Worse?

    Hey Dog LoveršŸ¾ Have you ever wondered if you're helping your dog too much? Do you struggle to know when your dog needs support... and when they simply need space to figure things out? Have you ever worried that stepping in too quickly might actually be getting in the way of your dog's confidence? In this episode, we're tackling one of the most important questions dog lovers face: How do I know when to step in and when to step back? Inspired by a question I received after sharing my experience with Gunther at a recent WCERA event, we're diving into the delicate balance between supporting our dogs and allowing them the opportunity to learn, process, and grow. Because confidence isn't built when we solve every problem for our dogs. It's built when they discover what they're capable ofā€”with us there to support them when needed. We'll talk about: šŸ¾ The difference between processing and overwhelm šŸ¾ Why struggling isn't always a bad thing šŸ¾ How to recognize when your dog is still thinking versus when they're shutting down šŸ¾ The signs that tell me it's time to step back šŸ¾ The signs that tell me it's time to step in šŸ¾ Why confidence grows through supported challenges We'll also explore: trust partnership leadership problem-solving resilience and why sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply believe our dogs are capable. Because true partnership isn't about doing everything for your dog. Sometimes partnership means: "I've got you." And sometimes partnership means: "I believe you've got this." Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxox Resources Fearless Framework Online Program for Dog Lovers šŸ¾ ā https://beyondobedience.ca/fearlessā  Why Does My Dog Act Like This? Take the quiz! šŸ¾ ā www.beyondobedience.ca/quizā  Check out the Beyond Obedience Blog šŸ¾ ā https://beyondobedience.ca/blogā  Connect with Me! Contact -> ā info@beyondobedience.caā  Podcast -> ā https://beyondobedience.ca/podcastā  Connect -> ā https://facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedienceā  Resources -> ā www.beyondobedience.ca/quizā  Merch -> Get your Beyond Obedience merch! ā www.beyondobedience.ca/storeā  šŸ¾ Next Steps šŸ‘£ Step 1: Join a supportive community of dog owners learning how to build trust, clarity, and healthier partnerships with their dogs inside the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience Step 2: Take the Dogonality Quiz to better understand how your dog naturally responds to stress, pressure, and relationship dynamics šŸ‘‰ ā www.beyondobedience.ca/quizā  Step 3: Learn how to navigate fearful, reactive, and emotionally complex behaviour with more confidence and clarity inside The Fearless Framework šŸ‘‰ ā https://beyondobedience.ca/fearlessā  Music Credit šŸŽ¶: Shawn Trotter. ā www.shawntrotter.com

    25 min
  2. 215 | What My Dog Taught Me About Confidence, Trust, and Partnership

    6d ago

    215 | What My Dog Taught Me About Confidence, Trust, and Partnership

    Hey Dog Lover šŸ¾ Hey Dog Lover šŸ¾ Have you ever struggled to know when to help your dog and when to simply let them figure things out? Do you sometimes wonder if you're supporting your dog... or accidentally getting in the way of their growth? Have you ever noticed that some of your most meaningful moments with your dog happen when you stop trying to direct every step? In this episode, I'm sharing some lessons I learned while attending a WCERA event with Gunther. What started as a fun day of games and challenges became a powerful reminder of what partnership really looks like. Because confidence isn't built when everything goes perfectly. It's built when dogs are given opportunities to think, process, problem solve, and discover what they're capable of. We'll talk about: šŸ¾ How Gunther approached unfamiliar challenges šŸ¾ Why processing time is such an important part of learning šŸ¾ The difference between helping and rescuing šŸ¾ How support looks different than control šŸ¾ What true partnership actually means šŸ¾ Why confidence grows through experience We'll also explore: trust partnership leadership confidence problem-solving curiosity and why some of the most important lessons our dogs learn happen when we give them the space to work through a challenge instead of immediately stepping in. Because sometimes partnership means helping. And sometimes partnership means believing your dog is capable. Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxox RESOURCES šŸ¾ Join the Online Program Fearless Framework! https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless šŸ¾ Take the quiz! https://www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz šŸ¾Read the blog!  https://beyondobedience.ca/blog CONNECT WITH ME! Contact ā†’ info@beyondobedience.ca Podcast ā†’ https://beyondobedience.ca/podcast Connect ā†’ https://facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience Resources ā†’ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Merch ā†’ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/store šŸ¾NEXT STEPSšŸ‘£ Step 1: Join a supportive community of dog owners learning how to build trust, clarity, and healthier partnerships with their dogs inside the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience. Step 2: Take the Dogonality Quiz to better understand how your dog naturally responds to stress, pressure, and relationship dynamics. šŸ‘‰ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Step 3: Learn how to navigate fearful, reactive, and emotionally complex behaviour with more confidence and clarity inside The Fearless Framework. šŸ‘‰ https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless Music Credit šŸŽ¶: Shawn Trotter www.shawntrotter.com

    33 min
  3. 214 | Stop Trying to Be the Bigger Squirrel : Why Your Dog Chooses the Environment Over You

    Jun 18

    214 | Stop Trying to Be the Bigger Squirrel : Why Your Dog Chooses the Environment Over You

    Hey Dog Lover šŸ¾ Do you ever feel like squirrels, smells, birds, and absolutely everything else are more interesting to your dog than you are? Have you been told you need better treats, higher-value rewards, or more excitement to keep your dog's attention? Have you ever wondered if trying to compete with the environment is actually the problem? In this episode, we're talking about one of the biggest myths in dog training: The idea that we need to be more exciting than everything our dogs encounter. Because what if your dog's curiosity isn't a problem to solve? What if it's actually a gift? And what if the goal isn't to compete with the environment... But to become part of the experience? We'll talk about: šŸ¾ Why dogs are supposed to notice the world around them šŸ¾ The difference between competing and connecting šŸ¾ Why trying to out-squirrel a squirrel is exhausting šŸ¾ How curiosity can strengthen your relationship šŸ¾ What relevance actually means šŸ¾ Why becoming part of the experience changes everything We'll also explore: trust connection relevance curiosity fulfillment and why some of the strongest relationships are built when we stop fighting our dog's interest in the world and start sharing it with them. Because my goal has never been to create dogs that ignore the environment. My goal has always been to create dogs that want to experience it with me. Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxox RESOURCES šŸ¾ Join the Fearless Framework: https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless šŸ¾Take the Quiz!  https://www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz šŸ¾Read the blog!  https://beyondobedience.ca/blog Connect with ME! Contact ā†’ info@beyondobedience.ca Podcast ā†’ https://beyondobedience.ca/podcast Connect ā†’ https://facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience Resources ā†’ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Merch ā†’ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/store šŸ‘£NEXT STEPS šŸ¾ Step 1: Join a supportive community of dog owners learning how to build trust, clarity, and healthier partnerships with their dogs inside the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience. Step 2: Take the Dogonality Quiz to better understand how your dog naturally responds to stress, pressure, and relationship dynamics. šŸ‘‰ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Step 3: Learn how to navigate fearful, reactive, and emotionally complex behaviour with more confidence and clarity inside The Fearless Framework. šŸ‘‰ https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless Music Credit šŸŽ¶: Shawn Trotter www.shawntrotter.com

    35 min
  4. 213 | Why Does Your Dog React Differently Around Certain Dogs/People?

    Jun 15

    213 | Why Does Your Dog React Differently Around Certain Dogs/People?

    Hey Dog Lover šŸ¾ Have you ever noticed that your dog behaves differently around certain people? Do you sometimes wonder why your dog seems calmer around some dogs and more reactive around others? Have you ever considered that your presence might be influencing your dog's behaviour more than you realize? In this episode, I'm sharing one of the most important lessons I've ever learned about dog behaviour. And surprisingly, it didn't come from dog training. It came from my Newfoundlands. Over the years, I watched fearful, reactive, anxious, and overwhelmed dogs interact with my Newfs. What fascinated me wasn't what my dogs did. It was what they didn't do. No corrections. No drama. No interventions. And yet, time and time again, the other dogs would settle. When they did, something remarkable happened. Their true nature appeared. In this episode, we explore: šŸ¾ Why calm reveals truth šŸ¾ How emotional energy affects behaviour šŸ¾ How you are part of your dog's environment šŸ¾ The hidden cost of emotional static šŸ¾ How grounded leadership creates clarity šŸ¾ Why understanding your dog starts with understanding yourself We'll also talk about: relationship trust awareness communication emotional reliability and why sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply become quiet enough to listen. Because when we stop adding to the noise, our dogs often tell us exactly who they are and what they need. Hope you enjoy this one! Resources The Fearless Framework- 12-month online program šŸ¾ https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless Why Does My Dog Do That? Take the quiz šŸ¾ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Check out the blog! šŸ¾ https://beyondobedience.ca/blog Connect with Me! Contact -> info@beyondobedience.ca Podcast -> https://beyondobedience.ca/podcast Community > https://facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience Resources -> www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Merch -> Get your Beyond Obedience merch! www.beyondobedience.ca/store šŸ¾ Next Steps šŸ‘£ Step 1: Join a supportive community of dog owners learning how to build trust, relevance, and healthier partnerships with their dogs inside the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience Step 2: Take the Quiz to better understand how your dog naturally responds to stress, pressure, and relationship dynamics šŸ‘‰ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Step 3: Learn how to navigate fearful, reactive, and emotionally complex behaviour with more confidence and clarity inside The Fearless Framework šŸ‘‰ https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless Music Credit šŸŽ¶: Shawn Trotter. www.shawntrotter.com

    33 min
  5. 212 | Why Your Dog Pulls on Leash No Matter What You Try

    Jun 11

    212 | Why Your Dog Pulls on Leash No Matter What You Try

    Hey Dog Lover šŸ¾ Have you tried different harnesses, collars, and training methods only to find that your dog still pulls on leash? Do you feel like you're constantly managing your dog instead of actually enjoying your walks together? Have you ever wondered if leash pulling isn't actually a leash problem at all? In this episode, we're diving into one of the most common struggles dog owners face: Leash pulling. But instead of asking: "How do I stop my dog from pulling?" We're going to explore a different question: "Why doesn't my dog want to walk with me?" Because there is a big difference between a dog walking beside you and a dog choosing to walk with you. We'll talk about: šŸ¾ Why leash pulling is often a symptom, not the real problem šŸ¾ The difference between position and partnership šŸ¾ How fulfillment impacts behaviour šŸ¾ Why the environment may be more valuable than you realize šŸ¾ What relevance actually looks like in real life šŸ¾ Why becoming someone your dog wants to stay connected to changes everything We'll also explore: relationship influence engagement curiosity fulfillment and why some dogs don't need more training...they need a better reason to stay connected. Because my goal has never been to create dogs that walk beside me. My goal has always been to create dogs that want to walk with me. Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxox Resources Fearless Framework Online Program for Dog Lovers šŸ¾ https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless Why Does My Dog Act Like This? Take the quiz! šŸ¾ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Check out the Beyond Obedience Blog šŸ¾ https://beyondobedience.ca/blog Connect with Me! Contact -> info@beyondobedience.ca Podcast -> https://beyondobedience.ca/podcast Connect -> https://facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience Resources -> www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Merch -> Get your Beyond Obedience merch! www.beyondobedience.ca/store šŸ¾ Next Steps šŸ‘£ Step 1: Join a supportive community of dog owners learning how to build trust, clarity, and healthier partnerships with their dogs inside the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience Step 2: Take the Dogonality Quiz to better understand how your dog naturally responds to stress, pressure, and relationship dynamics šŸ‘‰ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Step 3: Learn how to navigate fearful, reactive, and emotionally complex behaviour with more confidence and clarity inside The Fearless Framework šŸ‘‰ https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless Music Credit šŸŽ¶: Shawn Trotter.www.shawntrotter.com

    37 min
  6. 211 | Why Dog Training Tools Aren't Solving Your Walking Problems

    Jun 8

    211 | Why Dog Training Tools Aren't Solving Your Walking Problems

    Hey Dog Lover šŸ¾ Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by all the opinions about dog training tools? Are you wondering if the next harness, collar, leash, or gadget will finally solve your dog's walking problems? Do you sometimes feel like the dog training world is more focused on the equipment than the dog standing at the end of the leash? In this episode, we're diving into one of the most controversial topics in dog training: Training tools. But instead of debating which tool is "best," we're going to explore a different question: Can a tool actually solve your problem? Because there is a big difference between using a tool and depending on a tool. We'll talk about: šŸ¾ Why every piece of dog equipment is technically a tool (yes...even treats) šŸ¾ What tools can actually do for you and your dog šŸ¾ What tools can never do for you and your dog šŸ¾ Why marketing around dog training equipment often misses the bigger picture šŸ¾ The difference between leverage and influence šŸ¾ Why your relationship matters more than the equipment you're using šŸ¾ How to become someone your dog wants to stay connected to We'll also explore: leadership trust partnership influence relationship and why the real goal isn't finding the perfect harness... It's becoming the kind of person your dog chooses to follow. Because while tools can help create clarity, improve safety, and bridge communication gaps... They cannot create trust. They cannot create connection. And they cannot build a relationship for you. The goal isn't finding the right equipment. The goal is becoming someone your dog wants to stay with. How interesting. šŸ˜‰ Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxox RESOURCES Fearless Framework Online Program for Dog Lovers šŸ¾ https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless Why Does My Dog Act Like This? Take the quiz! šŸ¾ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Check out the Beyond Obedience Blog šŸ¾ https://beyondobedience.ca/blog Connect With Me! Contact -> info@beyondobedience.ca Podcast -> https://beyondobedience.ca/podcast Connect -> https://facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience Resources -> www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Merch -> Get your Beyond Obedience merch! www.beyondobedience.ca/store šŸ¾ Next Steps šŸ‘£ Step 1: Join a supportive community of dog owners looking to build trust, confidence, and stronger relationships with their dogs inside the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience. Step 2: Take the Dogonality Quiz to better understand how your dog naturally responds to stress, pressure, and relationship dynamics. šŸ‘‰ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Step 3: Learn how to become a more influential, relevant, and trusted partner for your dog inside The Fearless Framework. šŸ‘‰ https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless Music Credit šŸŽ¶: Shawn Trotter. www.shawntrotter.com

    34 min
  7. 210 | Is Your Dog Manipulating You? Fearful Dogs, Boundaries & Leadership

    Jun 4

    210 | Is Your Dog Manipulating You? Fearful Dogs, Boundaries & Leadership

    Hey Dog LoveršŸ¾ Have you ever worried that saying ā€œnoā€ to your dog might damage your relationship with them? Do you sometimes feel emotionally exhausted trying to figure out whether your dog needs supportā€¦ or clearer boundaries? Have you ever wondered if your dog is unintentionally influencing your emotions, routines, or decisions more than you realize? In this episode, weā€™re diving into one of the most misunderstood concepts in the dog world:manipulation. Because yesā€¦ dogs absolutely influence outcomes. But not in the ā€œevil mastermind trying to dominate youā€ kind of way šŸ˜… Weā€™re talking about: what manipulation actually iswhy behaviour is rooted in survival and outcome-seekinghow dogs learn what works in relationshipswhy fearful dog owners often struggle with boundariesand the difference between compassion and emotional chaosWe also explore: guiltemotional discomfortleadershiprelationship balanceand why clarity is one of the kindest things we can offer our dogsThis episode is a nuanced conversation about partnership, survival strategies, emotional influence, and learning how to support your dog without losing yourself in the process. Because healthy relationships are not built through guilt. Theyā€™re built through trust, honesty, communication, and clarity. Resources Fearless FrameworkšŸ¾ https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless Dogonality QuizšŸ¾ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Blog post for this episodešŸ¾ https://beyondobedience.ca/blog Connect with Me! Contact - > info@beyondobedience.caPodcast -ļ¼ž https://beyondobedience.ca/podcastConnect -ļ¼ž https://facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedienceResources - > www.beyondobedience.ca/quizMerch -> Get your Beyond Obedience merch! www.beyondobedience.ca/store šŸ¾ Next StepsšŸ‘£: Step 1: Join a supportive community of dog owners learning how to build trust, clarity, and healthier partnership with their dogs inside the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience Step 2: Take the Dogonality Quiz to better understand how your dog naturally responds to stress, pressure, and relationship dynamicsšŸ‘‰ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Step 3: Learn how to navigate fearful, reactive, and emotionally complex behaviour with more confidence and clarity inside The Fearless FrameworkšŸ‘‰ https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless Music CreditšŸŽ¶: Shawn Trotter. www.shawntrotter.com

    23 min
  8. 209 | Why Your Dogā€™s Behaviour Isnā€™t Random (And What Youā€™re Missing)

    Jun 1

    209 | Why Your Dogā€™s Behaviour Isnā€™t Random (And What Youā€™re Missing)

    Hey Dog Lover šŸ¾ Does your dog sometimes seem completely fine one dayā€¦ and totally overwhelmed the next? Have you ever caught yourself saying: ā€œThis reaction came out of nowhereā€? Do you feel like youā€™re constantly trying to figure out why your dog reacts in certain situationsā€”but the behaviour still feels unpredictable? In this episode, weā€™re talking about why your dogā€™s behaviour is probably NOT randomā€”and how understanding patterns, pressure, and emotional buildup can completely change the way you see your dog. Because dogs donā€™t experience life in isolated moments. They experience: accumulationcontextemotional loadingenvironmental pressureand patterns humans often miss entirelyWeā€™re diving into: threshold stackingstress accumulationwhy reactions rarely happen ā€œout of nowhereā€how anticipation changes behaviourand why humans often only notice behaviour once it becomes inconvenientWeā€™ll also talk about why curiosity matters so much in relationship-based training and how asking: ā€œHow interestingā€¦ what pattern am I missing?ā€ can completely shift the way you respond to your dog. Because when behaviour starts making senseā€¦ everything changes. Resources  Fearless Framework šŸ¾ https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless Dogonality Quiz šŸ¾ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Blog post for this episode šŸ¾ www.beyondobedience.ca/blog Connect with Me! Contact - > info@beyondobedience.ca Podcast -ļ¼ž https://beyondobedience.ca/podcast Connect -ļ¼ž https://facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience Resources - > www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Merch -> Get your Beyond Obedience merch! www.beyondobedience.ca/store šŸ¾ Next StepsšŸ‘£: Step 1: Join a supportive community of dog owners learning how to build trust, clarity, and a healthier partnership with their dogs inside the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience Step 2: Take the Dogonality Quiz to better understand how your dog naturally responds to stress, pressure, and relationship dynamics šŸ‘‰ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Step 3: Learn how to navigate fearful, reactive, and emotionally complex behaviour with more confidence and clarity inside The Fearless Framework šŸ‘‰ https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless Music CreditšŸŽ¶ Shawn Trotter: shawntrotter.com

    33 min
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4.7
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Do you wish you could enjoy life with your dog again? Are you struggling with a reactive, fearful, anxious, or misunderstood dog? Do walks, visitors, or everyday situations leave you feeling stressed, frustrated, or embarrassed? I'm Tracy Franken, a retired vet tech turned dog trainer. I discovered the secret to a life of ease with my dogs; Through trust-based training, and a deeper understanding of dog behaviour, I'll help you build confidence, strengthen your relationship, and create a dog you can trust in the real world. Because lasting change starts with understanding the dog you love.

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