Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Behaviour Training, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs

Tracy Franken: Retired Vet Tech , Dog Trainer, Dog Lover, Dog Bond Specialist šŸ¾
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Do you long to have a happy, confident dog you can take anywhere? Are you worried your reactive, fearful dog may hurt someone or something else? Do you have to ā€œprepareā€ yourself to take your dog for a walk around the block? Hey there! Iā€™m Tracy, a retired vet tech turned dog trainer, mom, wife and all-around dog lover. When I realized the key to building confidence in my dog was in understanding him and NOT just tossing treats and obedience my life changed! Now I have a pack of ā€œjust good dogsā€ I trust to take anywhere. And I am sharing it all here! So put down that leash & let's get to it!

  1. 20 HRS AGO

    189 | Your Reactive Dog Doesn't Need More Friends

    Hey Dog LoveršŸ¾ Do you feel like your reactive dog needs more socializationā€¦ more exposureā€¦ more dog friends? What if thatā€™s not actually true? In this episode, weā€™re unpacking one of the biggest mindset shifts for reactive dog owners: your dog doesnā€™t need to like other dogs to be successful. We dive into: Why forcing dog interactions can actually increase fear and reactivityThe difference between social and pro-social dogsWhat your dog is really telling you when they react to other dogsWhy confidence isnā€™t built through exposureā€”but through trustHow to shift your focus from ā€œfixingā€ your dog to understanding themIf youā€™ve been trying slow introductions, dog park visits, or ā€œjust getting them used to itā€ā€¦ this episode will give you a whole new perspective. Because the real goal? A dog who feels safe, confident, and connected to YOU. How interestingā€¦ right? Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxox Resources Mentioned šŸ¾ Watch the Calm Down Dog Bootcamp replays:šŸ‘‰ https://beyondobedience.ca/replay NEXT STEPS šŸ¾šŸ‘£ Ready to take this to the next level? Join The Fearless Framework Online Coaching Program 12 months of online support Monthly Zoom Meet ups Supportive Community and Student Discounts! Learn More at: The Fearless Framework šŸ¾ Join the Living Beyond Obedience free community:šŸ‘‰ https://facebook.com/groups/livingbeyondobedience šŸ¾ Discover your dogā€™s Dogonalityā„¢: https://beyondobedience.ca/quiz šŸŽµ Music credit: Shawn Trotter https://shawntrotter.com

    26 min

  2. 4D AGO

    188 | What Happens When You Stop Trying to Contol Your Reactive Dog

    Hey Dog LoveršŸ¾ Are you constantly trying to manage or control your reactive dogā€™s behaviour? Do you feel like if youā€™re not actively directing every moment, everything will fall apart? What if the real shift isnā€™t about controlling your dogā€¦ but about controlling yourself? In this episode, Iā€™m sharing a personal turning point that changed the way I work with dogs forever. There was a time when I was teaching obedience classes ā€” even though deep down I knew it wasnā€™t how I was actually living with my own dogs. It felt disingenuous to teach people to rely on commands and control when I knew the deeper transformation with dogs came from something else entirely. We talk about why so many reactive dog owners feel stuck in control mode, why obedience alone often falls short, and how real change begins when we shift our focus inward. If youā€™ve ever felt like youā€™re doing everything youā€™ve been told to do but your dog still struggles, this conversation will help you understand where the real leverage is. Hope you enjoy! Tracy xoxo Resources and Links Mentioned Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp (FREE Live Event ā€“ March 18ā€“20)Join us for this free 3-day live experience where we explore what leadership actually looks like to a dog and how to guide your dog to calm without relying on constant commands, treats, or techniques.šŸ‘‰ https://beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp Living Beyond Obedience (Free Facebook Community)Join thoughtful dog lovers having grounded conversations about life with reactive and fearful dogs.šŸ‘‰ https://www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience Connecting with You and Next Steps Contact ā†’ https://beyondobedience.ca/contactPodcast ā†’ Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or https://beyondobedience.ca/podcastConnect ā†’ Join the free Facebook group Living Beyond ObedienceResources ā†’ Take the Dogonality Quiz at https://beyondobedience.ca/quiz Next Steps šŸ¾šŸ‘£ Step 1: Join a supportive community of dog owners who feel like theyā€™ve tried everything but still feel stuck at the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience. Step 2: Register for the free Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp happening March 18ā€“20 athttps://beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp Step 3: Get more personalized support inside The Fearful Dog Fearless Framework athttps://beyondobedience.ca/fearless

    20 min

  3. MAR 16

    187 | Before the Bootcamp Starts: The One Thing Reactive Dogs Need From You

    Hey Dog Lover! šŸ¾ This episode is a little different. If youā€™re joining the Calm Down Dog Bootcamp, consider this your bootcamp prep. Because before we even begin, thereā€™s one shift that will make everything we talk about during the bootcamp make a whole lot more sense. Many reactive dog owners fall into a cycle: Something happens.The dog reacts.We try to fix the reaction. More training.More techniques.More management. But reactive dogs are rarely struggling with obedience. Theyā€™re struggling with certainty. Dogs are constantly asking questions about the world around them: Is this safe?Do I need to handle this?Or are you handling it? When those questions donā€™t have clear answers, dogs often try to manage the world themselves ā€” and thatā€™s when reactivity shows up. In this episode, we explore the leadership shift that helps reactive dogs finally relax and begin asking questions instead of reacting. The Calm Down Dog Bootcamp starts tomorrow. March 17ā€“19One hour a dayLive on Zoom (with replays available) Inside the free Facebook group, weā€™ve already started reset challenges, conversations, and giveaways. Grab your spot here:beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp

    16 min

  4. MAR 12

    186 | Your Reactive Dog Isnā€™t Overreacting: So Why Are They Always On Edge?

    Hey Dog LoveršŸ¾ Reactive dogs often look like they are overreacting to the world. They bark. They lunge. They scan every movement. But what if your dog isnā€™t overreacting at all? What if your dog is simply trying to manage a world that feels uncertain? In this episode, we explore why reactive dogs often live in a state of hyper-vigilance and the important difference between: ā€¢ prey drive ā€¢ fear ā€¢ hyper-awareness Many reactive dogs are constantly watching the environment because they believe itā€™s their responsibility to handle it. And that responsibility is exhausting. When dogs donā€™t feel clarity about who is handling the situation, they often try to solve the problem themselves ā€” which leads to barking, lunging, and reacting. In this episode, we unpack why that happens and what reactive dogs are actually looking for from their humans. Hope you enjoy! Tracy xoxox NEXT STEPS šŸ‘£šŸ¾ Calm Down Dog Bootcamp The Calm Down Dog Bootcamp runs March 17ā€“19 and is designed specifically for dog lovers living with fearful or reactive dogs. Three days. One hour a day. Real conversations and practical insight you can start using immediately. Join here: beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp Join the Community! Living Beyond Obedience On Facebook Got a Question? Leave me a message! www.beyondobedience.ca/contact

    20 min

  5. MAR 9

    185 | Dogs Donā€™t See the World Like Humans: Why Reactive Dogs Struggle in ā€œHumansville"

    Hey Dog LoveršŸ¾ If youā€™ve ever wondered why your dog reacts to things that seem completely normal to youā€¦ this episode will help you see the world through your dogā€™s eyes. Humans live in a world of social rules and expectations. Be polite. Be friendly. Get along with everyone. But dogs donā€™t live in that world. Dogs live in a world of social units and assessment ā€” where every new dog, person, or situation has to be evaluated before itā€™s considered safe. When we forget that difference, we unintentionally create confusion for our dogs. And that confusion often shows up as fear, anxiety, or reactivity. In this episode, we explore the relevance gap between humans and dogs and why expecting dogs to see the world the way we do can make life much harder for them. Understanding this shift can change how you see your dog ā€” and your relationship ā€” forever. If youā€™re living with a reactive or fearful dog, this is an episode you won't want to miss this! Hope you enjoy this episode Tracy xoxox NEXT STEPSšŸ‘£šŸ¾ Calm Down Dog Bootcamp The Calm Down Dog Bootcamp is happening March 17ā€“19. Three days. One hour a day. Simple shifts that can dramatically change how you and your dog move through the world together. Join here: beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp Join the community! Living Beyond Obedience on Facebook Loving the show? Leave a message or testimonial! BeyondObedience.ca/Contact

    21 min

  6. MAR 5

    184 | Ready to Stop Controlling Your Reactive Dog? The Shift That Changes Everything

    Hey Dog Lover! šŸ¾ In this episode, Iā€™m diving into a powerful shift that changes everything: control yourself and influence the dog ā€” donā€™t try to control the dog. If you have a reactive or fearful dog, itā€™s easy to fall into control mode. More commands. More management. More micromanaging every situation. It feels responsible. It feels proactive. But what if itā€™s actually keeping you stuck? Weā€™ll explore the difference between control and influence, why hesitation erodes leadership, and how real change begins when you stop waiting for your dog to calm down so you can feel steady. This conversation will challenge you ā€” gently ā€” to consider whether youā€™re truly ready for changeā€¦ not just for your dog, but for yourself. Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxo NEXT STEPS šŸ‘£šŸ¾ Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp (FREE Live Event ā€“ March 17-19th)This is where we explore what leadership actually looks like to a dog, how your presence shapes behaviour, and how to shift from control to influence in real time.šŸ‘‰ https://beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp Living Beyond Obedience (Free Facebook Community)Join thoughtful dog owners having grounded, real conversations about life with reactive and fearful dogs.šŸ‘‰ www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience Ready to work with me? Join the Fearless Framework! 12-month online course and community where you will learn how easy it can be to live with your dog! Learn more at www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless CONTACT ME: Contact ā†’ https://beyondobedience.ca/contactPodcast ā†’ Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or https://beyondobedience.ca/podcastConnect ā†’ Join the free Facebook group Living Beyond ObedienceResources ā†’ Take the Dogonality Quiz at https://beyondobedience.ca/quiz

    25 min

  7. MAR 2

    183 | Why Doing Less Feels So Wrong With A Reactive Dog

    Hey Dog Lover! šŸ¾ Do you feel like if youā€™re not actively training your reactive dog, youā€™re failing them? Does slowing down make you anxiousā€¦ like youā€™re falling behind or not doing enough? Have you ever tried to ā€œdo lessā€ with your dog ā€” and immediately felt guilty about it? In this episode, Iā€™m sharing why doing less with your reactive or fearful dog can feel so uncomfortable ā€” and why that discomfort might actually be the doorway to real change. Weā€™ve been conditioned to believe that progress comes from doing more: more commands, more exposure, more management, more effort. But what if your dog doesnā€™t need more from you? What if they need clearer? Weā€™ll talk about hustle-based training culture, the exhaustion that comes from trying harder, and why influence and leadership often grow in quieter, steadier spaces. If youā€™ve been feeling tired, stuck, or unsure whether slowing down is the right move, this episode will help you understand whatā€™s really happening underneath that tension Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxo NEXT STEPSšŸ‘£šŸ¾ Join the CALM DOWN, DOG Bootcamp! Happening Mar 17-19th, 2026 Sign up today at www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp (FREE Live Event ā€“ March 18ā€“20)Join us for this free 3-day live experience where weā€™ll explore what leadership actually looks like to a dog, why behavior isnā€™t just a training problem, and how your presence changes everything.šŸ‘‰ https://beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp Living Beyond Obedience (Free Facebook Community)Continue the conversation in a grounded, non-judgmental space with other thoughtful dog lovers.šŸ‘‰ https://www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience Related Episode:Why Understanding Your Dogā€™s Fearful or Reactive Behaviour Isnā€™t Enough Related Episode:Is ā€œGood Enoughā€ Keeping Your Dog Stuck? The Hidden Cost of Avoidance CONNECT WITH ME Contact ā†’ https://beyondobedience.ca/contactPodcast ā†’ Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or https://beyondobedience.ca/podcastConnect ā†’ Join our free Facebook group Living Beyond ObedienceFacebook -> Beyond Obedience Resources ā†’ Take the Dogonality Quiz at https://beyondobedience.ca/quiz

    32 min

  8. FEB 26

    182 | Are You Micro Managing Your Reactive Dog? Why Obedience Just Ain't Cutting It

    Hey Dog Lover šŸ¾ Does everything feel a littleā€¦ chaotic right now? Are your walks feeling harder than they used to? Have you tried more training, more treats, more techniquesā€¦ and youā€™re still wondering why nothing is really changing? In this episode, Iā€™m sharing why your dogā€™s behavior might not be a training problem at all ā€” and why adding more commands isnā€™t the answer. If the world feels heavy and your home is starting to feel tense, this conversation is for you. Weā€™re talking about what dogs actually respond to, why traditional methods often fall short, and how to guide your dog to calm without relying on treats, tools, and techniques that havenā€™t worked long term. And Iā€™m inviting you to join me inside the Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp ā€” a free, three-day live experience where weā€™ll reset the chaos, build leadership, and help you become someone your dog feels safe following. If youā€™re ready to stop managing symptoms and start understanding whatā€™s really driving behaviourā€¦ this is your next step. Hope you Enjoy! Tracy xoxo Resources and Links Mentioned Join the FREE Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp ā†’https://beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp Jump into the free Facebook community and start the Calm Down, Dog Reset today. Next StepsšŸ‘£šŸ¾: Step 1: Join a supportive community of dog owners who want calm, confident dogs inside the free Living Beyond Obedience. Facebook group. Step 2: Take the Dogonality Quiz. It's free, it's fun, and it's full of great doggie insights! www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Step 3: Get deeper support inside The Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework program at beyondobedience.ca/fearless

    21 min
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4.7
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

Do you long to have a happy, confident dog you can take anywhere? Are you worried your reactive, fearful dog may hurt someone or something else? Do you have to ā€œprepareā€ yourself to take your dog for a walk around the block? Hey there! Iā€™m Tracy, a retired vet tech turned dog trainer, mom, wife and all-around dog lover. When I realized the key to building confidence in my dog was in understanding him and NOT just tossing treats and obedience my life changed! Now I have a pack of ā€œjust good dogsā€ I trust to take anywhere. And I am sharing it all here! So put down that leash & let's get to it!

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