Enlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not Obedience Kathy Kawalec

Adopting a partnership approach can dramatically enhance your life and your relationship with your dog. This approach fosters a harmonious and respectful relationship, where both you and your dog actively contribute to enhancing the quality of your life together.
Here are some key aspects of the partnership approach:
Heart and Connection: We focus on building a foundation of heart connection, and trust, supporting our dogs’ development.
Emotionally Intelligent Choices: By engaging with our dogs through emotionally intelligent choices, we lead to a more harmonious home.
Shared Responsibilities: Prioritizing love, trust, and cooperation not only improves behavior but also boosts our dogs' mental, physical, and emotional health, which in turn enhances our own well-being.
Clear Boundaries: Setting clear, consistent, and compassionate boundaries allows our dogs to feel secure and understand what’s expected of them, helping them self-regulate and be integral family members.
This partnership approach radically changes how we interact with our dogs, fostering growth and enriching our lives together. 
Tune in for more insights and practical tips for improving your life and relationships with your dogs!
 
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/

Have you ever wondered how a simple laugh can change the entire dynamic between you and your dog? Laughter is known for its stress-relieving qualities among humans, but its effects are just as impactful on our dogs. When you laugh, you emit signals of safety and joy that can help calm and reassure your dog. Laughter acts like a reset button during stressful situations. It helps to reassure your dog that there's nothing to worry about, calming their nerves and transforming a potentially tense situation into a moment of bonding.
In this episode, we explore how laughter can not only diffuse tense situations but also prevent them from escalating. Here’s a brief overview of what we covered:
The Science Behind Laughter: We discuss how laughter acts as a natural stress reliever for both humans and dogs, fostering a relaxed and joyful environment.
Real-Life Stories: I share personal anecdotes demonstrating how laughter has helped turn potentially challenging situations with my dogs into moments of bonding and understanding.
Practical Tips: You’ll learn simple yet effective ways to incorporate laughter into your daily interactions with your dog, enhancing communication and strengthening your bond.
Expert Insights: We also touch on scientific insights and expert opinions that support the use of laughter as a tool for better canine communication.
Discover more about how you can use laughter to enhance your relationship with your dogs in our latest podcast episode!
 
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/

As devoted dog moms, we often focus on training and caring for our dogs in ways that involve doing things "to" or “for” them. But what if I told you that shifting from "doing to" to "doing with" could revolutionize your relationship with your dog? This simple change moves us from a dynamic of control to one of collaboration, which not only strengthens our bond but transforms everyday caregiving into moments of shared joy.
 
For more insights and practical advice on how to deepen your relationship with your dog through playfulness and collaborative practices, tune in to the full episode for more strategies and inspiring stories to help you and your dog enjoy a richer, more connected life together.
 
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/

Our dog’s personality traits offer a roadmap to their heart and mind, allowing us to work with their nature for deeper connection, smoother communication, and better cooperation.
Every dog is an individual, and knowing what makes your dog tick can be the key to unlocking a harmonious relationship. 🗝️💖 Understand their personality traits, and you'll understand how to communicate effectively and cooperate joyfully. 🐕💬
Dive deeper into how to connect with your dog on a whole new level by tuning into this episode with Kathy.
Tune in to explore:
The Importance of Understanding Sensitivity: Learn how misinterpreting sensitivity as something that needs to be 'fixed' can cause stress and escalate disruptive behaviors.
Personality Traits as a Roadmap: Understand how your dog’s personality traits offer valuable insights into their heart and mind.
Diffusing Reactivity Through Understanding: Real-world examples of how adjusting environments and interactions according to personality traits can make a big difference.
Practical Strategies for Everyday Challenges: Get actionable advice on how to apply your understanding of personality traits in daily life.
 
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 Enlightened by Dogs, we explore the topic of understanding and navigating the sensitivities, preferences and quirks that affect our daily lives with our dogs.
 
Here’s what we unpack in today’s episode:
Understanding Mindset: We begin by exploring what a mindset is and how it influences our interactions with the world and our dogs. Your beliefs and perspectives can significantly impact the success of your relationship with your dog.
Exploring Our Sensitivities: I invite you to think about your own sensitivities. Whether it's loud noises or crowded spaces, recognizing your own needs helps you empathize with your dog's sensitivities to their environment.
Empathy and Acceptance: How do we make simple adjustments to accommodate our personal sensitivities, and what happens when these are either dismissed or accepted by others? This understanding is crucial in fostering a nurturing relationship with our dogs, who also experience their own set of sensitivities.
The Social Nature of Dogs and Humans: Highlighting the similarities between humans and dogs as social animals, and we discuss how our relationships can flourish when we acknowledge and respect each other’s sensitivities.
Practical Tips for Managing Sensitivity: I share four very simple, yet very effective strategies for creating a supportive and safe environment for your sensitive dog. From ensuring safety to enhancing connection, these tips are designed to help you and your dog lead a happier, more connected life.
As always, your thoughts and experiences are invaluable to our community. Share this episode, leave a review, and join the conversation to help spread awareness about compassionate living with our dogs.
 
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, we journeyed further into the heart of understanding the unintended consequences of avoiding triggers and how such actions can inadvertently escalate reactivity in our dogs. 
 
Be sure to listen to part 1: EBD301  “Shrinking Worlds, Growing Reactivity: Why Avoiding Triggers Backfires.”
 
One of the insights from this discussion is that trust is not transactional, and we can’t buy trust from our dogs at any price. Instead, trust is earned through consistent, reliable actions that demonstrate to our dogs that they are safe with us and can rely on us to navigate the world around them.
 
With a focus on fostering trust and safety, we delved into why genuine connection, rather than distraction, is key to a harmonious life with our four-legged friends.
 
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
 
Trust Cannot Be Bought: One of the most profound insights from our discussion is the reminder that trust is not transactional. 
 
The Problem with Avoiding Triggers: We examined how avoiding triggers—although well-intentioned—sends a message to our dogs that the world is a place to be feared. 
 
Being Congruent: When our actions, feelings, and intentions are aligned, we foster an environment of trust and safety with our dogs. 
 
The Power of Connection: Central to our discussion was the idea that a strong, secure connection with our dogs is the foundation upon which all else is built. 
 
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/