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

Tracy Franken- Dog Trainer, Vet Tech, Dog Lover, šŸ¾
  • 5.0 (6)
  • 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. 5 hr ago

    220 | Why Did I Get This Dog? The Thought Nobody Wants to Admit

    Hey Dog Lover šŸ¾ Have you ever looked at your dog and thought: "Why did I get this dog?" Have you ever felt guilty for even having that thought? Do you sometimes wonder if you're the problem... if you're failing... or if you've simply taken on more than you can handle? In this episode, we're talking about one of the most common thoughts struggling dog owners haveā€”and one of the least talked about. Because when you're living with a fearful dog, a reactive dog, or a dog that constantly keeps you on edge, it's easy to start questioning everything. Your decisions. Your abilities. Your relationship. And even yourself. We'll talk about: šŸ¾ Why so many dog owners secretly regret their decision at some point šŸ¾ The emotional weight of constantly managing your dog's behaviour šŸ¾ Hypervigilance and the feeling that one mistake could ruin everything šŸ¾ Why overwhelm is not the same thing as failure šŸ¾ The difference between being stuck and being hopeless šŸ¾ How to find your way back to the good moments We'll also explore: trust leadership partnership anxiety hypervigilance resilience and why the thought: "Why did I get this dog?" is often hiding a much deeper question underneath: "I don't know if I can carry all of this anymore." Because the reality is, most people don't keep going because everything is terrible. They keep going because there is still so much good. The quiet moments. The funny moments. The moments where it's just you and your dog and everything else fades away. And sometimes, that's enough to remind us why we started. Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxox RESOURCES šŸ¾ Join the Online Program Fearless Framework!ā https://beyondobedience.ca/fearlessā  šŸ¾ Take the quiz!ā https://www.beyondobedience.ca/quizā  šŸ¾ Read the blog!ā https://beyondobedience.ca/blogā  CONNECT WITH ME! Contact ā†’ ā info@beyondobedience.caā  Podcast ā†’ ā https://beyondobedience.ca/podcastā  Connect ā†’ ā https://facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedienceā  Resources ā†’ ā https://www.beyondobedience.ca/quizā  Merch ā†’ ā https://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 https://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 Trotterā www.shawntrotter.comā 

    27 min

  2. 3 days ago

    219 | The Pack of Two: The Relationship Your Dog Actually Wants

    Hey Dog Lover šŸ¾ Have you ever worried that your dog doesn't have enough dog friends? Do you feel guilty when your dog isn't interested in greeting every person or playing with every dog they meet? Have you ever wondered if we've misunderstood what socialization is really supposed to accomplish? In this episode, we're exploring a simple but powerful idea: The Pack of Two. Because humans and dogs experience relationships very differently. As humans, we spend a lot of time thinking about belonging, fitting in, and being accepted by the larger group. Dogs? Not so much. While dogs absolutely need social connection, many dogs are far more concerned with the quality of their relationships than the quantity of them. We'll talk about: šŸ¾ Why humans and dogs experience social relationships differently šŸ¾ The surprising reason your dog doesn't care what everyone thinks šŸ¾ Why socialization isn't the same as social interaction šŸ¾ The myth that every dog should love everybody šŸ¾ How trust and partnership help dogs navigate the world šŸ¾ Why some dogs need deeper relationships, not more relationships We'll also explore: trust leadership connection socialization partnership and why the strongest relationship in your dog's life might be the one they're building with you. Because the goal has never been to create a dog who wants to be friends with everyone. The goal is to create a dog who can move through the world with confidence. And for many dogs, that confidence starts with a strong pack of two. Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxox Resources Fearless Framework Online Program for Dog Lovers šŸ¾ ā ā https://beyondobedience.ca/fearlessā ā  Why Does My Dog Act Like This? Take the quiz! šŸ¾ ā ā www.beyondobedience.ca/quizā ā  Check out the Beyond Obedience Blog šŸ¾ ā ā https://beyondobedience.ca/blogā ā  Connect with Me! Contact -> ā ā info@beyondobedience.caā ā  Podcast -> ā ā https://beyondobedience.ca/podcastā ā  Connect -> ā ā https://facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedienceā ā  Resources -> ā www.beyondobedience.ca/quizā  Merch -> Get your Beyond Obedience merch! ā ā www.beyondobedience.ca/storeā ā  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 ā ā Living Beyond Obedienceā ā  Step 2: Take the Dogonality Quiz to better understand how your dog naturally responds to stress, pressure, and relationship dynamics šŸ‘‰ ā ā www.beyondobedience.ca/quizā ā  Step 3: Learn how to navigate fearful, reactive, and emotionally complex behaviour with more confidence and clarity inside The Fearless Framework šŸ‘‰ ā ā https://beyondobedience.ca/fearlessā ā  Music Credit šŸŽ¶: Shawn Trotter. ā ā www.shawntrotter.comā ā 

    31 min

  3. 2 Jul

    218 | My Dog Knows Better Than This: The Dog Training Trap Nobody Talks About

    Hey Dog Lover šŸ¾ Have you ever found yourself saying: "But my dog knows this." Do you feel frustrated when your dog suddenly struggles with something they've done successfully dozens of times before? Have you ever wondered if your dog is really choosing not to listen... or if something else might be going on? In this episode, we're exploring one of the most common phrases in dog training: "My dog should know better." But what if that's the wrong question? Because knowing something and being able to do it are not always the same thing. Just because your dog has learned a skill doesn't mean they'll always be able to access it when they're stressed, excited, overwhelmed, uncertain, or distracted. We'll talk about: šŸ¾ Why knowing and doing are two very different things šŸ¾ How stress, pressure, and emotions impact performance šŸ¾ Why dogs don't simply "forget" their training šŸ¾ What I observed with Gunther at the WCERA Games šŸ¾ Why mistakes and setbacks are valuable information šŸ¾ How curiosity creates better solutions than judgment We'll also explore: trust understanding awareness emotional capacity problem-solving and why asking "What changed?" is often more helpful than saying "My dog should know better." Because the moment we assume our dogs are being stubborn, difficult, or choosing to ignore us, we stop being curious. And curiosity is often where understanding begins. The goal isn't to prove your dog knows better. The goal is to understand why they couldn't access what they knew in that moment. And that's often where real progress starts. Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxox Resources Fearless Framework Online Program for Dog Lovers šŸ¾ ā ā https://beyondobedience.ca/fearlessā ā  Why Does My Dog Act Like This? Take the quiz! šŸ¾ ā ā www.beyondobedience.ca/quizā ā  Check out the Beyond Obedience Blog šŸ¾ ā ā https://beyondobedience.ca/blogā ā  Connect with Me! Contact -> ā ā info@beyondobedience.caā ā  Podcast -> ā ā https://beyondobedience.ca/podcastā ā  Connect -> ā ā https://facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedienceā ā  Resources -> ā www.beyondobedience.ca/quizā  Merch -> Get your Beyond Obedience merch! ā ā www.beyondobedience.ca/storeā ā  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 ā ā Living Beyond Obedienceā ā  Step 2: Take the Dogonality Quiz to better understand how your dog naturally responds to stress, pressure, and relationship dynamics šŸ‘‰ ā ā www.beyondobedience.ca/quizā ā  Step 3: Learn how to navigate fearful, reactive, and emotionally complex behaviour with more confidence and clarity inside The Fearless Framework šŸ‘‰ ā ā https://beyondobedience.ca/fearlessā ā  Music Credit šŸŽ¶: Shawn Trotter. ā ā www.shawntrotter.comā ā 

    24 min

  4. 29 Jun

    217 | The Real Reason Your Dog Only Listens When You Have Treats

    Hey Dog Lover šŸ¾ Does your dog seem to listen perfectly when you have treats... but completely forget everything the moment the food disappears? Have you ever wondered if your dog is only listening because of the treats? Have you been told that using food creates bribery, dependence, or a dog that won't work without rewards? In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest debates in the dog training world: Food. But what if food isn't actually the problem? What if the real issue has nothing to do with treats at all? We'll explore why dogs make the choices they do, what food is really doing in the learning process, and why so many people end up focusing on the wrong thing. Because this conversation isn't really about food. It's about relationship. It's about relevance. And it's about understanding why your dog chooses to stay connected to you in the first place. We'll talk about: šŸ¾ Why food gets blamed for things it didn't create šŸ¾ The difference between bribery and communication šŸ¾ Why dogs are always making choices šŸ¾ The trap of trying to out-squirrel the squirrel šŸ¾ What food is actually doing during training šŸ¾ Why relevance matters more than rewards We'll also explore: trust connection fulfillment influence leadership and why the strongest relationships aren't built on transactions. Because one day the treats won't be there. And when that happens, the relationship is what remains. 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 ā Living Beyond Obedienceā  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.comā 

    33 min

  5. 25 Jun

    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

  6. 22 Jun

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

    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

  7. 18 Jun

    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

  8. 15 Jun

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 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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