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

Tracy Franken: Retired Vet Tech , Dog Trainer, Dog Lover, Dog Bond Specialist 🐾

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! I’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. 30M AGO

    181 | Are You in Survival Mode With Your Reactive Dog? The Reset You Need Right Now

    Hey Dog Lover! 🐾 Do you feel like you’re just going through the motions with your reactive dog? Has your world quietly gotten smaller… even though you swore it never would? Are you surviving with your dog instead of intentionally leading? In this episode, I’m sharing an honest conversation about survival mode, shrinking leadership, and the difference between going through the motions and intentional movement so you can reconnect with your dog without trying harder or doing more. Sometimes leadership doesn’t slip away because we explode. Sometimes it slips away because we quietly withdraw. If you’ve been feeling heavy, tired, or stuck — not because you don’t care, but because the world feels loud and overwhelming — this episode will help you shift from survival to intentional presence with your dog. This also marks the beginning of the Calm Down, Dog! Reset happening inside the Bootcamp community — where we focus on doing less, noticing more, and rebuilding steady leadership from the inside out. Enjoy! Tracy xoxo Resources and Links Mentioned Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp (March 17–19th )šŸ‘‰ www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp Join the free Living Beyond Obedience Facebook GroupšŸ‘‰ https://www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience Take the Dogonality QuizšŸ‘‰ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz NEXT STEPS šŸ‘£šŸ¾ Next Steps: Step 1: Join a supportive community of dog owners who feel like they’ve tried everything but still feel stuck inside the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience Step 2: Take the Dogonality Quiz to better understand how your dog is wired and where leadership gaps may be happening Step 3: Get personalized support inside The Fearful Dog Fearless FrameworkšŸ‘‰ www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless

    17 min
  2. 4D AGO

    180 | How to Lead a Fearful or Reactive Dog (Without Force, Treats or Trying Harder)

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Are you trying everything with your reactive or fearful dog… but nothing seems to stick? Do you find yourself talking more, soothing more, managing more — and still feeling stuck? Have you ever stopped to ask… what if leadership isn’t about doing more, but about becoming clearer? We’re breaking down: Why ā€œit’s okayā€ isn’t always helpful The difference between clarity and noise What dogs actually respond to (hint: it’s not volume) How your nervous system affects your dog Why your presence matters more than you think If you’ve ever had that moment of realization — ā€œI didn’t realize how much influence I haveā€ ā€” this episode will shift the way you see yourself in your dog’s world. Hope you enjoy! xoxox Tracy NEXT STEPS:šŸ¾šŸ‘£ šŸŽ‰It's BACK!!!! Happening March 17th, 18th, and 19thšŸŽ‰ LIVE! FREE! FUN! THE CALM DOWN, DOG! BOOTCAMP This live bootcamp is where we: simplify fear, unpack what leadership actually looks like from a dog’s perspective help you determine whether you’re helping or unintentionally hindering your dog’s progress.You’ll see — in real time — how calm, confident presence changes behaviour. (🤯) This isn’t about fixing your dog in three days.It’s about gaining clarity on what truly needs to shift. Save your spot here:→ www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp JOIN THE COMMUNITY! This is where thoughtful dog owners gather to continue these conversations in real time. Share your wins, ask questions, and connect with others who care about leadership, trust, and relationships over obedience. Join us here:→ LivingBeyondObedience TAKE THE QUIZ! Not all dogs are wired the same — and leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. The Dogonality Quiz helps you understand your dog’s natural temperament so you can stop guessing and start leading with relevance. Take it here:→ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz GET IN TOUCH: Contact → www.beyondobedience.ca/contactPodcast → www.beyondobedience.ca/podcastCommunity → Living Beyond Obedience Facebook GroupFree Resource → www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz šŸŽ¶Music Credit: Shawn Trotter www.shawntrotter.com

    25 min
  3. FEB 16

    179 | Reactive Dog Not Improving? The Leadership Shift Most Owners Miss

    Hey Dog Lover 🐾 Are you doing everything ā€œrightā€ with your reactive or fearful dog… but still not seeing progress? Have you ever wondered if the thing holding your dog back might not actually be your dog? Does it feel uncomfortable to admit that maybe your influence matters more than you thought? In this episode, I’m sharing the leadership shift most reactive dog owners miss so you can stop trying harder and start leading clearer. We talk about: The uncomfortable realization that influence isn’t blame Why awareness doesn’t automatically equal leadership The difference between empathy and direction Why tools (yes, even treats) don’t create trust How shifting from shame to curiosity changes everything If you’ve ever had that quiet thought — ā€œWhat if I’m part of the pattern?ā€ ā€” this episode will help you reframe that realization as empowerment, not failure. Because if you’re part of the equation… You’re also part of the solution. Hope you enjoy this one! Tracy xoxoxo NEXT STEPS šŸ‘£šŸ¾ 🐾 Join the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook Community This is where thoughtful dog owners continue the conversation around leadership, trust, and building confidence without force. Join us here:→ https://www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience 🐾 Take the Dogonality Quiz (Free) Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. The Dogonality Quiz helps you understand how your dog is naturally wired so you can stop guessing and start leading with clarity and relevance. Take it here:→ www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Enroll in The Fearless Framework Join dog lovers like you in the most supportive student community on Facebook. (bold statement I know!) The Fearless Framework is a 12 month online program for dog lovers who want that deeper understanding and connection with their dog so that everything else gets easier. Find out more at: BeyondObedience.ca/fearless Connecting with Me Contact → www.beyondobedience.ca/contactPodcast → www.beyondobedience.ca/podcastConnect → Living Beyond Obedience Facebook GroupFree Resource → www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Music Credit: Shawn Trotter www.shawntrotter.com

    32 min
  4. FEB 12

    178 | Is ā€˜Good Enough’ Keeping Your Dog Stuck? The Hidden Cost of Avoidance in Fearful Dogs

    Hey Dog Lover! 🐾 Have you ever settled for ā€œgood enoughā€ with your dog because pushing felt risky, exhausting, or unfair? Do you avoid certain situations, walks, or challenges because you don’t want to make things worse — even though your dog’s world feels smaller than it used to? Have you wondered whether being gentle, patient, and understanding might actually be slowing your dog’s progress? In this episode, I’m unpacking a phase many thoughtful dog owners find themselves in — choosing ā€œgood enoughā€ because it feels safer than asking for more. We talk about how avoidance can masquerade as kindness, why reassurance without direction isn’t neutral for dogs, and how settling into ā€œgood enoughā€ can quietly keep fear and reactivity in place. This conversation isn’t about pushing your dog, ignoring fear, or demanding perfection. It’s about understanding the difference between compassion that protects… and leadership that helps your dog move forward knowing they’re not alone. Related Episode:Why Understanding Your Dog’s Fearful or Reactive Behaviour Isn’t Enough Connecting with Me Contact ā†’ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/contactPodcast ā†’ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/podcastConnect ā†’ Join the free Facebook group Living Beyond ObediencešŸ‘‰ https://www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedienceFree Resource ā†’ Take the Dogonality QuizšŸ‘‰ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Next Steps šŸ¾šŸ‘£ Step 1:Join a supportive community of thoughtful dog owners who are ready to move beyond ā€œgood enoughā€ and show up as calm, reliable leadership inside the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience. Step 2:Learn how your dog is wired and what they truly need from you by taking the free Dogonality Quiz.šŸ‘‰ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Step 3: Explore deeper support inside The Fearless Framework, a relationship-first program designed to help you and your dog build confidence, trust, and forward movement together.šŸ‘‰ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless

    28 min
  5. FEB 9

    177 | Why Understanding Your Dog's Fearful or Reactive Behaviour isn't Enough

    Hey Dog Lover, 🐾 Do you understand why your dog is fearful, reactive, or overwhelmed — but still feel stuck in the same patterns? Have you done the learning, the reframing, the mindset work… yet life with your dog still feels harder than it should? If you’ve ever thought, ā€œI get it… but nothing is really changing,ā€ this episode is for you. In this conversation, I’m talking about a phase that thoughtful, compassionate dog owners reach all the time — the moment when understanding your dog stops being enough. We explore the difference between awareness and leadership, why empathy alone doesn’t build confidence, and how it’s possible to be calm, kind, and deeply invested… yet still stuck. This episode isn’t about doing more, training harder, or fixing your dog. It’s about noticing the threshold — and understanding why camping there feels safe… and costly. Next Steps Step 1:Join a supportive community of thoughtful dog owners learning how to show up as calm, reliable leadership inside the free Facebook group Living Beyond Obedience.šŸ‘‰ https://www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience Step 2:Discover how your dog is wired and what they actually need from you by taking the free Dogonality Quiz.šŸ‘‰ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/quiz Step 3:Explore deeper support inside The Fearless Framework, a relationship-first program designed to help you and your dog move forward together.šŸ‘‰ https://www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless Contact: https://www.beyondobedience.ca/contactPodcast: https://www.beyondobedience.ca/podcast šŸŽµ Music Credit: Shawn Trotter www.shawntrotter.com

    14 min
  6. FEB 2

    175 | You Love Your Dog—So Why Isn’t He Listening?

    Hey, dog lover! šŸ¾ You love your dog—probably more than most people, right? So why does it still feel like your dog isn’t listening? Why do they ignore your call, run the other way, or tune you out when it really matters? In this episode, we’re busting the big myth that love = relevance. (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.) We’ll explore why your love does matter deeply—but why it isn’t the currency your dog uses to decide who to follow, trust, or prioritize. We’ll talk about how dogs view the world through a survival-based lens, why emotional closeness doesn’t automatically equal relationship strength, and how to become more relevant in your dog’s life through shared experiences, not just snuggles. This is one of those episodes that can totally shift how you see your dog’s behaviour—and help you stop taking it so personally. Hope you enjoy this one,Tracy šŸ¾šŸ‘£ Next Steps: āœ… Wanna hang out and learn more with me? Join the Fearless Framework, my 12-month online program designed to help you create an unshakable bond with your dog. You’ll build trust, relevance, and fulfillment in a way that makes living with your dog easier—no treat pouch required.šŸ‘‰ beyondobedience.ca/fearless āœ… Join our free community on Facebook Come connect with other dog lovers inside Living Beyond Obedience—share stories, post pics, ask questions, and celebrate your wins. It’s full of heart and full of hope.šŸ‘‰ Join here āœ… Want to know your dog’s unique Dogonalityā„¢? Take the free Dogonalityā„¢ Quiz and discover tips, insights, and ways to better connect with your one-of-a-kind dog.šŸ‘‰ beyondobedience.ca/quiz šŸŽµ Music credit: Shawn Trotter – shawntrotter.com

    18 min
  7. JAN 29

    174 | Am I Doing Enough for My Dog? The Truth About Fulfillment, Leadership & Time

    Hey, Dog Lover! šŸ¾ Ever find yourself wondering how much time your dog really needs from you each day? Is it about hours spent playing fetch—or is there something deeper that actually fills their cup? In this episode, we dive into a voice message from a listener (hi, Rachel!) who asks a question every dog lover has wrestled with: What’s a fair amount of time to spend with your dog? The answer? It’s not about time—it’s about quality, fulfillment, leadership, and rhythm. We explore what true dog fulfillment looks like (hint: it’s not just tiring them out), how to avoid being accidentally manipulated by your clever pup, and how to build a life where your dog understands the natural rhythms of the day. You’ll also get a crash course in my Leadership Scorecard and how it helps you become someone your dog truly trusts and chooses to follow—without needing a treat pouch in your pocket. Whether you’ve got a couch potato or a squirrel-chasing explorer, this episode will help you feel confident in how you're showing up for your dog. Hope you enjoy this one,Tracy šŸ¾šŸ‘£ Next Steps: āœ… Wanna hang out and learn more with me? Join the Fearless Framework, my 12-month online program designed to help you create an unshakable bond with your dog. You’ll build trust, relevance, and fulfillment in a way that makes living with your dog easier—no treat pouch required.šŸ‘‰ beyondobedience.ca/fearless āœ… Join our free community on Facebook Come connect with other dog lovers inside Living Beyond Obedience—share stories, post pics, ask questions, and celebrate your wins. It’s full of heart and full of hope.šŸ‘‰ Join here āœ… Want to know your dog’s unique Dogonalityā„¢? Take the free Dogonalityā„¢ Quiz and discover tips, insights, and ways to better connect with your one-of-a-kind dog.šŸ‘‰ beyondobedience.ca/quiz šŸŽµ Music credit: Shawn Trotter – shawntrotter.com

    27 min
4.9
out of 5
65 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! I’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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