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

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. 5 DAYS AGO

    75 | The Top Mistakes That Make Life Harder When Living With A Fearful Dog

    Hey, Dog Lover! If youā€™re living with a fearful dog, you know how tough it can be. Youā€™re doing your best, but sometimes it feels like no matter what you try, your dog is still anxious, reactive, or struggling to feel safe. What if some of the things youā€™ve been told to doā€¦ are actually making life harder? In this episode, weā€™re breaking down the top mistakes dog owners make when living with a fearful dogā€”and, more importantly, what to do instead. šŸ¾ Weā€™ll cover:āœ”ļø Why you canā€™t train fear awayā€” and what actually builds confidenceāœ”ļø How saying ā€œitā€™s okayā€ might be making your dog more anxiousāœ”ļø Why avoiding everything scary keeps your dog stuckāœ”ļø The truth about treats (hint: they donā€™t replace trust)āœ”ļø How to slow down, build connection, and work at your dogā€™s pace Your dog doesnā€™t need a quick fix. They need a leaderā€”someone who understands, guides, and supports them. And that? That starts with you. Hope you enjoy! Comment/Review and share! Tracy NEXT STEPS: If youā€™re ready to break the fear cycle and build confidence with your dog, join the Fearful Dog Program! Inside, youā€™ll get the tools, guidance, and support to help your dog feel safe and secureā€”while building the trusting relationship you both deserve. šŸ¾ Join here: The Fearful Dog Fearless Framework Online Program And as always, special thanks to Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com for the music. šŸŽ§ Hit play and letā€™s dive in!

    23 min
  2. FEB 13

    74 | 4 Ways to Show Up as the Leader Your Dog Needs

    Hey Dog Lover! šŸ¾ We hear all the time that dogs need a leaderā€”but what does that actually mean? Leadership isnā€™t about control; itā€™s about being someone worth followingā€¦to a dog. And hereā€™s the catch: your dog doesnā€™t follow just anyone. They follow someone who truly understands them. In this episode, weā€™re breaking downfour key ways to be a leader your dog actually wants to followā€”by learning who they really are, what fulfills them, and how to show up in a way that makes them feel safe, seen, and understood. āœ…Know Thy Dog ā†’ Leadership starts with understanding.āœ…Meet Their Needs, Not Yours ā†’ True leadership means fulfilling whatthey need, not whatā€™s convenient for us.āœ…Communicate in a Way They Understand ā†’ Dogs follow energy, movement, and clarityā€”not words.āœ…Be Worthy of Their Trust ā†’ Trust is earned through consistency, advocacy, and reliability. Youā€™ll learnhow to shift from ā€˜ownerā€™ to true leader, how to make yourself more relevant to your dog, and how to build the kind of trust that makes them WANT to follow you. No more bribing, micromanaging, or relying on obedience tricksā€”just real, meaningful connection. Hope you enjoy this episode!ā€” Tracy Next Steps: šŸ¶Ready to help your fearful dog build confidence? Check outThe Fearful Dog: Fearless Framework ā†’www.beyondobedience.ca/fearlessšŸ¾ Join the freeLiving Beyond Obedience Facebook group ā†’www.facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience šŸŽµMusic Credit: Shawn Trotter (shawntrotter.com)

    20 min
  3. FEB 5ā€„Ā·ā€„BONUS

    Special Invite for You

    Hey Dog Lover! Iā€™ll be real with youā€”I seriously considered cancelling next weekā€™s Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp. With everything happening in the world, Everything just feels so heavy right now. I wondered, Is this even the right time? But then I realizedā€¦ thatā€™s exactly why this needs to happen. We need to connect more than ever over our shared love of dogs now! Because if youā€™re anything like me, youā€™ve probably felt: šŸ¾ Frustrated that your dogā€™s anxiety or reactivity isnā€™t getting better, no matter what you try. šŸ¾ Overwhelmed by all the advice out there (and still not sure what actually works). šŸ¾ Exhausted from managing your dogā€™s emotions on top of your own. šŸ¾ Aloneā€”like no one really understands how hard this can be. And honestly? I donā€™t want you to feel that way anymore. This bootcamp isnā€™t about drilling more obedience or ā€œfixingā€ your dog. Itā€™s about understanding them, leading them, and creating calmā€”for both of you. Itā€™s about getting out of survival mode and finally feeling like you can breathe again. So no, Iā€™m not canceling. And if youā€™re ready for a different approachā€”one that actually makes sense for you and your dogā€”Iā€™d love for you to join me. Letā€™s figure this out together. Canā€™t wait to share this with you! Cheers! Tracy Sign up Today! and Let's Do This Together šŸ’ŖšŸ¾

    16 min
  4. JAN 30

    70 | The Power of the Pause ā€“ How Slowing Down Helps Your Dog Think

    Hey Dog Lover! Ever feel like your dog just isnā€™t listening fast enough? Or maybe they hesitate, and youā€™re tempted to push them along, because you know they know...you know? In this episode, weā€™re diving into The Power of the Pause and why giving your dog space to process their world can make all the difference. Whether you have a fearful pup or just want to strengthen your bond, this simple but powerful technique is a game-changer. šŸ¾ What is the Power of the Pause? ā€“ How slowing down helps dogs move from reactive to thoughtful responses. šŸ¾ Why Pausing is Crucial for Fearful Dogs ā€“ Understanding the brainā€™s fear response and how giving your dog time helps them shift from panic to problem-solving. šŸ¾ Practical Ways to Use the Pause ā€“ How to incorporate this in walks, training, and everyday life to reduce stress and increase confidence. šŸ¾ The Human Side of Pausing ā€“ How slowing down benefits you, making you a more patient, present, and effective leader for your dog. šŸ¾ Overcoming the Urge to Rush ā€“ How shifting from frustration to curiosity (hello, How Interesting!) can help both you and your dog navigate challenges together. Slowing down doesnā€™t mean stopping progress. It means allowing space for real learning and trust to happen. So, if youā€™ve ever felt the need to hurry up your dogā€”this episode is for you. šŸŽ§ Grab your leash, take a breath, and letā€™s dive in! šŸ”„ Join the Calm Down Dog Bootcamp! šŸ”„ Ready to turn your anxious, reactive dog into a calm and confident companion? Spend two immersive days with Tracy learning real-world techniques to help your dog settle, trust, and thrive. No gimmicks, just practical, life-changing strategies that will transform your daily walks, training sessions, and overall bond. šŸ¶ Claim your spot now: www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp šŸŽµ Music Credit: Special thanks to Shawn Trotter for the amazing music! Check out more of his work at www.shawntrotter.com.

    21 min
5
out of 5
41 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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