Enlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not Obedience

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

Welcome to our podcast where we dog moms discuss modern, enlightened dog parenting! Each week, we’ll take a dive deep into the human-dog connection and explore strategies that will inspire you to create connection and cooperation with your dog...no obedience training needed! We meet up at the intersection where training and behavior meet Heart and Soul...and where we leave behind the 'power over' obedience training paradigm we inherited and lead the way to an enlightened 'power with' approach. Join us for an inspirational and educational journey as we explore what living in cooperative partnership with our beautiful dogs looks like in real life. Brilliant Partners are kind, loving, calm, clear, confident, and cooperative ... and when WE learn how to be a Brilliant Partner, our dogs do too. Kathy Kawalec is an author, writer, the founder of Dancing Hearts Dog Academy and creator of the Brilliant Partners Academy, The Foundation Formula, Herding Partners Academy, and Creative Alchemy Passion Plan.

  1. MAY 27

    EBD307 How a Partnership Approach Radically Improves Your Life and Relationship with Your Dog

    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/

    22 min

  2. MAY 20

    EBD306 How the Magic of Laughter Prevents and Diffuses Doggy Behavior Drama

    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/

    19 min

  3. MAY 13

    EBD305 A Tale of Togetherness: How Playfulness and 'Doing With' Built Amazing Relationships with My Dogs

    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/

    23 min

  4. APR 29

    EBD304 Using Personality Traits as a Bridge to Connection and Cooperation with Your Dog

    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/

    24 min

  5. APR 22

    EBD 303 Diffuse Reactivity by Embracing Your Dog's Sensitivity

    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/

    24 min

  6. MAR 25

    EBD302 Nurturing Trust: Beyond Avoiding Triggers

    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/

    35 min

  7. MAR 18

    EBD301 Shrinking Worlds, Growing Reactivity: Why Avoiding Triggers Backfires

    Recently, I've had the joy of exploring the often challenging terrain of reactivity in dogs, peeling back the layers to understand the underlying causes that sweep us and our canine companions into this whirlwind. It's been an enlightening journey, especially during my "Growing Together from Reactive to Remarkable" workshop, where we shared breakthroughs as dedicated dog moms.   In our latest episode, we've ventured into a topic that's both pivotal and potentially mind-bending: the counterintuitive truth about avoiding triggers. Yes, you've heard me champion the cause of green zone experiences, crafting a world of safety, calm, and happiness for our dogs. Yet, there's a pervasive misunderstanding that I’ve been eager to clear up.   We dived into why avoiding triggers isn't the panacea we might think it is. Here's the essence of what we uncovered:   Responsibility and Safety: The bedrock of our partnership with our dogs lies in creating a safe haven, a bubble where our dogs feel secure and unbothered by external stressors. This involves being proactive rather than reactive, focusing on the things within our control — our thoughts, our intentions, and our connection with our dog.   Circle of Influence vs. Circle of Concern: Imagine two circles; one gold, symbolizing our sphere of influence (where connection, trust, and safety lie), and one blue, representing external factors (potential triggers) beyond our control. The key is to expand the gold circle, empowering ourselves and our dogs to navigate the world with confidence and calm.   Reactivity and Protection Mode: Reactivity isn't just about our dogs responding to external stimuli; it's a signal that we've ventured beyond our current capacity for connection and calm. Recognizing this allows us to recalibrate and strengthen our partnership muscles, ensuring we're both equipped to handle life's surprises.   Avoiding Triggers – A Misstep: Here's where the plot thickens. Steering clear of potential triggers might seem like a sensible strategy, but it's a misguided one. Avoidance can actually shrink our world, limiting the rich experiences and joys of life with our dogs. Instead, we're invited to focus on making it easy to have connected adventures often!   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/

    24 min

  8. FEB 26

    EBD300 Reactivity in Dogs: Redefining the Narrative

    This episode unfolds a compassionate and insightful exploration into what reactivity in dogs truly means, advocating for a profound shift in our understanding and response to it.    Kathy introduces listeners to a reimagined definition of reactivity, rooted in the complexities of canine communication and the frequent misunderstandings that arise when these communications go unheard or unheeded.    It challenges the common definition of reactivity—behavior that is inappropriately out of proportion to a situation—by suggesting that what is often seen as reactive behavior is actually a sign of high intelligence, sensitivity, and confusion in dogs.  Key Takeaways:   Kathy challenges traditional views on reactivity, advocating for a definition that acknowledges it as a complex expression of unmet needs and emotions, rather than a straightforward behavioral issue to be trained away. The profound connection we have with our dogs is the very thing that pulls us both into the Reactivity Spiral.  A shift from a one-size-fits-all obedience training approach to a more compassionate, understanding method that nurtures each dog's unique potential. The episode discusses why some dogs are reactive and others are not, pointing out that differences in individual sensitivities, needs, and upbringing can lead to varying behaviors.    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/

    20 min
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4.8
out of 5
93 Ratings

About

Welcome to our podcast where we dog moms discuss modern, enlightened dog parenting! Each week, we’ll take a dive deep into the human-dog connection and explore strategies that will inspire you to create connection and cooperation with your dog...no obedience training needed! We meet up at the intersection where training and behavior meet Heart and Soul...and where we leave behind the 'power over' obedience training paradigm we inherited and lead the way to an enlightened 'power with' approach. Join us for an inspirational and educational journey as we explore what living in cooperative partnership with our beautiful dogs looks like in real life. Brilliant Partners are kind, loving, calm, clear, confident, and cooperative ... and when WE learn how to be a Brilliant Partner, our dogs do too. Kathy Kawalec is an author, writer, the founder of Dancing Hearts Dog Academy and creator of the Brilliant Partners Academy, The Foundation Formula, Herding Partners Academy, and Creative Alchemy Passion Plan.

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