Hey Dog Lover! Feeling like your bond with your fearful dog has been slipping, especially since others in the household aren’t following the training rules? If you’re worried that inconsistent boundaries are affecting your dog's behaviour and connection with you, you’re not alone. In this episode, we tackle the frustration of seeing all your hard work unravel because someone else isn’t on the same page. We’ll discuss why this inconsistency is especially tough on fearful dogs and what steps you can take to restore harmony and rebuild the bond with your dog—even when you feel like throwing in th ..read more

Hey, my Fellow Dog Lover! Thanksgiving is this Monday for us Canadians, ??? So we need to talk about holidays, family and your fearful dog. If you’re worried about how your dog will handle all the family and friends' gatherings, this episode is for you. We’ll discuss why Thanksgiving isn’t the best time for training and how to support your dog by allowing it to retreat to its comfort zone. We'll also provide some rules for your guests to follow to ensure your dog feels safe and everyone enjoys the holiday stress-free. Tune in for helpful tips, and to all my Canadian dog lovers... Hav ..read more

Hey there, dog lover! ?? In this episode, we discuss why Halloween can be a truly spooky time for our fearful dogs. From strange costumes to eerie decorations, this season disrupts your dog's senses, making it harder for them to feel safe and recognize familiar people or environments. So while some may use this as a "training opportunity", if we have a less than confident dog, this can be a nightmare! So fearful dog friends this is your permission to give your dog and yourself the night off! (and I will give you some suggestions on how to do that!) I also give you practical tips, like how to c ..read more

Hey there Dog Lover, Today, we’re getting real about why your fearful dog may still be reactive, even after you’ve tried all the training tricks in the book. The truth is, it’s not just about what your dog is doing—it’s about mindset, communication, and yes, even the equipment you’re using. Here’s what we’ll break down: Mindset: Are you focusing on ‘fixing’ your dog or paying attention to how you’re feeling about it? (Spoiler: Your mindset might be the missing key.) Clear communication: It’s not just about what you don’t want your dog to do—does your dog even know what you want them to do? Eq ..read more

Hey dog lover! Have you ever been told that your dog needs to be more social? What if I told you that’s not always the case—especially for fearful dogs? (It's true!) Earlier this week I hinted at the idea of fostering a "pro-social relationship with your dog. This week I’ll explain why being "social" isn’t the ideal goal for your dog, and what you should be aiming for instead. We’ll explore the differences between social, a-social, anti-social, and pro-social behavior, and why pro-social is what you really want. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to support ..read more

Hey dog lover! Have you ever wondered if your dog should always be walking behind you? Does it matter? And what about sniffing? In this episode, I’m breaking down the truth about leash position. Does it really matter if your dog walks behind you? The answer is yes, but maybe not in the way you think. I’ll explain the dynamics between you and your dog and when it's important to take the lead. You’ll learn how your position on the leash impacts your fearful dog’s ability to handle perceived threats and why being in the right spot is crucial. Discover how positioning yourself "in-between" can hel ..read more

Hey dog lover! In this episode, I'm diving into the often misunderstood topic of using muzzles in reactivity training. I'll share why muzzles can actually be a powerful tool for building trust and confidence between you and your dog. Adding a muzzle can help you become a calmer, more confident guardian, allowing you to safely test trust-building exercises. If you've ever felt unsure about using a muzzle, this episode is for you. I'll explain why muzzling is not what you think—and how it can make a real difference in your relationship with your dog. Enjoy! Tracy PS: The Calm Down, Dog! BootCam ..read more

Hey dog lover! Is your dog trapped in a cycle of fear? In today’s episode, we break down the fear cycle to help you step inside the mind of a fearful dog. Instead of avoiding their fear or distracting them from it, learn how to truly support your dog as they work through it. Discover why embracing these challenging moments can help your dog build lasting confidence and finally break free from their fear. Join me for practical insights and strategies to guide your dog toward a more fearless life! Also! It's not too late to join us in the CALM DOWN, DOG! BOOTCAMP! Happening Sept 9th and 10th ..read more

Hey there Dog Lover! I'm hosting a free, live 2-day event and you are invited! Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp Happening Sept 9th and 10th 10 am MT/11 am CT / 12pm ET If you have a fearful or fear-reactive dog feeling stuck, this bootcamp will help you understand your dog's needs and how you can BE a powerful influence in their world. Sign up Today! www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp You are not alone in this journey. Let's do this together. See you there! Tracy ..read more

Hey there dog lover! Have you ever felt stuck while training your fearful dog? Felt like you've tried everything but nothing is working? Had a few setbacks and now you are questioning "Is it me? Can I even do this?" If so then you need this reset! In this episode, I am talking about a 3 step reset to help get you unstuck in your training and get back to actually enjoying your dog again! Wouldn't that be nice? And if you know anyone who would benefit from this reset, be sure to share this episode with them. Also... A great way to reset would be to sign up for the ⁠Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp. ⁠ He ..read more