Beyond Obedience

Beyond Obedience The BE Podcast is here: Listen now:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tracyfranken I am so excited you are here! Hey there!

Do you long to have a happy, confident dog you can take anywhere and everywhere? Are you worried your reactive, fearful dog may hurt someone - or something else? Do you have to “prepare” yourself just to take your dog for a walk around the block? I will help rebuild trust and confidence for you and your dog, to have the calm, joyful life with your dog that you always imagined. I’m Tracy, a retired

vet tech turned dog trainer, mom, wife and all-around dog lover. I have had dogs all my life but when my first dog bit my friend, I was so horrified and ashamed. I immediately turned to dog obedience training books and classes, but it didn't help. This time my dog bit someone very familiar to him and in that moment I knew - this wouldn’t be fixed with simple obedience. I finally realized the key to building confidence in my dog was understanding him on a deeper level. Tossing treats and teaching tricks wasn’t going to cut it. After years of research, trial and error, and discovering a method and a lifestyle of living with dogs based on understanding, respect and communication and not obedience, I'm excited to share what I've learned with you! Now I have a pack of “just good dogs” I trust to take anywhere. Our lives are calm, peaceful, fun and most of all inclusive. My goal is to help you to establish routines that build confidence, develop effective communication strategies, and how to address fear-based behaviours and techniques for enhancing social skills- without spending countless hours and dollars on dog obedience training that just doesn't work. If you are ready to have a happy confident dog you can trust to take with you everywhere, Beyond Obedience is for you! Grab your leash and collar because we are about to jump in! Be sure to check out our website:

https://beyondobedience.ca
sign up for the weekly newsletter

and of course, subscribe to the podcast! https://beyondobedience.ca/podcast

Did you know that 84% of dogs show signs of fear or anxiety in everyday situations?A massive new study by Texas A&M Univ...
05/17/2026

Did you know that 84% of dogs show signs of fear or anxiety in everyday situations?

A massive new study by Texas A&M University and the Dog Aging Project analyzed data from over 43,000 dogs and the results are eye-opening.

When looking at common triggers: like unfamiliar people, other dogs, or household noises: the vast majority of dogs displayed at least mild-to-moderate fear or anxiety.

This isn't just a "behavior issue." It’s the norm.

If you’ve ever felt like you were failing because your dog isn't the "perfectly calm" pup you see on social media, let this be your reminder: you are not alone, and neither is your dog.

Understanding that fear is a common part of the canine experience allows us to move away from judgment and toward better support for our partners.

You’re doing a great job.

Tracy xoxox

Reference: Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 2026.

"You are not working on reactivity in the moment of reactivity."Let that sink in...When your dog goes full "banana beans...
05/17/2026

"You are not working on reactivity in the moment of reactivity."

Let that sink in...

When your dog goes full "banana beans" mode, their thinking brain has checked out.

They aren't ignoring you. They're just trying to survive.

Waving a cookie or demanding a sit in that moment is like trying to reason with someone having a panic attack... it just doesn't work.

This isn't a training moment... it’s a management moment.

And the best tool you have? The "Exit Plan" strategy.

It’s not running away in shame. It’s an intentional choice to protect your partnership and find safety.

Because leaving is not failure. Leaving is the plan.

Beyond Obedience, Ep. 204

We're talking about how to handle the chaos without the guilt. Let’s shift from trying to "fix" the explosion to being the calm partner your dog needs.

Listen here: beyondobedience.ca/podcast

Let’s TALK... have you ever felt that pressure to "fix it" while your dog is losing it?

Tracy xoxox

“You cannot overdo socialization.”That’s what the pamphlet said.But as Jordon looked at her tiny 12-week-old Chihuahua p...
05/11/2026

“You cannot overdo socialization.”

That’s what the pamphlet said.

But as Jordon looked at her tiny 12-week-old Chihuahua puppy, Olive Rose, her gut said something different.

Olive is a “right-brain introvert.” For her, the world is big, loud, and a lot to process.

If you’re an introvert, you get it.

Imagine being dragged to five networking events in a row when you just want a quiet cup of tea...

How interesting… that we often push our dogs to “meet everyone” when what they actually need is safety.

In Episode 203, we’re talking about why you CAN over-socialize.

🐾 Shift from: “Go say hi to everyone!”
🐾 To: “Let’s observe the world from a distance, together.”

It’s about partnership, not performance. It’s about helping them navigate “Humansville” with you as their calm, confident anchor.

You aren't failing by giving them space. You’re being the partner they need.

Listen to the full story of Olive Rose and the truth about socialization here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/beyond-obedience-dog-training-dog-behaviour-training/id1727953772?i=1000764653360

Let’s TALK: does your dog need a "reset button" after a busy day?

Tracy xoxox

200 episodes of Beyond Obedience. 🎉 Can you even believe it?!Years ago, I shared a concept that changed everything for m...
05/06/2026

200 episodes of Beyond Obedience. 🎉 Can you even believe it?!

Years ago, I shared a concept that changed everything for my community: The Leadership Scorecard.

It’s simple. Every time you interact with your dog, ask yourself: Was that my idea, or was it the dog’s idea?

If your dog pushes into your space and you move... they score a point.
If you ask them to wait and they do... you score a point.

It’s an exercise in awareness. Because here’s the kicker: Your dog is playing the game whether you are or not. They aren’t judging you; they’re gathering data. Every interaction helps them answer the big question: “Are you predictable? Are you safe? Are you a partner I can trust?”

In this milestone episode, we’re going full circle back to the greatest lesson my heart-dog Wellington ever taught me. True leadership isn’t about what you say (that’s just obedience); it’s about how you show up.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to 200 more! 🥂

Listen to Episode 200 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/beyond-obedience-dog-training-dog-behaviour-training/id1727953772?i=1000764653360

Let’s TALK... where are you seeing those little scorecard moments today? 🐾

Tracy xoxox

03/24/2026

“ I just dread taking my dog for a walk”

I hear this more than you might think.
Most people assume the answer is to try harder…�be more consistent…�do more training…�fake it till you make it.
But…
How interesting… what if that’s not actually the answer?
This came up in a live Q&A I did during the bootcamp, and it explains something so many dog owners get stuck in without even realizing it:
🐾 patterns�🐾 anticipation�🐾 and how our own state is affecting everything
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do…
is stop repeating the pattern that isn’t working.
Take a listen to this.
If this resonates, you’re not alone.

We tackle all of this inside The Fearless Framework

Bootcamp Bonuses disappear tomorrow �I’m here if you have questions.

Living with a reactive dog can slowly make your world feel smaller.Walks become stressful.Visitors feel impossible.You s...
03/16/2026

Living with a reactive dog can slowly make your world feel smaller.
Walks become stressful.
Visitors feel impossible.
You start planning everything around avoiding triggers.

Before long, you realize you’re not doing the things you used to enjoy.

Not because you don’t love your dog…
but because you’re trying to manage situations that keep blowing up.

Most reactive dogs aren’t trying to be difficult.

They’re responding to the world in the only way they know how.

And when we start to understand what’s really going on, things can begin to shift.

That’s exactly what we’re going to explore in the Bootcamp starting tomorrow.

Over the next few days we’ll talk about:

🐾 why reactive dogs experience the world the way they do
🐾 what actually helps dogs begin to relax and trust their human
🐾 and how small changes from the human can create big changes in the dog

If you’re ready to start opening the world back up for both you and your dog, I’d love to have you join us.

👉 Join the Bootcamp here:
www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp

And if you’re already registered…

I’ll see you tomorrow. 🐾

The Calm Down, Dog Bootcamp is starting soon!!!Like tomorrow! (Mar 17th-19th on Zoom!!) If you're joining us, I have a ...
03/16/2026

The Calm Down, Dog Bootcamp is starting soon!!!

Like tomorrow! (Mar 17th-19th on Zoom!!)

If you're joining us, I have a little prep homework for you today.
And don’t worry… it’s easy.

Just start noticing your dog. Yep! that's it!

Notice:
• when they ask questions
• when they don’t ask questions
• when they look to you
• when they try to handle things themselves
Most people are so focused on managing behaviour that they forget to simply observe their dog.

But observation is where understanding begins.
So I recorded today’s podcast episode as a little Bootcamp prep because once you start noticing these things, everything we talk about during Bootcamp will start to click.
Give it a listen here 👇
🎧 https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/beyond-obedience-dog-training-dog-behaviour-training/id1727953772?i=1000755532200

And as you start watching your dog today you might find yourself saying…
“How interesting!” 😉
Bootcamp starts tomorrow and I can’t wait to dive into this with you.

See you there!
T

Hey there fellow Dog Lover!What if helping your dog become calmer didn’t start with more training……but with a shift in h...
03/14/2026

Hey there fellow Dog Lover!

What if helping your dog become calmer didn’t start with more training…
…but with a shift in how you understand what your dog is experiencing?

So many people living with reactive or fearful dogs are trying really hard.

More obedience.
More exposure.
More management.
More corrections.
More treats.

And yet the behaviour still shows up.

Not because you’re doing anything wrong.

But because reactive behaviour usually isn’t about disobedience — it’s about how safe your dog feels in the moment.

Next week I’m hosting a free 3-day live training called:

The Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp,

where we’ll explore:

🐾 why dogs react the way they do
🐾 why traditional training often falls short
🐾 how small shifts in how you show up can change how your dog responds

If you’re living with a dog who barks, lunges, panics, or seems overwhelmed by the world around them, I’d love to have you join us.

👉 Join the Calm Down Dog Bootcamp here:
www.beyondobedience.ca/bootcamp

PS. Even if your dog isn't reactive or fearful, you can come hang out! See you there!

Many people try to train fear out of their dogs.More obedience.More exposure.More corrections.More treats.But fear isn’t...
03/12/2026

Many people try to train fear out of their dogs.

More obedience.
More exposure.
More corrections.
More treats.

But fear isn’t disobedience.

And we can’t solve fear by teaching more obedience.

The goal isn’t to erase fear.

The goal is to help your dog feel safe enough to move through it.

That’s exactly what we’ll be exploring inside the Calm Down Dog Bootcamp next week.

Here are the deets ⬇️

✅WHAT: The Calm Down, Dog! Bootcamp
✅WHERE: Zoom (Replays will be available)
✅WHEN: Mar 17, 18, 19th (1.5 hrs each day)
✅TIME: 1pm PT / 2pm MT / 3pm CT / 4pm ET

Link in the comments!

Can't wait to see you there!

Does your dog:• bark at everything• lunge on leash• lose their mind when someone comes to the door?You are not alone. 🐾M...
03/11/2026

Does your dog:
• bark at everything
• lunge on leash
• lose their mind when someone comes to the door?

You are not alone. 🐾

Most dogs who react like this aren’t trying to be difficult.

They’re overwhelmed… unsure… or trying to handle something they don’t feel confident about.

But here’s the shift that changes everything.

Instead of asking:
“How do I stop this behaviour?”

What if we asked:

“What is my dog trying to tell me?”

And maybe even more importantly…

“What can I do to help my dog feel better about this?”

That one shift can change everything in your relationship with your dog.

Next week I’m hosting a FREE Calm Down Dog Bootcamp where I’ll show you how to start helping your dog find calm, confidence, and trust in everyday situations.

If your dog struggles with barking, lunging, or big reactions… this is for you.

👉 Comment BOOTCAMP and I’ll send you the link to join.

Let’s turn those “lose their mind” moments into “How interesting…” moments instead. 🐾

Tracy xoxox

Address

New Germany, NS
B0R1A0

Telephone

+19022983600

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Beyond Obedience posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Beyond Obedience:

Shortcuts

Share

Category