🐾 Hey Dog Lover,

Let’s be honest — most of us were taught to talk at our dogs before we ever learned how to listen to them.

In this second step of our Untrain Your Dog to Build a Better Bond series, we’re flipping the script.

This episode is all about the magic that happens when you get quiet. Like, really quiet.
No obedience cues. No “Sit!” or “Stay!” Just presence, awareness, and curiosity.

We’ll explore:
→ The Be Quiet Game: what happens when you stop talking and start observing
→ How to “Ask the Dog” without commands — using movement, intention, and gentle gestures
→ Why your energy, posture, and presence already speak volumes
→ And the first big step to learning how to talk dog… is learning how to be still

It’s all rooted in one of my favourite Nelson-isms:
"If you want to learn to talk to your dog... shut your mouth."

Hope you enjoy this one.
– Tracy xoxo

👣🐾 Next Steps:
Join the Untrain Your Dog Challenge inside the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group.
See the pinned post for details on how you can win a 30-minute free coaching call with me.

Want to take your relationship a step further?
Join the Fearless Framework — where you learn how to control yourself and influence the dog, not control the dog. (~N. Hodges)

🎶 Music Credit: Shawn Trotter – www.shawntrotter.com

Hey Dog Lover,🐾

What if the behaviours you’ve been trying so hard to train… aren’t actually what you want?

In this episode, we’re kicking off Untraining Week with a powerful mindset shift. We’re diving into the heart of what “training” really means—and why letting go of task-based obedience can open the door to deeper connection with your dog.

You’ll hear me unpack:

• Why traditional obedience cues might be missing the mark

• What “heel,” “sit,” or “stay” are really about (spoiler: it’s usually not about the command itself)

• How to spot the difference between compliance and communication

• What it means when your dog checks out on a walk—and why that’s a how interesting moment, not a mistake

• Ways to reconnect by observing, listening, and letting your dog be a dog

Whether you have one dog or five, this episode will help you start noticing the subtle ways your dog is already showing you what they need—you just may need to untrain your ears (and ego) to hear it. 😉

Hope you enjoy this one!

Tracy xoxox

NEXT STEPS 👣🐾

Now is your time to join The Fearless Framework, my 12-month online program designed to help you break the fear cycle, build trust, and raise a confident dog—without obedience drills or treat-dependency.
👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless

🎶 Music credit: Shawn Trotter of shawntrotter.com

Hey Dog Lover 🐾

If you caught Part 1 of my conversation with Nelson Hodges, you already know the kind of deep, perspective-shifting wisdom he brings to the table.

In this second half of our talk, we go even deeper into the emotional landscape of dogs—and how our being matters so much more than our doing. We unpack the question at the heart of it all:
What is a dog, really?
Not just behaviorally—but emotionally, relationally, instinctually.

Together, we explore:

• Why most trainers are missing the point

• How your internal state shapes your dog’s world

• What leadership looks like when it’s rooted in calm, connection, and relevance

• And why understanding your dog on a feeling level changes everything

If you’ve ever felt like your dog is misunderstood by mainstream training advice, this conversation will feel like coming home. You’ll walk away seeing your dog—and yourself—through a new, compassionate lens. And probably saying “How interesting!” more than once. 😉

✨ Special note: If you sign up for Nelson’s monthly class subscription before the end of the year, you’ll receive one month FREE! His teachings are a gift, and now’s a great time to dive in.

To learn more or sign up:
🌐 www.CHRInstitute.com

📘 Follow Nelson on Facebook: Nelson Hodges

I hope you enjoy this one.

Tracy xoxox

NEXT STEPS 🐾👣

Ready to deepen your relationship with your dog?

Join me inside the Fearless Framework—an online program and community designed to help you build trust, confidence, and a more connected relationship with your dog. This isn’t about obedience. It’s about understanding.
👉 www.beyondobedience.ca/fearless

And come hang out with us in the Living Beyond Obedience Facebook group! It's a free, safe, and encouraging space for curious dog lovers like you.
👉 Join the group here