Hey Dog Lover 🐾

What if the problem you've been working so hard to fix with your dog isn't actually a problem for your dog?

Stop the barking. Stop the pulling. Stop the jumping. Stop the digging. Stop the chasing.

We're constantly being told how to fix our dogs and change their behaviour.

But have you ever stopped to ask yourself whether your dog actually thinks there's a problem?

Because sometimes our dogs are genuinely struggling. They're frightened, overwhelmed, uncertain, or uncomfortable, and their behaviour is an expression of what they're experiencing.

And sometimes?

They're having the time of their lives while we're standing there pulling our hair out!

Think about the dog who wants to chase squirrels, sniff every blade of grass, or dig holes in your garden.

From their perspective, everything might be absolutely wonderful!

From yours? Not so much.

And that's where things get interesting.

In this episode, we're exploring three questions:

Is this a problem for my dog? Is it a problem for me? Or is it a problem for both of us?

Because the answer changes how we need to approach the behaviour.

We'll talk about the difference between supporting a dog who's struggling and guiding a dog who's doing something they genuinely enjoy.

We'll also take a closer look at our own expectations. Does the behaviour really need to change? And if it does, does it need to stop entirely, or could we change where, when, and how it happens?

Of course, sometimes the answer really does have to be no. Safety matters. Boundaries matter. And learning to live together means finding a balance between what our dogs want and what we need.

But understanding why your dog wants to do something doesn't mean you have to allow it. And just because you don't like a behaviour doesn't automatically mean it needs fixing.

Sometimes helping your dog means changing how they feel.

Sometimes it means changing what they do.

And sometimes it means changing what YOU expect.

Hope you enjoy this one!

Tracy xoxox

🐾 NEXT STEPS 👣

🐾 Explore Fearless Framework! Stop guessing what your dog needs and start becoming the partner they can actually trust. https://beyondobedience.ca/fearless

🐾 Take the Dogonality Quiz! https://beyondobedience.ca/quiz

🐾 Read the Beyond Obedience Blog! https://beyondobedience.ca/blog

RESOURCES

Contact → info@beyondobedience.ca

Podcast → https://beyondobedience.ca/podcast

Connect → Living Beyond Obedience Facebook Community

Resources → https://beyondobedience.ca/quiz

Merch → https://beyondobedience.ca/store

CONNECT WITH ME!

Step 1: Join the free Living Beyond Obedience community and connect with other dog lovers who want to understand their dogs, build better partnerships, and enjoy more of life together. https://facebook.com/groups/LivingBeyondObedience

Step 2: Take the Dogonality Quiz to discover how your dog's unique personality shapes the way they learn, communicate, and experience the world. https://beyondobedience.ca/quiz

Step 3: Ready to stop guessing what your dog needs? Explore Fearless Framework, my six-month group coaching program focused on trust, confidence, leadership, and building a relationship that makes everyday life easier. https://beyondobedience.ca

Music Credit 🎶: Shawn Trotter http://www.shawntrotter.com/