
EBD299 Simple Steps to Break Free From Reactivity with Your Dog
02/19/24 • 27 min
In this episode Kathy explores the nuanced communication between dog moms and their dogs, emphasizing the importance of understanding and reframing our perceptions of our dogs' behaviors.
Kathy shares the idea that behaviors we often interpret as disobedience or refusal are actually our dogs communicating their unmet needs. She advocates for a shift from correction to connection, suggesting that listening and engaging in a dialogue with our dogs can lead to a deeper understanding and a more harmonious relationship. Kathy offers practical advice on becoming a guide for our dogs by establishing clear, kind communication and developing a lifestyle that fosters mutual respect and understanding.
Key takeaways from this episode include:
- Reframing Perception: Viewing behaviors not as defiance but as communication of unmet needs.
- Building Connection: Focusing on creating a circle of safety and trust rather than correcting behaviors.
- Role Modeling: Being a guide for our dogs through clear communication and heart-to-heart connection.
- Lifestyle Approach: Treating interactions as part of a lifestyle, not isolated training sessions.
- Plan and Progress: Developing plans with our dogs to address behaviors, focusing on progress, not perfection.
Kathy's insights encourage us to approach our relationships with our dogs with empathy, understanding, and patience, fostering a deeper bond and a more joyful 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/
In this episode Kathy explores the nuanced communication between dog moms and their dogs, emphasizing the importance of understanding and reframing our perceptions of our dogs' behaviors.
Kathy shares the idea that behaviors we often interpret as disobedience or refusal are actually our dogs communicating their unmet needs. She advocates for a shift from correction to connection, suggesting that listening and engaging in a dialogue with our dogs can lead to a deeper understanding and a more harmonious relationship. Kathy offers practical advice on becoming a guide for our dogs by establishing clear, kind communication and developing a lifestyle that fosters mutual respect and understanding.
Key takeaways from this episode include:
- Reframing Perception: Viewing behaviors not as defiance but as communication of unmet needs.
- Building Connection: Focusing on creating a circle of safety and trust rather than correcting behaviors.
- Role Modeling: Being a guide for our dogs through clear communication and heart-to-heart connection.
- Lifestyle Approach: Treating interactions as part of a lifestyle, not isolated training sessions.
- Plan and Progress: Developing plans with our dogs to address behaviors, focusing on progress, not perfection.
Kathy's insights encourage us to approach our relationships with our dogs with empathy, understanding, and patience, fostering a deeper bond and a more joyful 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/
Previous Episode

EBD298 True Story: Reactive Dogs Become Remarkable Partners
In this inspiring podcast replay, Kathy interviews Ros about her transformative experience with her two Hungarian Vizslas, Phoebe and Myrtle. Ros discusses the initial challenges of their reactivity and her subsequent journey to understanding and connecting with them in a way that led to an enjoyable life together.
The episode highlights the pivotal role of a dog mom’s mindset in influencing dog behavior, the importance of addressing the underlying causes of reactivity, and the effectiveness of the 'Safe, Calm, and Happy' approach. It showcases the significant behavioral transformation possible through partnership-based methods.
Listen to the full interview for insights into this life-changing journey!
Key Takeaways:
- The critical impact of a dog mom's emotional state and mindset on her dog's behavior.
- Addressing the root causes of a dog's reactivity, rather than just the symptoms, leads to more effective results.
- 'Safe, Calm, and Happy' protocol's role in managing and transforming a dog's behavior.
- Value of supportive community and structured guidance in navigating challenges with reactive dogs.
- Potential for substantial behavioral improvement and enhanced life quality for both dogs and dog moms through dedicated partnership training.
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/
Next Episode

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/
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