Explore every episode of the podcast Enlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not Obedience
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EBD307 How a Partnership Approach Radically Improves Your Life and Relationship with Your Dog | 27 May 2024 | 00:21:58 | |
Adopting a partnership approach can dramatically enhance your life and your relationship with your dog. This approach fosters a harmonious and respectful relationship, where both you and your dog actively contribute to enhancing the quality of your life together. Here are some key aspects of the partnership approach:
This partnership approach radically changes how we interact with our dogs, fostering growth and enriching our lives together. Tune in for more insights and practical tips for improving your life and relationships with your dogs!
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 on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/dancinghearts/ | |||
| EBD306 How the Magic of Laughter Prevents and Diffuses Doggy Behavior Drama | 20 May 2024 | 00:19:10 | |
Have you ever wondered how a simple laugh can change the entire dynamic between you and your dog? Laughter is known for its stress-relieving qualities among humans, but its effects are just as impactful on our dogs. When you laugh, you emit signals of safety and joy that can help calm and reassure your dog. Laughter acts like a reset button during stressful situations. It helps to reassure your dog that there's nothing to worry about, calming their nerves and transforming a potentially tense situation into a moment of bonding. In this episode, we explore how laughter can not only diffuse tense situations but also prevent them from escalating. Here’s a brief overview of what we covered:
Discover more about how you can use laughter to enhance your relationship with your dogs in our latest podcast episode!
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 on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/dancinghearts/ | |||
| EBD297 Ending the Recall Struggle with Connection, Not Command | 05 Feb 2024 | 00:17:32 | |
Today’s episode addresses the common yet frustrating issue many dog moms face - their dogs not responding to recall in everyday situations. In this insightful episode, host Kathy sheds light on why traditional command-based recall methods often fall short and offers a more effective, connection-based approach. This podcast is essential for dog moms looking to understand their dogs better and build a relationship where recall becomes a natural, stress-free part of their daily life. Kathy guides listeners through practical, real-life scenarios, demonstrating how empathy and understanding can transform recall from a struggle to a joyful interaction. Key Takeaways:
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 on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/dancinghearts/
| |||
| EBD207 Navigating Personalities and Behavior as a Dog Mom | 02 May 2022 | 00:23:11 | |
Behavior is communication. Since our dogs can’t tell us what they want or how they feel, they bark, growl, or pull away – especially when they feel unheard. And once a dog feels unheard, their behavior escalates from a whisper to a shout. Since we want them to hear our whispers, it’s important that we learn to hear their whispers too. On this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy delves into different dog personality traits and how they can open your eyes (and ears) to some of your dog’s innate behaviors. She also discusses “superpowers” based on each personality trait and how you can use that information to understand your dog better. In this episode:
Quotes: “It's important to remember that when your dogs pull away or growl, they're communicating that there's something going on under the surface.” “Though your dog's personality is expressed primarily as one type, it's common to see a strong secondary personality type express itself in different circumstances.” “Getting curious about our dog's behavior is a great launchpad to a deeper understanding so we can break free of the spiral of doubt, difficulty, and disconnection that so often occurs.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD206 Sorting Out The Rise in Reactivity with Marika Bertram | 25 Apr 2022 | 00:45:03 | |
What’s causing the recent spike in reactivity among our dogs? It’s easy to blame it all on the recent lockdown. After all, dogs everywhere were cooped up indoors without the opportunity to socialize and take in the world around them. While that’s one way to look at it, it’s not quite accurate, and Marika Bertram joins Kathy on this episode of Enlightened by Dogs to explain why. She delves into the rise in reactivity, the common mistakes surrounding socialization, and how to turn things around. Marika was originally born in Australia and moved to Canada ten years ago. Her journey in the dog world began after rescuing a very reactive Rottweiler mix named Sierra. She soon found herself very overwhelmed by her behavior and attempted to seek help from various trainers, without much success. She became determined to learn how to help her by undertaking a number of professional dog training courses, which then led her from being a schoolteacher to helping others achieve harmony with their dogs. After years of training people’s dogs, she kept searching for something more. Something just didn’t feel right, and there were so many dogs struggling even after being trained. In this time, she adopted two more dogs, one was a Rottweiler pup, and even after applying everything she learned, she still didn’t have the relationship she wanted and longed for. Marika knew she had finally found what she was looking for when she found Kathy and her brilliant community, and the rest is history. Listeners can find Marika on Facebook and Instagram by searching for ‘The Dog Listener’ or heading to www.revyk9.com. In this episode:
Quotes: “One big misconception floating around the dog world is that if you end up with this dog or puppy that's slightly reactive, you just need to expose them to more socialization.” “You can do your best to create a positive experience for your puppy, but you don't have any control over what the next person or dog is going to do.” “The existing model of socialization puts focus on our dog’s behavior instead of the ways we can create a sense of safety between us and them.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| Help! My Dog Goes Beserk with Visitors and My Dog Was Attacked by a Dog While Walking | 18 Apr 2022 | 00:21:29 | |
For all of us, the end game is to build trust between our dogs and us and eventually learn how to live a good life together. But before we get to that point, it’s important to accept where we are in that journey. Of course, no one likes to struggle, but once you accept where you are, it’s a lot easier to transcend to a place of cooperation and a trusting partnership. In this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast, Kathy shares a segment of a Q&A session with two very related questions. She explains not only the importance of understanding your dog, but also explores how you can channel that into making mutually beneficial decisions. She also shares insights on how to expand your “green zone” to help your dog feel safe. In this episode:
Quotes: “The difference between how we react in uncomfortable situations and how our dogs react is that we can choose to leave or stay.” “It's up to us to step up our game when it involves understanding our dog's perspective and making decisions that are more aligned with cooperation.” “Your dog’s sense of safety is directly connected to how safe you feel.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD204 What to Do When Your Dog Gets Too Far Away and When Your Dog Gets Triggered Too Quickly | 11 Apr 2022 | 00:15:44 | |
Sometimes it’s comforting to know that you aren’t the only dog mom out there tackling a few bumps in the road on your partnership journey. But it’s also empowering to know that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and you can have that brilliant partnership you always hoped for. To offer some guidance, Kathy shares segments from a Q&A session with real dog moms facing very real challenges. She highlights the importance of being proactive and having a plan in place for uncomfortable situations. Additionally, she shares some tangible tips that can prevent your dog from getting triggered. In this episode:
Quotes: “It's up to us to create the routine so that our dogs are getting as close to 18 hours of sleep as they can.” “Planning ahead gives us the confidence to manage uncomfortable situations that may arise with our dogs.” “While some dogs go from the red to green zone faster than others, they generally don’t make that transition quickly.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD203 How to Create a Safe Space for Your Anxious Dog | 04 Apr 2022 | 00:18:18 | |
How do you get your dog to feel safe and calm in your RV, apartment, or home? How do you get them to feel the same way while you’re out and about? The answer lies in focusing on your inner circle of influence and making it a safe space for your dog. In this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs Podcast, Kathy shares a segment from a recent Q&A session where she delves into how to create a safe inner circle of influence. She discusses ways you can move your dog from the orange to the green zone. She also explains how you can expand your circle of influence at a pace that’s comfortable for your dog. In this episode:
Quotes: “The more that we focus on what’s out there, the more our dogs are going to focus on it too.” “You need to take the leading role in creating that circle of safety and trust, so you’re better set up to work within your circle of influence.” “Creating a circle of influence is all about crafting a different experience so your dogs feel safe inside your shared space.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD202 When Dog Moms Believe, Cooperation Is Achieved | 28 Mar 2022 | 00:19:09 | |
Did you know that your thoughts and expectations for your dog can shape who they become? If you believe that they’re too reactive or too difficult to live with, they eventually morph into that. A huge part of being a brilliant partner is accepting your dog for who they are. But that’s not to say they’ll remain reactive or difficult to live with. Acceptance, patience, and love eventually make your dog the partner you want them to be. In this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs Podcast, Kathy discusses how our subconscious reactions to the behaviors our dogs display can end up ‘setting them in their ways.’ She also highlights the importance of accepting our dogs for who they are while encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves. In this episode:
Quotes: “Our dogs already accept us as perfect just the way we are, without judgement.” “We don't judge a seed just because it's not a tree. We accept it as perfect, and it's in that kind of acceptance that our dogs can blossom into their full potential.” “So often our dog's behavior triggers negative thoughts and emotions, and that’s because we're judging that behavior as inappropriate.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD201 8 Life-Changing Behavior Tips for Mindful Dog Moms | 21 Mar 2022 | 00:19:53 | |
Being a loving and conscious dog mom isn’t always easy. Yes, you love your dog so much and you want to be the best dog parent you can be. However, sometimes it’s hard to remain patient and mindful when your dog seems to be doing everything but what you asked them to do. When this happens, Kathy suggests trying your best to step back into the role of a mindful dog mom. It’s tough, but you can do it! In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy shares 13 mindful dog parenting partnership principles plus eight life-changing behavior tips to help you become a more mindful dog mom. Does that sound good? If so, grab your headphones, take notes, and get ready for some life-changing tips that will bring you even closer to your wonderful dog. In this episode:
CLICK HERE to open EBD in Apple Podcast app to leave your review Once you post your review, enter the drawing at: dancinghearts.link/review Thank you!
Quotes: “Be responsible for your own mindset and actions. Develop awareness of yourself first.” “If you develop awareness of your own responses and your own reactions, you'll soon be able to choose empathy and compassion when your dog really needs it.” “Don't trade what you most want for short-term obedience.” “Truly embrace the principle that your dog is not giving you have a hard time, they are having a hard time.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD200 Celebrating with a Sneak Peek and a Gift | 14 Mar 2022 | 00:27:46 | |
We’re celebrating 200 episodes of the Enlightened By Dogs podcast with a very special announcement – so tune in to hear more about that! I can’t believe we’ve hit 200 episodes! Time really does fly when you’re having fun. I want to thank each and every one of you for tuning in each week because without you guys, I wouldn’t be here making this show that has brought so many of us together. As a special thank you, I’ve decided to take you behind the scenes of this very podcast and let you in on some interesting things that happen “behind the mic”. I hope to continue spreading the word about living in cooperative partnership with our dogs, and I want you to help me! Please remember to subscribe to Enlightened By Dogs, leave a review, and share it with your friends – let’s keep growing this amazing community! CLICK HERE to open EBD in Apple Podcast app to leave your review Once you post your review, enter the drawing at: dancinghearts.link/review Thank you! In this episode:
Quotes (featuring some of my fav reviews from listeners of the show) “Great show! Kathy, the host of the Enlightened By Dogs podcast, highlights all aspects of pet health and more in this can't-miss podcast!” “Thank you so much for the podcast and resources. It's so good to think about living and being with my dogs, not just about training.” “These podcasts have answered so many questions from my husband and I. We've been so hyper-focused on training, we forgot to stop and just be with our wonderful dog.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD199 Your Success Is Inevitable If You Do the Work | 07 Mar 2022 | 00:25:51 | |
Are you ready to become the best version of yourself and the human that your dog needs you to be? Well, it all starts with inspired action. It’s one thing to seek guidance on how to become a wholesome person and a brilliant partner. But it’s another to actually take these insights and use them to build an amazing partnership. On this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast, Kathy takes us through a piece from a Brilliant Partners Academy training class. She shares four questions that will reveal the values you hold dearest and explains how you can use them to create a daily affirmation that will get you closer to the person you aspire to be. In this episode:
Quotes: “It takes inspired action every single day to live a brilliant life, and when we are more brilliant, our dogs automatically match us.” “If you don't take action, nothing is going to change, and even if it does, it’ll not be nearly as much as it could’ve if you took inspired action.” “When creating your affirmation, don’t overthink it. Follow your heart, your instincts, and your intuition.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD198 Balancing Body, Mind and Spirit with Beth Williams | 28 Feb 2022 | 00:38:58 | |
Does leading a balanced life, whether on a personal level or with your dog, often seem out of reach? Perhaps it’s time to look at balance from a whole new perspective. While finding balance, it’s important to look for it in the little moments and approach it more holistically. Balance is not a destination but a process that we all strive to achieve every single day. Joining this episode of the Enlightened By Dog’s podcast, Beth Williams, P.T., A.P.T., weighs in on the concept of balance. She explores the different layers of balance and also explains how trust, support, and mindfulness can lead to a more balanced life for you and your dog. Beth is a licensed physical therapist for both humans and animals. Inspired by her heart-dog Nitro’s successful recovery from hip surgery in 1999, she opened the K9 Wellness Center, an outpatient physical therapy clinic for dogs (and the occasional cat). During her career as a physical therapist for humans, Beth was a geriatric clinical specialist for 20 years, pursued advanced training in body work and movement education, and earned a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology with an emphasis on service to the aging. She is also a licensed prayer practitioner with the Center for Spiritual Living in Reno, where she serves as a personal spiritual counselor, teaches classes, assists with Sunday services, provides hospital visitation, and officiates celebration of life ceremonies. Over the years, Beth has been uniquely trained to help people and their pets heal in body, mind, and spirit. The latest step in her evolution was completing the Dancing Hearts coaches’ training in May 2021. Since then, her contribution to the world has expanded to include healing relationships between people and their pets, spreading ripples of clear communication and cooperative living with our canine companions. Beth happily resides in Reno, Nevada with her beloved “pack”: husband Dave, brilliant canine partner KZ, Siamese cat Luna and several chickens. You can reach Beth at k9wellnesscenter.com. In this episode:
Quotes: “We strive to be those calm, responsible leaders who are willing to learn and then be able to help our dogs to learn.” “Sometimes we just need that little action of somebody steadying us or giving us a little nudge, not shoving us over. It brings us right back into balance.” “If we're living in partnership, and our dogs can trust us not to deliberately put them in situations where things are likely to go sour, then everybody can relax and try new things.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD296 Are Your Subconscious Beliefs Impacting Your Dog's Behavior? | 29 Jan 2024 | 00:16:38 | |
In this episode, Kathy discusses the profound impact our subconscious beliefs can have on our dogs' behavior, drawing on the concept of the Pygmalion Effect or Self-fulfilling Prophecy. Common frustrations and challenges dog moms face, like reactivity, over-excitement, and disobedience, can be transformed by starting with a shift from judgment to understanding and support. Negative beliefs about our dogs can create a challenging loop of behavior that spirals into meltdowns or shutdowns, while positive perceptions can lead to more harmonious interactions. Kathy's message is clear: when dog moms believe in cooperation, they create an environment where both they and their dogs can thrive. Key Takeaways
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 on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/dancinghearts/ | |||
| EBD197 5 Outdated Dog Training Myths Debunked - What Is Working in Real Life, with Real Dogs, Right Now | 21 Feb 2022 | 00:24:33 | |
What’s holding you back from living out your dreams of a perfect relationship with your dog? Most time, it boils down to misinformation and limited beliefs drawn from the outdated obedience training culture. There’s lots of advice out there for dog parents looking to navigate the tricky parts of their relationship with their dogs. But not all of them are right for you or your dog. Perhaps that’s why the life you’ve always dreamt of seems so unattainable. In this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast, Kathy shares the five most common myths about living in cooperative harmony with dogs. She debunks these myths and highlights some of the great ways a partnership lifestyle could work instead. In this episode:
Quotes: “The longer you wait until everything is perfect, the less likely you'll ever be to start. And that, my friend, is not an option.” “Instead of focusing on transactions and training, let's go right to the root cause of all of these behaviors and meet our dogs’ needs as social mammals.” “Exposing our dogs to things that trigger their fear doesn’t make them feel better any more than it would make you feel better if someone kept exposing you to things that make you uncomfortable.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD196 Living the Dream Life with [Difficult] Dogs: How 4 Dog Moms Turned Their Struggles into Whole-Hearted Cooperation with Their Dogs | 14 Feb 2022 | 00:32:35 | |
Do you sometimes feel out of your depth as you try to understand your dog and form that meaningful connection with them? Well, you’re not alone. Many dog parents before you have struggled with confidence in the fact that they are doing right by their dogs. Naturally, once these feelings creep in, it becomes a bit harder to establish that incredible bond with their dogs. In this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast, Kathy shares the testimonies of four different dog moms, who happen to be Brilliant Partners Academy students. They describe a range of different struggles and circumstances that mirror what most dog moms out there are braving through every day. It’s wonderful to see the transition from a place of little to no confidence up to the point where everything turned around for the better. In this episode:
Quotes: “The key thing is to focus on what's easy — loving the dog that you've got, not the dog that you perceived you'd get.” - Sandra Chilton “Because we're always thinking in this set up scenario versus real life, we just keep doing the same things over and over again, thinking something will change.” - Marika Bertram “The power to change habits starts with us first, not with our dogs — it starts with us being aware, present, prepared, and also being okay if that plan doesn't work.” - Marika Bertram Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD195 Understanding Your Dog's Personality, Their Quirks and Sensitivities Unleashes Their Cooperation. Here's How. | 07 Feb 2022 | 00:22:02 | |
Every dog is unique. But one of the common myths out there is that all dogs are more or less alike, and with the right obedience training, they’ll get their acts together, become more well-behaved and compliant. What this mindset does is set us up for a world of disappointment because it turns out that “real-life behavior” is nothing like what happens at the training class. So, we end up believing there’s something wrong with us, our dogs, or both. That’s why in this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy discusses the five different dog personality types — superpowers, quirks, and all. She goes on to explain how forcing our dogs into compliance could end up giving them a hard time, which in turn gives us a hard time. At the end of the day, the remedy is more clarity and lots of understanding. In this episode:
Quotes: “To start to shift our perspective and our mindset — which is what leads to having more trust, confidence, and cooperation — let's add a layer to understanding our dogs more wholeheartedly.” “Your dog's personality is expressed primarily as one type. That said, it's common to see a strong secondary personality type that expresses regularly.” “When we indulge in repeating unhelpful thoughts, they trigger our own defense system, and that makes us frustrated, impatient, anxious, and even reactive, so let's not do that.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD194 - What is the "Right" Amount and Type of Exercise and Enrichment for YOUR Unique Dog? | 31 Jan 2022 | 00:25:51 | |
Has anyone ever told you that exercise (and lots of it) is the best way to get your hyperactive dog to calm down? Even a quick Google search would land you on a page that recommends rigorous workouts and tons of activities whenever your dog seems over-energetic. While exercise is vital to your dog’s general wellbeing, it’s not the key to calming them down when they’re triggered or simply acting out. Fortunately, the solution is a lot simpler than you think — rest and understanding. In this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast, Kathy is on a mission to debunk the myth that over-aroused dogs need more exercise. She shares a few reasons why dogs get over-aroused and how to handle them. She also breaks down the common dog personality types, their traits, and the physical activities best suited to them. In this episode:
Quotes: “More exercise means more arousal and more out of control behavior from your dog.” “It's your dog and their unique personality that determines what arousal level any particular activity will do for them — that's why you need a custom plan.” “The six hours in the protocol does not mean that you're supposed to entertain or enrich your dog or exercise them for six hours per day.”
Take the Quiz and Download Your PDF: https://dancinghearts.link/dogquiz Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD193 What Is a Partnership Lifestyle? The How, What and Why It’s Brilliant | 24 Jan 2022 | 00:23:31 | |
What does a partnership lifestyle with your dog mean to you? While it may vary from one dog parent to the other, it’s safe to say that there are a few underlying principles to look out for. Altogether, partnership with your dog involves more than a quid pro quo exchange on a daily basis. It’s a state of coexistence where both you and your dog are intimately interdependent through a two-way flow of benefits and mutual responsibilities. In this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast, Kathy shares some details about what a life of partnership is and what it means to her. She explores principles like clarity, kindness, and boundaries and highlights the importance of self-reflection and mindfulness in the partnership lifestyle. In this episode:
Quotes: “As loving dog parents, we understand that our dogs need unconditional support and consistent role modeling to learn key life lessons about acceptable behavior and responsible decision making.” “A foundation of self-regulation, resiliency, and bonding is built moment by moment in ordinary life, shaping how we perceive the world around us.” “A partnership lifestyle is a way of living that’s harmonious and respectful of one another with each partner is contributing to making the quality of our life together better and brilliant.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD192 How to Be A Good Leader for Your Dog Without Dominance or Obedience | 17 Jan 2022 | 00:15:34 | |
A new year is always the perfect time for new beginnings, resolutions and meaningful reflections. Which makes it a great time to revisit what it means to be a leader for our dogs, beyond the stereotypical “boss” or “master” figures. In this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast, Kathy highlights the benefits of approaching leadership from a platform of love. She also explains why good listening and genuine curiosity are vital to fostering an environment where both you and your dog feel safe, calm, and happy. In this episode:
Quotes: “Behavior is what you do, culture is how you learn to do it — so we're not born with culture and neither are our dogs.” “A loving leader knows that a kind, confident leader doesn't command but asks and seeks cooperation — this eventually creates trust.” “It’s proven that across species — including humans, dogs, and other social beings — the natural response to feeling safe is trust and cooperation.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD191 Being an Intentional Human | 10 Jan 2022 | 00:34:23 | |
How you treat your dog and others is directly informed by who you are. So, the next important question is, are you simply “who you are” or “who you truly want to be?” The difference between the two lies in your genuine heart’s desires — what do you value? What qualities are actually important to you? The answer to these questions fuels your conscious intention to be the person you’ve always wanted to be. In this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast, Kathy discusses how understanding what’s important to you feeds into your relationship with your dogs, and others. She also shares simple prompts and contemplation exercises to get you started on the journey to discovering if you’re authentically you. In this episode:
Quotes: “Even with structured dos and don’ts, the effectiveness and results of what we do, and how our dog responds to that, is directly impacted by who we are when we are doing these things.” “Whatever we think about the most, believe in the strongest, or imagine the most vividly becomes our experience — that's just the law of resonance.” “Get more intentional with what you want to create in your life.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD190 Protecting Your Dog's Social Confidence - Part 3 | 03 Jan 2022 | 00:21:12 | |
Naturally, you want your dog to feel safe, calm, and happy as much as possible. But stressful situations are part of life as we know it. Often, these situations affect you long before your dog gets triggered and end up provoking a cascade of thoughts that could sever your connection with your dog. How do we control these thoughts and, in turn, ensure that our dogs don’t learn to be anxious or reactive in stressful situations? It all starts with a conscious decision to focus on the connection you share at that moment. In this episode, Kathy explores ways to guard your mind against bouts of unhealthy thoughts about others. She also explains the effect this has on your dog’s social skills and provides a six-step thought reframe protocol to tackle the issue at the root. This episode brings a three-part series to an end. If you missed the first two, check out EBD188 and EBD189 to learn all about being an advocate for your puppy when it counts the most and how to support your dog through traumatic experiences. In this episode:
Quotes: “Disconnecting from our dogs in stressful situations can be avoided if we can identify the first thought that kicks off that cascade of unpleasant thoughts, then reframe it.” “The effect of monitoring and changing our inner thoughts about others is monumentally life-changing — for both us and our dogs.” “Identify and decide to change all thoughts that are not serving the future you’re creating for you and your dog.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD189 Protecting Your Dog's Social Confidence - Part 2 | 27 Dec 2021 | 00:26:04 | |
You want to protect your dog from traumatic situations just as you want to protect all your loved ones. But, as we all know, it’s not always possible to prevent bad things from happening. So, when an unfortunate incident does happen, how can you help your dog move past it? Building your dog’s social confidence back up after a traumatic event requires a lot of trust from both you and your dog. In this episode, Kathy explores the ways in which you can work together to bank trust, grow confidence, and prepare against or recover from the effects of stressful situations. This is the second episode of a three-part series, where Kathy shares how to build your dog’s social confidence. Part one was all about being an advocate for your puppy by creating affirming, confidence-building experiences. If you missed it, go ahead and listen to EBD 188 next. In this episode:
Quotes: “Spend real quality time with our dogs, not just entertaining or exercising them, but real connected fully present time being with them in all sorts of contexts, including play snuggling and learning together. All those things are banking trust hearts.” “We can show our dogs that the scary thing is not going to harm us through our own behavior. That way, we're letting our dog know that we are keeping them safe.” “How we behave during and after a traumatic event is more important than what actually happened during the traumatic event.” | |||
| EBD188 Protecting Your Dog's Social Confidence - Part 1 | 20 Dec 2021 | 00:21:50 | |
Did you know that your puppy or young dog is at the most impressionable stage of their life? They’re experiencing most things for the first time, which is thrilling! But it’s equally scary because unpleasant experiences can have a long-lasting impact on how they experience ordinary life events moving forward. So, we need to be intentionally mindful of our puppies and young dogs, until they’re confident and resilient enough to stand on their own paws. In this first episode of a three-part series, Kathy highlights the importance of building your dog’s social confidence. She uses a variety of scenarios to explain what it means and when it's necessary to be an advocate for your dog. The series takes a closer look at ways you can stay connected with your dog, especially in awkward and somewhat unpleasant social situations. In this episode:
Quotes: “We need to be exceptionally mindful with our puppies and dogs until they're solid and confident and mature adults.” “Remember that behavior is communication, so look for opportunities to learn from difficult situations.” “Sometimes an apology is warranted, so apologize briefly — but the idea is to stay connected with your dog and move on.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD295 "Leading with Love: Cultivating Cooperation with Dogs" | 22 Jan 2024 | 00:16:11 | |
In this insightful episode, Kathy delves into the nuanced topic of leadership in the context of a relationship with our dogs that cultivates natural cooperation. She emphasizes the importance of being a loving leader without resorting to dominance or obedience training. Kathy explains that true leadership is about guiding, listening, and fostering trust rather than commanding or exerting control.
Kathy advocates for a leadership style that centers on making dogs feel safe, thereby cultivating trust and cooperation. This episode is not only a guide to better understanding dogs but also a reflection on the transformative power of empathy and kindness in leadership.
Tune in for Kathy’s strategies and personal experiences that will help you nurture a space where your dog feels secure, trusting and cooperative. Key Takeaways:
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 on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/dancinghearts/ | |||
| EBD187 Let Your Dog Reduce Your Stress | 13 Dec 2021 | 00:21:10 | |
It’s no secret that our dogs make us feel happy and safe, that’s one of the many reasons we’re on this partnership journey with them. Have you ever wondered if we do the same for them? The connection we share with our dogs is a two-way street, but it’s often easy to forget that their idea of ‘happy and safe’ is quite different from what we think it is. In this episode of the Enlightened By Dogs podcast, Kathy explores the premise that we may be unintentionally keeping our dogs from doing things that keep them balanced. She explains how allowing our dogs to “do what they do best” is beneficial to the partnership lifestyle. In this episode:
Quotes: “What dogs do best is to live in the moment and really experience what's happening around them.” “We have this close connection and a tightly shared social intelligence that causes us to affect our dogs in a very significant way.” “Dogs do things that humans don't do in this day and age, and they can help us with that if we allow them to.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD186 What To Do When Your Leashed Dog Is Triggered | 06 Dec 2021 | 00:39:19 | |
How do you react when your dog is triggered by external factors while you’re enjoying a walk together? The answer is almost never the same across the board, however, a common mistake is to react to the trigger alongside our dogs. Unfortunately, we can’t guard our dogs against all the potential triggers in the world. What we can do is offer support. In this episode of the Enlightened By Dogs podcast, Kathy explains how staying connected with our dogs in these situations can be beneficial. She also runs us through some useful tips for leash walking our dogs. In this episode:
Quotes: “You are either a #winner or #learner, and learner equals winner.” “The more experience we get, the more competent we get at staying connected with our dogs.” “If we cannot feel safe, calm, and happy in situations our dog needs us to be, things won’t go well.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD185 Agency, Choices and Freedom for Our Dogs | 29 Nov 2021 | 00:36:25 | |
Creating clear opportunities for our dogs to say yes or no brings us one step closer to that brilliant life we want with them. This may seem a bit odd, especially since we live in a world where having a well-trained dog is considered a badge of honor. However, the true badge of honor is earned when our dogs choose to be responsible as opposed to being trained to be responsible. Realizing they have a choice doesn’t only help our dogs feel more in control, it also introduces more trust into your partnership. In this episode of the Enlightened By Dogs podcast, Kathy breaks down the process of giving our dogs the freedom to make choices. She also shares six choice protocols we can use to get our dogs involved when making decisions. In this episode:
Quotes: “We can have attentive, responsive, and responsible dogs through living a partnership lifestyle.” “Clarity helps create that feeling of agency, freedom, and responsibility.” “This principle of choice, responsibility, and freedom is for anyone who wants to live an enlightened and connected life with their dogs.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD184 6 Ways to Build Resilience | 22 Nov 2021 | 00:24:56 | |
When did you last think about resiliency in terms of your partnership with your dog? Unfortunately for most people, the answer is "never". Life tends to throw curveballs every now and then, both in the human and dog communities. How you deal with these unfortunate occurrences is a function of your resiliency. But what does this mean for your partnership with your dog? In this episode of the Enlightened By Dogs podcast, Kathy explains the importance of resiliency in building a strong and successful partnership with your dog. She also explores various sources of your dog's resiliency and the elements that will help you build it. In this episode:
Quotes: "Resilient partners don't just give up when life gets hard." "Resiliency in us, and our dogs, comes from the inside out." "Remember there are no failures, only opportunities to learn." Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD183 - A Tribute to Our Dogs | 15 Nov 2021 | 00:15:09 | |
Our dogs give us so much, don’t they? Each day they make our lives better. Every time we connect with them, admire them, appreciate them, we experience a love of life unlike anything else. In this special episode, Kathy invites you to join her in sharing gratitude and appreciation for your dog. She also shares two materials dear to her heart and pays tribute to her dogs and her relationship with them. Take a comfy, quiet seat, and grab a pen and paper, ready to note down your thoughts during this emotional and insightful episode. In this episode:
Quotes: “The benefit of having your dog in your life far outweighs all the other things.” “Dogs teach us so much in being able to enjoy the moment that we're in.” “My entire being swells with gratitude and love for the blessing of my life with dogs.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD182 Using the Power of Curiosity to Increase Connection with Your Dog | 08 Nov 2021 | 00:20:35 | |
When was the last time you felt truly awe-inspired? Awe is a complex emotion, and tapping into its power can do amazing things for you and your relationships. It encourages us to be curious, think outside of the box, and generates feelings of inspiration that can help us believe that almost anything is possible. But how does this relate to your partnership with your dog? In this episode, Kathy talks about her daily G.L.A. practice and how it impacts her connection with her dogs. She also shares a few ideas about how you can get into this practice, what it can do for your relationships, and why curiosity can help you step into a world of infinite possibilities. In this episode:
Quotes: “What if our struggle exists simply to inspire us to move into a place of curiosity?” “Altruism, general well-being, and compassion can dramatically influence our interactions with our dogs.” “When we allow awe to become an integral part of our everyday life, we're better able to cope with struggles and challenges and unexpected experiences.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD181 An Unbreakable Bond | 01 Nov 2021 | 00:23:21 | |
What does your connection with your dog do for your life? Does it help you be a better partner? A better person? Your bond with your dog is powerful. But facilitating this amazing and transformative connection isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes we can lose focus on living our happiest lives with our dog and get lost chasing the ideals of a “perfect dog” instead. In this episode, Kathy shares her tips for maintaining or re-finding your partnership’s focus and reframing your mindset about your unbreakable bond. She also talks about why acceptance is key to finding happiness with your partnership, exactly as it is. In this episode:
Quotes: “Ask yourself, why do you have a dog in your life?” “Studies have shown that when a dog sees they're human, that their brain secretes the same substance as ours when we're in love.” “Dogs present us with opportunities to be better versions of ourselves day after day.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD180 How to Help Your Dog Self-Regulate | 25 Oct 2021 | 00:27:59 | |
Did you know that a feeling of disconnection from our dogs could be what’s causing them to be anxious or reactive? Humans and dogs are wired to seek connection. It’s part of our quest to find safety and comfort in our lives, and if that connection is disrupted, anxiety and stress start to kick in. We get lost in ‘the red zone.’ In this episode of the Enlightened By Dogs podcast, Kathy explores the idea of co-regulation between humans and our dogs and how this relates to our nervous system. She explains how we can easily fall into the ‘red zone’ or the ‘orange zone’ of stress and how we can move to the ‘green zone’ instead. Tune in to learn how by regulating our own behavior, we can help dogs to do the same and lead safer, calmer, and happier lives. In this episode:
Quotes: “We are wired for connection.” “You and your dog are biologically searching for a connection and looking for cues as to whether we are safe and available for connection.” “Once that whole process of anxiety and reactivity and over-arousal is triggered, it's like a self-generating loop.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD179 Why Your Dog Won’t Listen | 18 Oct 2021 | 00:27:48 | |
What do you do when you feel like your dog just isn’t hearing you? All behavior is communication, so how your dog responds to you (or doesn’t respond to you) is a type of behavior that could be trying to communicate something. But it can be challenging not to take it personally when you feel like your dog isn’t listening to you at all. In this episode, Kathy shares how reframing your thoughts can transform how you interpret your dog’s listening skills and get you back to a place of trust. She also talks about how asking questions about what’s really going on can help you create a plan that prioritizes connection over correction. In this episode:
Quotes: “When we believe that our dog is not listening, what I would invite you to do is to reframe that into, my dog has a need that isn't being met.” “As Brené Brown says, clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” “We want to strive for connection instead of correction.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD178 Communicating With Your Dog On Purpose | 11 Oct 2021 | 00:24:05 | |
Communication is the single most powerful tool we have for connecting with others but are you aware of how you’re communicating? Any time you interact with your dog – or anyone you have a relationship with – you’re exchanging messages that can either lead to success or struggles. This might be conscious or unconscious, as both you and your dog speak to each other in ways that go far beyond verbal communication! In this episode, Kathy dives deep into what it means to communicate with your dog. She talks about why considering the intention behind your dog’s communication can help you understand them better, how you’re unintentionally communicating, and the two key components to the language of partnership. In this episode:
Quotes: “When we dive into how to be a better partner, how to be the human that our dog needs us to be, things start to change. We start to feel better, enjoy life more, we're more resilient, and we can handle the things that life throws at us.” “Communication is the single most powerful and effective tool we have.” “If you consciously communicate with your dog, whenever you are interacting with your dog, you are in opposition to the first thing that happens, you're actually teaching your dog to be attentive and responsive to you.” “What’s the intention behind the communication?” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD294 The Power of Being- Cultivating a Deeper Connection with Your Dog | 15 Jan 2024 | 00:33:53 | |
Today on The Enlightened by Dogs Show, our host Kathy Kawalec dives deep into the beautiful world of empathy, connection, and mindful partnership with our dogs. She reminds us that it's not just about what we do, but also about who we are being in our relationship with our dogs. Our intentions and values shape our actions and the results we achieve.
To truly connect with our dogs, Kathy encourages us to reflect on what we truly value and desire in our relationship with them. She shares some fantastic exercises to help us gain clarity on our core values and the qualities we aspire to live by. By making value declarations based on these qualities, we can guide our actions and intentions in our relationship with our dogs.
But it doesn't stop there! Kathy wants us to imagine what our dogs love about our relationship and the qualities they value in a human partner. By expressing these qualities in our interactions with our dogs, we can create an even stronger bond.
Tune in to cultivate a more fulfilling and successful partnership with your dogs.
Key Takeaways:
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 on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/dancinghearts/ | |||
| EBD177 Stop Leaking Trust and Confidence with 3 Clarity Questions | 04 Oct 2021 | 00:23:35 | |
Trust and confidence are crucial ingredients to a loving, happy, and healthy partnership with our dogs. Our dogs trust us with a lot, so we need to be good leaders and worthy of that trust. This means we should try to avoid leaking trust and confidence with our dogs. When our dogs trust us to lead the way, they feel safer, more secure, and confident. If they don’t and we put them in stressful scenarios, they can become reactive and unhappy. In this episode of the Enlightened By Dogs podcast, Kathy shares insights into how easily we can leak trust and confidence with our dogs. She shares the three simple questions you should ask yourself before doing a new activity together. In this episode:
Quotes: “It's really up to us to take responsibility for being the kind of human that our dogs love to follow and love to listen to and love to partner with.” “It's all about being able to inspire, to discover solutions to be solution-focused, not problem-focused.” “A leader is a visionary and leads by example.” “It's really natural for dogs, as socially intelligent animals, to learn through our role modeling.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD176 4 Steps to Emotional Balance | 27 Sep 2021 | 00:16:58 | |
How does your emotional intelligence affect your relationship with your dog? Your dog can teach you so much about how to be in the world, and one of the big things you can learn is how to step more fully into your innate, emotional intelligence. In this episode, Kathy explains why finding emotional balance is key to being a loving leader and how it can help you on the way to achieving your dream partnership with your dog. She also talks about how socially intelligent animals model emotional management through their “get back to grazing” response and what we can learn from this. Grab a pen and some paper, as this episode is packed with helpful advice that you can put into practice with your relationship with your dog. In this episode:
Quotes: “Socially intelligent animals use emotion as information to engage surprisingly agile responses to environmental stimuli and relationship challenges.” “As dog moms, it's so helpful for us to step more fully into our innate emotional intelligence.” “The more we develop our own emotional intelligence, the better our life is with our dogs.” “Our dogs are like models of emotional sanity. By collaborating with the nonverbal wisdom of their emotions and feeling their emotions, they conserve energy for true emotions.” Want More of Kathy? To explore other episodes, click here.
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| EBD175 Connecting Heart-to-Heart | 20 Sep 2021 | 00:38:38 | |
In our busy lives, sometimes we need to just pause and reflect. How we are and how we act can have a huge effect on our relationship with our dogs. So, if you want to start working more on your partnership with your dog, it all starts with you. In this episode, Kathy walks through several simple exercises to help you explore who you are and who you want to be as a dog mom. These exercises will help you gain a clearer understanding so you can forge a stronger heart-to-heart connection with your dog. Grab a pen and paper and tune in to this episode to gain clarity on yourself and your partnership with your dog. Also, if you’re a struggling dog mom stuck at home, be sure to check out Kathy’s new free PDF guide: Stuck at Home "Survival Guide" for Dog Moms. In this episode:
Quotes: “At our core is our heart. And our heart is most directly connected to the essence of who we are.” “When you think about what you love, it generates a vibration in your body.” “What we do is directly informed by how we are being.” Want More of Kathy? To explore other episodes, click here. | |||
| EBD174 How to Be A Better Listener for Your Dog | 13 Sep 2021 | 00:19:33 | |
What does it mean to be heard? Both you and your dog are social mammals and so have a deep need to be understood and cared for. Meeting this need can help you live the brilliant partnership with your dog that you dream of. In this episode, Kathy discusses how real listening can help you stay calm and connected to your dog and why it’s one of the four core daily practices from the Brilliant Partners Academy. She also talks about the relationship between listening and leadership and how to embrace being the loving leader that your partnership deserves. In this episode:
Quotes: “To be heard means to be listened to without judgment about how we should be better or should be different than what someone thinks we should be.” “To be heard means to be loved, without condition.” “We're in some process of blossoming into the next iteration of who we are.” “Good leaders are good listeners.” “Our dogs are changing, we are changing. And yet, at each step along the way, we are already perfect.” Want More of Kathy? | |||
| EBD173 Lessons from A Reactive Dog with Paulina Grzesinska-Mrozek | 06 Sep 2021 | 00:32:49 | |
Living with a reactive dog can be a frustrating experience, and as a first-time dog mom, it can be a confusing one as well. In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy revisits a conversation she had with first-time dog mom and BPA member Paulina Grzesinska-Mrozek. Paulina was struggling with her dog Badi, who was very reactive to other dogs and people both in their apartment and on walks. After trying her luck with a behaviorist (who Badi wouldn’t even let in the apartment), Paulina tried the Brilliant Partners Academy. And she hasn’t looked back since! Today, their partnership is strong and built on trust and a mutual understanding. Hear about Paulina’s experiences and how she used the BPA partnership principles to achieve this complete transformation. In this episode:
Quotes: “BPA had a big impact on me understanding Badi’s behaviors. Now when I just look at him, I know what he wants to communicate.” “Now I understand it so much better. I learned how to listen to him.” “I'm learning how to actually be there with him. When I catch myself […] going somewhere else with my thoughts, I'm like, no, no, no, we are here and now. Don't worry about other stuff, you are here and now.” Want More of Kathy? To explore other episodes, click here. | |||
| EBD172 From Reactive Dogs to Remarkable Partners with Ros Swallow | 30 Aug 2021 | 00:41:30 | |
Having one reactive dog can be challenging enough but imagine adding another one into the mix! In this Enlightened By Dogs episode, Kathy revisits a conversation she had with Ros Swallow, proud dog mom to two beautiful (yet highly reactive) Hungarian Vizslas. Ros had tried everything and had adapted her lifestyle to try and keep her dogs calm. Yet, she felt overwhelmed with anxiety whenever she took them out for a walk. People, dogs, bikes, and everything in between would always trigger panic and reactivity in her dogs. Ros eventually took a leap of faith and joined Brilliant Partners Academy to learn how to become a calm and confident role model. Hear her experience and how BPA helped to turn Ros and her partnership with Phoebe and Myrtle around. In this episode:
Quotes: “The progress we have made is beyond anything I have ever imagined possible.” “What I really like about BPA and the coaching is that all I need is myself and my dog. And I don't have to think that hard about how I’m going to react in this particular situation because it becomes a habit.” “If you're willing to make a commitment, if you're willing to follow the program, step by step, the support really is there.” Want More of Kathy? To read and explore other episodes, click here. | |||
| EBD171 The Summer Series on The Power of Partnership – Part 5 of 5 | 23 Aug 2021 | 00:16:32 | |
Do you have a clear vision and dream for the life you want with your dog? Staying committed to the partnership of your dreams begins with some clarity on what your dreams actually look like. This marks the final part of Kathy’s five-part blog and podcast series, “The Summer Series on The Power of Partnership.” In this series, Kathy has been sharing some simple partnership principles that will help you forge a much closer bond between you and your dog. In this episode, we return to Mary (an avatar client and proud dog mom), who has been tackling some tricky challenges with her dog Max. You’ll see how Mary has put each principle into action and how they have drastically improved her partnership with Max. If you’re new to this series, you can start with episode one. In this episode:
Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “Being focused and connected to our dreams and goals serves to keep us in the now.” “Staying connected to our dreams every single day is one of the things that helps us stay committed.” “Old habits and patterns can be challenging to overcome. But having a plan to work through that challenge makes it so much easier.” Want More of Kathy? To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here. | |||
| EBD170 The Summer Series on The Power of Partnership Part 4 of 5 | 16 Aug 2021 | 00:16:55 | |
Part of living in a true partnership is to work towards some kind of common purpose. Yet, it’s something that a lot of us don’t think about when it comes to our dogs. Welcome back to part four of Kathy’s five-part series, ‘The Summer Series on The Power of Partnership.’ Over the course of this series, Kathy has been sharing some simple and highly effective partnership principles to help you forge the partnership you’ve always wanted with your dog. We’re returning to Mary and Max’s story. Mary’s a dog mom and avatar client who Kathy has been following along her journey as she puts these principles into action. If you haven’t already caught up with the previous episodes, check out the first three parts before continuing. Listen to the podcast episode for part one, two, and three, or read the blog post for part one, two, and three to catch up. In this episode:
Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “When we approach that cooperation from this perspective of, we both want the same thing, auto-magically, you and your dog become teammates.” “You become partners that are working together toward a common goal, a common outcome.” “Living in partnership is so much easier if you and your dog both want the same thing.” Want More of Kathy? To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here. | |||
| EBD169 The Summer Series on The Power of Partnership - Part 3 of 5 | 09 Aug 2021 | 00:18:19 | |
Transitioning into a new way of being with your dog isn’t always like going from A to B. Sometimes there are a few bumps in the road along the way. But what do you do when you make a mistake? It’s normal to get knocked off-course when you’re moving towards something new. However, how you deal with those moments will determine how difficult it will be to get to where you want to go. This is the third of five installments in the ongoing blog and podcast series, “The Summer Series on The Power of Partnership”. In it, Kathy shares some simple – yet effective – partnership principles that you can start using in yours and your dog’s daily life right away. Once again, Kathy returns to Mary, a dog mom and avatar client, who’s tackling some challenges with her dog, Max. In each part, she looks at how Mary puts these principles into action and moves along in her partnership journey. Listen to part one here and part two here. In this episode:
Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “Partnership competence is a journey not a destination.” “Give yourself permission to learn, permission to make mistakes.” “Partnerships are an ongoing learning experience.” Want More of Kathy? To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here. | |||
| EBD168 The Summer Series on The Power of Partnership - Part 2 of 5 | 02 Aug 2021 | 00:20:16 | |
What’s the key to any successful partnership or relationship? That’s right. It’s all about communication! Communication is what ties your partnership with your dog together, so you’re both happy and healthy. This is part two of Kathy’s ongoing podcast series, “The Summer Series on The Power of Partnership.” In this series, Kathy shares some simple partnership principles that you can easily incorporate in your day-to-day life with your dog. Each episode will follow Mary, an avatar client and dog mom, who’s facing some challenges with her dog, Max. As Kathy shares each principle, you’ll see how Mary uses these lessons to build a solid partnership with Max. It’s a glimpse at what working together as a partner really looks like! If you haven’t already, you can catch up and listen to part one here. In this episode:
Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “There is no way to fool a dog. Dogs are masters at reading our intentions.” “Mastering this part of the partnership lifestyle formula requires that we learn to be focused, attentive, and clear as we interact with our dogs.” “Be a student and allow your dogs to teach you by observing their responses to your dialogue and your interactions with them.” Want More of Kathy? To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here. | |||
| EBD293 Empowerment and Empathy: Redefining Our Approach to Dog Parenting | 08 Jan 2024 | 00:22:51 | |
In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the essence of being a dog mom, exploring the powerful bond between women and their dogs, highlighting the unique perspectives and experiences that shape this relationship. Kathy challenges conventional dog training philosophies, advocating for a partnership approach rooted in understanding, respect, and mutual growth. We delve into the concepts of power and leadership, contrasting traditional 'Power Over' methods with a more nurturing, 'Power WITH' approach, which aligns with the natural tendencies of women to create safe, empathetic environments for growth and connection. Tune in for practical insights into dog parenting that also serve as a reminder of the profound impact our mindset and approach can have on a cooperative relationship with our dogs.
Key Takeaways:
Thriving Together: The future holds endless possibilities for women and their dogs to understand and thrive together. By embracing our power and living in harmony with our furry companions, we can create a world where both women and dogs can learn from each other and grow.
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 on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/dancinghearts/ | |||
| EBD167 The Summer Series on The Power of Partnership - Part 1 of 5 | 26 Jul 2021 | 00:20:45 | |
How much clarity do you have about you and your dog’s partnership right now? It’s easier to work out where you’re going once you know where you are. That’s why getting clear on which areas of your partnership could do with some work is a vital first step on your journey to a happier life together. In this first episode of a five-part summer series, Kathy introduces us to Mary, a dog mom facing some tough challenges. Kathy explains how Mary got clear on the issues she had with her dog Max, and shares the insights and takeaways you can bring to your own partnership. This series is a look behind the curtain at what learning to be together as partners really looks like – and just how far you can both come! In this episode:
Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “Clarity leads to success.” “Everything else is possible, once we know exactly what we want, how we want to live, and what it is that we want our dogs to know about how we live together.” “What specific challenge with your dog could use your focus right now?” Want More of Kathy? To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here. | |||
| EBD166 Are You Trying Too Hard to Connect with Your Dog? | 19 Jul 2021 | 00:21:45 | |
Are you struggling to form a solid heart-to-heart connection with your dog? It could be a simple case of trying too hard or overthinking it. If we’re distracted, focused on other things, or too busy, this can affect the close partnership we all dream of having with our dogs. Sometimes it pays to really step back and take some time to reflect on your perspective and how you role model for your dog. In this episode of the Enlightened By Dogs podcast, Kathy shares some of the simple things standing in the way of a real heart-to-heart connection and a peaceful partnership with our dogs. She explains a simple tactic to become more present in the moment to help quieten our wandering brains. In this episode:
Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “If we're afraid of making a mistake or getting it wrong, well, that means that we're literally building a wall between our dog and us.” “We're stuck in this cycle of being busy. And we don't even know that we're on the hamster wheel.” “What my dog needs most is a heart connection. My dog needs to feel connected. My dog needs to feel like they belong and are heard.” Want More of Kathy? To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here. | |||
| EBD165 Life Lessons From A Junkyard Dog | 12 Jul 2021 | 00:25:39 | |
Sometimes we just get so caught up in the drama, urgencies, to-do lists, and life’s responsibilities that we forget what’s truly important. We can even get lost in an idea of how our dogs are supposed to be. We fixate on how they’re meant to look and behave without even realizing that it’s all down to choice. In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy takes you through a simple way to change your perspective on life in general, but more specifically, with your relationship with your dog. Kathy shares some stories from members of the Brilliant Partners Academy on how they learned to “join up” with their dogs rather than try to control them. In this episode:
Read the blog post on this topic. Quotes: “When we're available for connection, magical stuff happens.” “Rather than try to convince our dogs or campaign for our dog's attention, how about sometimes we just join up with our dogs?” Want More of Kathy? To read the blog post on this topic and to explore other episodes, click here. | |||