Shows
Enlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD304 Using Personality Traits as a Bridge to Connection and Cooperation with Your DogOur dog’s personality traits offer a roadmap to their heart and mind, allowing us to work with their nature for deeper connection, smoother communication, and better cooperation. Every dog is an individual, and knowing what makes your dog tick can be the key to unlocking a harmonious relationship. 🗝️💖 Understand their personality traits, and you'll understand how to communicate effectively and cooperate joyfully. 🐕💬 Dive deeper into how to connect with your dog on a whole new level by tuning into this episode with Kathy. Tune in to explore: The Importance of Understanding Se...2024-04-2924 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD300 Reactivity in Dogs: Redefining the NarrativeThis 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 conf...2024-02-2619 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD299 Simple Steps to Break Free From Reactivity with Your DogIn 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 an...2024-02-1927 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD298 True Story: Reactive Dogs Become Remarkable PartnersIn 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. 2024-02-1241 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD297 Ending the Recall Struggle with Connection, Not CommandToday’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 joyf...2024-02-0517 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD296 Are Your Subconscious Beliefs Impacting Your Dog's Behavior?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 whe...2024-01-2916 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD295 "Leading with Love: Cultivating Cooperation with Dogs"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 po...2024-01-2216 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD294 The Power of Being- Cultivating a Deeper Connection with Your DogToday 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 o...2024-01-1533 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD293 Empowerment and Empathy: Redefining Our Approach to Dog ParentingIn 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 d...2024-01-0822 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD 292 Merry and Mellow: Simple Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday with Your DogAs we step into the festive season, we often find ourselves swept up in the whirlwind of holiday preparations. However, amidst the glittering lights and cheerful melodies, our sensitive dogs can sense our stress along with the change in their environment, sometimes reflecting it in their own behavior. This season, Kathy invites you to create a holiday 'green zone' – a sanctuary of calm and connection for both you and your beloved dogs. Creating this green zone starts with us, the devoted dog moms. When we acknowledge our own stress and take steps to manage it, we pave th...2023-12-1827 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD 291 Digging Under the Surface: Understanding What Your Dog is Really CommunicatingIn this podcast episode, Kathy Kawalec talks about the importance of communication in building a beautiful and cooperative relationship with our dogs. She starts by expressing how living with dogs is a gift, despite the challenges that sometimes come with it. Kathy emphasizes that communication with our dogs isn't just about giving commands; it's a two-way street. It's about exchanging ideas, feelings, and understanding each other's intentions. She points out that dogs don't just act out or misbehave without a reason. Instead, their actions often come from a place of need or misunderstanding. Understanding this can change how we...2023-12-1124 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD290 De-stressing: Working Together with Our Dogs for a Happier LifeInspired by a Business Insider article on meditation's impact on the human brain, Kathy ponders whether our stressful lives might be affecting our dogs more than we realize in this replayed episode. This leads her to question if our hectic lifestyles might also be changing our dogs' brains, possibly increasing their stress and anxiety. The strong bond we share with our dogs has been shaped by years of living together, and while our furry friends help reduce our stress, we might unknowingly be causing them stress. Kathy observes that many modern dogs seem over-aroused, anxious, a...2023-12-0420 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD289 Life Lessons from Our Dogs: Remembering What Really MattersSometimes, in the hustle of dog sports and the pursuit of the 'perfectly trained' dog, we might lose sight of why we welcomed these loving creatures into our lives in the first place. This episode is a gentle nudge to step back and cherish the unconditional love, companionship, and personal growth our dogs bring to us every single day. In this episode, Kathy shares a heart-to-heart talk about the deep and enriching bond we share with our dogs and a reminder of what's truly important in our lives together. In our li...2023-11-2723 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD288 Celebrating Our Dogs with Gratitude, Love and AweToday's podcast is a beloved replay of Kathy’s special tribute to our faithful friends—our dogs. Dogs are embodiments of love, laughter, and connection. Yes, they can sometimes be the source of frustration, but the joy they sprinkle in our lives eclipses those fleeting moments of worry. And even when we face communication hurdles, the bond remains unshaken. In the first segment of this podcast, Kathy shares an excerpt from Mary Oliver's "Dog Songs." The passage read is a testament to the untamed spirit that dogs carry, a spirit that echoes the wilderness from which...2023-11-2015 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD287 My Hardest Dog That Challenged Me to Be BetterWe are replaying this deep and insightful episode of Enlightened By Dogs, where Kathy shares a story that many struggling dog moms will relate to. Hear how she overcame difficult challenges and learn how her hardest dog taught her the true meaning of living a joy-filled partnership lifestyle with dogs. Some of our most important life lessons come from our hardest dogs. If it wasn’t for those challenges, Kathy tells us that she would never have the experience, insight, and determination to become the better person she is today. Phoenix taugh...2023-11-1331 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD285 Building Bridges From 'Untrainable' to Unstoppable: A Story of PartnershipKathy Kawalec shares an intimate story about her border collie Maya, who had been rejected by three homes by the time she was six months old. Maya was labeled "untrainable" due to her uncontrollable and dangerous chasing habits. Experienced trainers struggled with her, but Kathy approached the situation differently. Instead of focusing on training specific behaviors, Kathy prioritized establishing a strong foundation with Maya, emphasizing these key partnership principles: Role modeling: Showing Maya the norms of living as a family and helping her adapt through classical conditioning. Meeting Maya's needs: Ensuring she felt...2023-10-3018 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD284 Building Trust with A Fearful Dog: A Look Back at My Journey with HaleyKathy is replaying this important episode featuring the journey she took with her sheltie from fearful to confident. In this heartwarming and enlightening episode, Kathy reminisces about her journey with her Sable Sheltie, Haley, from the early 1990s. Beginning with a look at Haley's profound fear of strangers, the narrative evolves to reflect on the transformational nature of their bond. Despite the obstacles they faced, like Haley's unexpected chase after horses, Kathy employed her deep respect for animals, intuitive training methods, and a departure from conventional wisdom. Over the years, Kathy's philo...2023-10-2327 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD280 [encore] Empowering Dogs with Consent: Strengthening Trust Through ChoiceIn today’s heartwarming episode, we dive into the essence of consent and freedom in our relationship with our dogs. Reflecting on a coaching session from the Brilliant Partners Academy, we discuss how reimagining our approach towards dogs can build a deep-rooted trust and a cooperative partnership. Many of our dogs face anxiety at the vet and with difficult caregiving procedures, and this episode provides insights on handling those situations. The conversation revolves around allowing our dogs to have the agency of choice, creating an environment where they feel seen and heard. We unravel what it m...2023-09-2533 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD 279 Stepping Beyond Mental Barriers to Deepen Our Bond with DogsIn this episode of the "Enlightened by Dogs" podcast, Kathy sheds light on what might be keeping us from having that trusting, heart-to-heart connection with our dogs. Often, without realizing it, we may be building walls between ourselves and our dogs, in spite of our true intentions. Being stuck in our heads, worrying, or fearing mistakes can hinder the genuine connection that we crave. Kathy emphasizes the importance of being present, avoiding the busy-ness trap, and understanding our unintentional addiction to drama. Inspired by insights from her Brilliant Partners Academy, Kathy shares stories of dog m...2023-09-1121 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD277 Breaking Free of Reactivity: The Transformative Power of Changing Our ThoughtsAt the heart of every reactive behavior our dogs display is a stress spiral – a chain of emotions and misunderstandings. As dog moms, we often face challenges, especially when confronted with the seeming unpredictability of our dogs' reactions. But what if the key to resolving these reactions isn't in training your dog, but in retraining your brain? We explore the powerful concept that taking responsibility for our own thoughts, especially during difficult experiences, can drastically change the dynamic with our dogs. The reactivity spiral isn't just about your dog's actions; it's a two-way street, influenced as...2023-08-2821 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD275 Building Lifelong Social Confidence in Dogs and PuppiesIn 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 in awkward and somewhat unpleasant social situations. 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 f...2023-08-1421 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD274 What If Your Dog's Behavior Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means?We often make unconscious decisions about what our dog’s unwanted behavior means, and then jump to conclusions and take actions based on those assumptions. But what if their behavior doesn’t mean what we think it means? In today’s episode, we’re going to take a look at why dogs behave certain ways, and how we commonly respond to those behaviors, without even thinking much about it. When you have greater clarity and a deeper understanding of what your dog does, why they do it, and how they respond to you, it...2023-08-0720 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD273 A Deeper Look At What It Means To Walk With Your Dog in PartnershipWhen we take a deeper look at what it means to walk in partnership with our dogs, we find opportunities for bonding, connection, mutual respect and kindness. Most of us dog moms envision walking our dogs as an enjoyable experience … but that’s not always how it goes! For many dog moms, walking their dogs can be a stressful and frustrating experience, rather than a beautiful bonding opportunity. But, what if walking with your dog was easy? It sounds like a dream come true, right? Join Ka...2023-08-0426 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD272 Using the Power of Your Thinking to Become A Brilliant PartnerIn this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy dives into using the power of your thinking to reach the full potential of becoming a brilliant partner with your dog. Sharing some of her favorite strategies, Kathy makes a case for taking responsibility for our thoughts, feelings, and actions as key for having a successful and happy relationship with our canine partners. Visualizing the life we want to have and having a balance between achieving and growing can help us better understand and connect with our dogs for lifelong partnership success, and for...2023-07-3124 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD271 Changing Your Dog by Changing Your ThinkingAll behavior is communication, so how your dog responds to you (or doesn’t respond to you) is how they are trying to tell you how they feel in the moment. When your dog seemingly refuses to listen to you, it can be really frustrating. Sometimes, it can even feel like your dog isn’t listening to you on purpose, which makes you even more frustrated. Thankfully, Kathy knows just what you need to do to change your story from ‘my dog won’t listen’ to ‘my dog loves to listen’! Now, the answer might not...2023-07-2428 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD270 Preventing and Rehabbing Unwanted Barking the Brilliant Partners WayIn this episode Kathy will help you identify the root cause of your dog’s excessive barking, and guide you through the eight steps of her Bark Busting Protocol to prevent and rehab unwanted barking, the partnership way. Pretty much every dog mom has a story of their dog’s over-the-top barking. Kathy certainly has a few stories of her own, and she shares the exact steps she took with unwanted barking with her own dogs in this episode. So, what are the steps to getting on top of unwanted barking? What’s...2023-07-1741 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD269 The Benefits of Co-Regulation with DogsWe’re making it real with this episode! It’s when we step into our place as trustworthy role models and loving leaders that our relationship with our dog truly blossoms. When we and our dogs are feeling safe, calm and happy – Kathy calls that ‘being in the green zone’ – then we are able to connect, make better choices and interrupt the behavior spiral of stress that no one wants. As Kathy emphasizes in this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, we need to move away from the desensitizing, counter-conditioning mindset of dog training th...2023-07-1028 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD268 Choose Your Best Adventure With Your DogAre you getting in the way of building the future of your dreams with your dog? When we welcome a dog into our lives, we usually dream of living in perfect harmony together with (preferably) no ‘unwanted behavior’. So, when things don’t turn out the way we thought they would, it’s easy to let ourselves get lost in a sea of negative thoughts. We become so focused on everything that’s ‘wrong’ with our lives (and our dogs), that we forget to focus on what’s truly important. While...2023-07-0322 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD267 [ENCORE] Anxious Dog Mom with Intense Border Collie Brings Unexpected BlessingsIn this guest edition of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy introduces Erin who tells us about her journey with her unexpectedly intense Border Collie, Jess. Erin, a lovely member of the Brilliant Partners Academy, picked up Jess with the hope of love, joy and adventure. To start off with, things were really hard! Jess’ behaviors left Erin feeling anxious, stressed and even panicked at times. It all started when they brought home a border collie bundle of joy they named Jess. The puppy was intense and without major 'issues', but Erin was feel...2023-06-2631 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD266 [ENCORE] Reactive Rescue Dog Is The Best Teacher with Terri and BellaThis week, Kathy turns the spotlight on a member of the Brilliant Partners Academy. Terri joins this Enlightened By Dogs episode to tell the tale of her beloved Bella and their shared transformation. Terri’s life was turned upside down when they decided to adopt Bella from the local shelter...and quickly found out that EVERYTHING over-aroused her. Bella’s intensity and reactivity made almost everything in life seem impossible and they got into a red zone spiral they couldn't get out of. Terri was feeling angry, frustrated, embarrassed, and sad. Today...2023-06-1943 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD263 [ENCORE] First Time Dog Mom with Adopted Reactive Dog Tells How She Turned Their Life AroundLiving with a reactive dog can be a frustrating experience, and as a first-time dog mom, it can be an overwhelming and seriously confusing one as well. In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy revisits a conversation she had with first-time dog mom 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. Paulina struggled to understand Badi and couldn’t figure out why he always barked at other dogs, people and so many things. This...2023-05-2932 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD262 [ENCORE] Hope for Reactive Dog Moms: 4 Remarkable StoriesIf you've been struggling with understanding your dog and feeling uncertain about knowing what the right thing to do is, I have got an episode for you! We're featuring dog moms, my amazing and brilliant students who had the same questions as you, the same struggles as some of you, and the same worry, overwhelm, frustration, disappointment as many of us feel, at least at times. What I love about my students' stories is that they really paint a picture of what is possible and what it looks like to go from struggling, to feeling happy and en...2023-05-2232 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD261 From Frustration to Understanding and A Deeper Connection with Your DogIn this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy Kawalec delves into the concept of understanding our dogs' behavior as communication, helping us to move away from frustration. She teaches us how to reframe our thoughts and reactions to our dogs when they don't seem to listen, and to see their actions as an unmet need rather than defiance. Kathy emphasizes the importance of connecting with our dogs on a deeper level by stepping into their paws and meeting them where they are. This episode offers valuable insights on how to create a stronger bond with ou...2023-05-1527 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD 260 Decoding Your Dog’s Behavior By Listening to WhispersIn this episode of "Enlightened by Dogs," Kathy takes us on a journey into the captivating world of dog communication and behavior by listening to whispers. Together, we'll learn how understanding these subtle cues can significantly enhance the bond between you, the loving dog mom, and your canine companion. Discover the importance of recognizing your dog's "whispers" before they escalate into "shouts," and join Kathy as she shares three empowering tips to help you better understand your dog's behavior. By the end of the episode, you'll be better equipped to nurture trus...2023-05-0821 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD259 From Bark to Heart: Understanding Your Dog Through DialogueIn this enlightening episode of "Enlightened by Dogs," host Kathy Kawalec explores the importance of communication as the foundation for building a successful, heart-centered relationship with your dog. Kathy delves into the various aspects of communication, including the exchange of information, ideas, and feelings between you and your dog. Throughout the episode, Kathy emphasizes the importance of a dialogue loop, a two-way exchange between you and your dog that fosters understanding and cooperation. She shares insights on how humans often inadvertently teach their dogs to ignore them by focusing on training instead of cooperation, or b...2023-05-0121 min
Enlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD259 From Bark to Heart: Understanding Your Dog Through DialogueSubhead: Deepen your connection with your dog by understanding the art of communication Description: In this enlightening episode of "Enlightened by Dogs," host Kathy Kawalec explores the importance of communication as the foundation for building a successful, heart-centered relationship with your dog. Kathy delves into the various aspects of communication, including the exchange of information, ideas, and feelings between you and your dog. Throughout the episode, Kathy emphasizes the importance of a dialogue loop, a two-way exchange between you and your dog that fosters understanding and cooperation. She shares insights on h...2023-05-0124 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD 258 Your Dog Triggered? Pause Breathe ConnectIn this episode, we’re digging deeper into what is happening when your dog is triggered, and how to interrupt meltdowns with a pause, breathe, connect technique. Kathy explores the concept of using the natural biology of connection to help our dogs calm down, emphasizing the importance of meeting both our own and our dogs' social needs. As social animals, humans and dogs share many needs, including the needs to feel safe and connected. When these needs are met, trust and cooperation flourish, leading to a more harmonious relationship between you and your dog. Kathy de...2023-04-2422 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD257 How Old Thinking Keeps Us Stuck in Old BehaviorsIn this week's episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy Kawalec debunks three common myths around dog obedience training and old thinking that keeps us and our dogs stuck in old unwanted behaviors. As a dog mom, you may have fallen for one, two, or even all three of these myths that have been holding you back from creating a brilliant life with your dog. Kathy shares her experiences from 20+ years of coaching, mentoring, and instructing other dog moms, helping them achieve a level of success with their dogs they never thought was possible. She believes t...2023-04-1723 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD256 Why Understanding Your Dog's Personality Traits MattersIn this episode, Kathy leads a discussion about your dog’s personality traits, how that relates to their behavior, and why this matters. This deeper understanding of your dog's personality will foster a stronger bond and create a more cooperative environment between you and your dog. By looking into the "shadow traits" that may be the hidden drivers of your dog’s more challenging behaviors, dog moms can gain a better sense of how to better communicate with their pup. To help dog moms reframe their dog’s behavior and traits, Kathy sha...2023-04-1023 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD255 Cultivating Connection, Strength and EmpathyIn this episode, Kathy celebrates the connection between women and their dogs as a source of strength, vulnerability, and empathy. This unique approach draws from the power within, taking the focus away from outdated approaches of power-over and dominance to one of collaboration and connection. By fostering a partnership with our dogs, we are showing them the respect they deserve, and contributing to a new age of leading with love and empathy. Kathy shares her big “why,” and her inspiration to help dog moms to experience a full and happy life that bri...2023-04-0321 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD254 Our Legacy: Creating a Better World for Dogs and Their WomenJoin Kathy Kawalec in a heartfelt discussion on the importance of connection and creating a legacy of kindness and cooperation that will positively affect generations to come. In this episode of "Enlightened by Dogs," host Kathy Kawalec invites you to explore your legacy as a dog mom and to consider how you can make a positive impact on the world through your relationship with your dogs. As conscious dog moms, we have the opportunity and a responsibility to create a better world for us and our dogs, and that's exactly what Kathy explores in...2023-03-2713 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD253 Reactive or Role Model? Dogs Look to Us for CluesThere are lots of things that can happen outside our home that can set our dogs off on a barking or reactive spiral that disrupts the peace. Landscapers, construction workers, things in the sky, oh my! The good news is that our dogs look to us for clues on how to behave, so when we are a solid role model, it can change everything! In this episode, Kathy will share some real-life examples with her own dogs, where she was able to be a role model for her dogs and prevent reactive behavior from developing o...2023-03-2033 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD252 When Your Dog is "Protecting You in a Damaging WayWhat is the best thing to do when your dog is “protecting” you in an unwanted way that is damaging to you physically and emotionally? Today Kathy is sharing a segment from a coaching call in from her Brilliant Partners Academy to discuss this exact situation… This dog mom has a retired service dog who is feeling anxious right now, due to an allergy flareup, a new puppy in the family, and stress all around. Lola (the dog) has lately started overprotecting her human mom when delivery people come to their door. Sh...2023-03-1325 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD250 How Reward-Based Obedience Training Damages Trust In Your Relationship with Your DogJoin us today as Kathy discusses the impact of reward-based obedience training on the relationship with our dogs. She explains how a transactional approach can damage trust and make cooperation difficult. The transactional dynamic of reward-based training can lead to power imbalances, erode trust, and cause stress and anxiety for dogs. On the other hand, building a partnership based on trust and love creates a natural and fluid dynamic where dogs are motivated to cooperate without being rewarded for performing specific behaviors. Embrace a new way of living with your dog tha...2023-02-2722 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD 249 Unleash the Love: Tips for Deepening Your Connection with Your DogIn this episode, host Kathy Kawalec shares five tips on how you can deepen your love and connection with your dog. Through a story about a dog mom named Sarah and her dog who had a challenging past, listeners will learn how to implement the following tips in their own lives: How to spend quality time with your dog in small ways that matter Building trust with your dog by creating a safe and loving environment How to approach your relationship with your dog as a partnership Calming your dog's over-aroused...2023-02-2024 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD 248 Yes or No? The Framework for Giving Dogs Real-Life Choices Part 2“I want my dogs to wait at the gate or doorway and to take turns… Why? Because I want to minimize chaos. I don't want dogs running into each other, hurting each other, or running into me and hurting me. I want some order, so we are all safe, calm, and happy.” This is Kathy’s example of a real-life scenario when she’s showing the framework for giving her dogs choices. This episode of Enlightened by Dogs is the continuation of the discussion that Kathy had in Episode 247. So if you haven’t lis...2023-02-1312 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD 247 Yes or No? The Framework for Giving Dogs Real-Life Choices Part 1“The more opportunities I give my dogs to say no, the more likely they are to say yes when it's really important.” This is Kathy’s framework for giving dogs real-life choices in a way that works for everyone. In this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy talks about lifestyle choices, agency, responsibility, and freedom. She also shares some real-life examples of how this looks in real-life situations, with real dogs. For some dog moms, it could be their badge of honor to have a well-trained, obedient dog that always listens to what t...2023-02-0623 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD 246 Break Free of The Leash Reactivity SpiralAre you a dog mom who struggles with leash reactivity? Kathy knows how stressful it is when you have a dog that pulls hard on the leash. Having a dog that is lunging toward (or away from) other dogs, moving objects, or anything that triggers them is not a pleasant experience for anyone. In this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy shares a real-life coaching call with a dog mom who was struggling with leash reactivity. Her in-depth explanation of the process of walking as partners with your dog during this coaching session is going to...2023-01-3033 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD 245 Regaining Trust with Reactive DogsThis is something I always hear from many dog moms a lot of times. They keep on asking why their dogs don’t trust them, their dogs don’t allow them to support them and show them that everything is okay. Sometimes, we deal with some behavior challenges in our dogs where they are not calm, they are reactive, hyperactive, and even seem to be so anxious and worried. Then, since we love our furry friends very much, we tend to figure things out to help them. But, at the end of the day, you end up...2023-01-2326 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD 244 Revealing Stories of Reactive Dogs: "Maya"When we dig deeper under the surface, the REAL stories of reactive dogs are revealed. We too often negatively label dogs as reactive, as if that was a behavior they chose. Maya is a perfect example of a dog labeled as reactive, whose story revealed a much deeper understanding. Maya's first three families thought she was untrainable ... a hopeless menace. "How bad could this dog's behavior really be, at only 7 months old" was Kathy’s first thought. The problem? She relentlessly chased anything and everything that moved: kids, b...2023-01-1631 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD 243 Managing Stress for You and Your DogWhen you and your dog get stressed, there are some simple ways to manage this stress response. For example, did you know that how we breathe influences our brain in multiple ways? Our breathing affects our perception, emotion, cognition, and even our mood. And breathing regulates arousal, attention, and stress responses…for both you and your dog. In this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy talks about the science of breathing, the importance of emotional contagion, and why coming back to balance is so important to our dogs. Being o...2023-01-0932 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD242 What To Do When Other People's Dogs Make it Hard for Your DogAs dog moms, we are committed to keeping our dogs safe, calm and happy…but what about when someone does something that makes that really, really hard for us? Loose dogs, fence running dogs, over-enthusiastic dogs, dogs that don’t give us enough space, and dogs that are allowed to be unruly and disrespectful in a way that challenges our dog … are all experiences that we are likely to encounter. When those things happen, we have thoughts about that dog and their person, right? That’s normal. But, what if your thoughts ini...2023-01-0220 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceHow Gratitude Enhances Bonding, Trust, and Connection with Our DogsIf you are a dog parent, you may be familiar with various ways to strengthen the bond between you and your dog and to establish a strong connection over time. In this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy dives into the value of gratitude and appreciation and shares different research studies that show evidence of the immense benefits of connecting heart-to-heart with your dogs. Kathy talks about the important details of a study by the HeartMath Institute research team, a practice of the simple heart focus technique, and other relevant studies and s...2022-12-1216 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceNavigating Grief and Lost LovesKathy has spent her life with so many wonderful dogs. Sadly, that means she’s experienced loss many times too. The grief that dog moms experience is often uncontrollable and makes us feel a confusing mixture of emotions from sadness to longing. But how do we deal with these feelings? How do we navigate the grief we feel when we lose our beloved dogs? In this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy explains how she has dealt with grief after losing her companions over the years. Tune in to this episode as...2022-10-0315 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceDog Advocacy and Social Pressure - Let's Do BetterThroughout her career, Kathy has been in many different social situations with her dogs. Whether out in public, at the vet, or on a long hike, these social interactions can pose a few problems when people want to say ‘hi’ to your dog or treat your dog in ways you wouldn’t usually. In these situations, it’s crucial to remain a calm, confident role model, stepping in as your dog’s voice to reassure them and provide them with comfort. In this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy shares two uncomfortable situations she and her dogs h...2022-08-0821 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceMaya, The Gift that Keeps on GivingKathy has used kindness, compassion and patience to form strong relationships with dogs for so many years. She has proven that even those that were deemed a “lost cause” can become attentive and loyal life partners. In this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy shares the story of Maya (aka Noodle). She takes us back to when Maya was seven months old and labeled “untrainable” by three families. Kathy oversaw Maya’s journey from a persistent dog who chased anything that moved to a responsive and devoted companion. Listen to hear Kathy explore what she has learne...2022-07-2522 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObediencePhoenix- The Hardest Dog That Taught Me the MostKathy has had the pleasure of building partnerships with all types of dogs. But sometimes, the most challenging relationships are the most rewarding. Each dog she has spent time with has contributed to the way she lives and works. And Phoenix is certainly no exception. In this Enlightened by Dogs episode, Kathy takes us back to the first moment she met the most challenging dog she’s ever known. Despite being controlling, excitable and highly sensitive, Phoenix was an incredible sheepdog and life partner. Kathy explains how the way Phoenix challenged her shaped her teaching an...2022-07-1832 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceRussell - What It Means to Be the Legacy of a Great DogKathy’s partnerships with dogs have seen her experience laughter, joy, tears and heartache. But the overall emotion is pure love. A strong partnership with your dog means that love never falters. In this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy shares the story of Russell – the dog that taught her the meaning of true partnership. Kathy explains how she became Russell’s student and, eventually, his legacy, and shares heartfelt words she wrote after Russell’s sad passing back in 2011. Listen to hear Kathy explore all the lessons she learned from Russell in their time together...2022-07-1119 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceHaley, The Dog That Taught Me About TrustSometimes, meeting a new dog with a new personality can make you question the methods you’ve tried over the years. Throughout her career, Kathy’s relationships with different dogs have seen her mindset and approach evolve time and time again. In this Enlightened by Dogs episode, Kathy takes us back around 30 years to the first time she met her long-term companion, Haley. This partnership opened Kathy’s eyes to finding new ways of building mutual trust with her dogs, and she explores how to apply that to your own brilliant partnership. In this e...2022-07-0427 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceBoundaries Around BitingSetting boundaries for our dogs is so important, especially when it comes to biting from excitement or over-arousal. A lot of the misunderstanding comes from the idea of setting boundaries because boundaries mean strict restrictions, right? Well, not exactly. When setting boundaries for your dog, you actually help to build trust. You see, the one thing that our dogs need to trust us is the same thing we often get wrong, and it’s time to change that. As a dog mom of two Border Collies who had “excitement biting issues,” Kathy understands the frustration associ...2021-01-2543 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceHandling Leash Reactivity the Partnership WayIs your dog reactive on the leash? Maybe your dog hates being on the leash and won’t even let you put it on. Or, perhaps your dog pulls on the leash and lunges towards other dogs, moving objects, or other people. Whatever the case, your dog is not a fan of the leash and will do just about anything to avoid it! If any of this sounds familiar, this is the episode for you! Kathy has met hundreds (if not thousands) of dog moms through the years who have dealt with this frustrating issue. The good ne...2020-12-2836 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceWalking Dogs: Prepare for the UnexpectedAre you having a hard time walking your dog? Do you find yourself dreaming of an alternate universe where your dog walks by your side and doesn’t pull on the leash or lunge towards other people (and their dogs)? If you’re nodding yes, this is the episode of Enlightened By Dogs you’ve been waiting for. The truth is that walking your dog can be really challenging sometimes, which is why Kathy is doing a deep dive into the layers beneath all the difficulties that we have walking our dogs in partnership effectively in real life.2020-08-1028 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEBD111 Focus On What's ImportantAre you getting in the way of building the future of your dreams with your dog? When we welcome a dog into our lives, we usually dream of living in perfect harmony together with (preferably) no ‘unwanted behavior’ exhibited by our dogs. This pretty much sums up the common ‘vision’ that many dog moms have before they bring a dog into their lives. However, many dog moms soon realize that achieving their dream life with their dogs will take time, care, attention, love, and a lot of patience. Kathy has worked with countless dog moms over the...2020-06-2922 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceHow to Rehab Unwanted BarkingHumans talk. Birds sing. Dogs bark. Communication is natural and isn’t something we can or should try to stop… but inappropriate barking can be a real bugbear for dog moms! Unwanted barking is a complaint almost every dog owner can relate to. But what is actually going on when your best friend starts speaking at something strange? And what can we do to manage ourselves and our dogs in these situations? Dogs have different reasons and motivations for barking. In this episode Kathy will help you identify the root cause of your dog’s barkin...2020-05-2545 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObediencePartnership-Friendly Indoor Activities for You and Your DogLooking for some fun activities to keep your dog entertained at home? Being stuck inside with your dog can be a lot of fun. But sometimes it can be super difficult to keep your pooch entertained, especially if they’re a little hyper or just plain bored of being indoors all day! So, how can you help your dog burn off energy and have fun with them indoors? In this episode of the Enlightened By Dogs Podcast, Kathy continues on from episode 101 and shares one of her favorite partnership-friendly games that you can pl...2020-04-2725 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObediencePartnership Games When You're Stuck Inside with Your DogStuck inside? Dogs driving you a little crazy? Whether there’s a thunder storm outside or you’re self-isolating because of the coronavirus (COVID-19), being stuck at home all day with a restless (and bored) dog can brew trouble. We’re talking chewed up shoes, hysterical barking, constant whining for attention…. you get the picture. So, how can you keep your dogs (and yourself) entertained indoors? Find out on this week’s episode of the Enlightened By Dogs podcast, where Kathy shares a fun and simple partnership game you can play with your...2020-04-2020 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceDog Behaving Badly? Turn Your Frustration into FascinationDo you ever feel frustrated with how you tend to respond to your dog’s “bad behavior”? It can be difficult to conceal our frustration when our dog is reactive, distracted, stressed, anxious, worried or just… behaving badly. But we need to remember that this is how our dogs communicate with us. They express their feelings through their behavior, whether we like it or not. Thankfully, there is a way that you can turn your frustration into fascination and in this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy shows you how. Kathy unravels the mystery of dogs beh...2020-04-1319 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceThe Power of Intentional Breathing to Calm You and Your DogAre you feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed because of things like the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak? If so, you’re not alone. The coronavirus outbreak is uncharted territory for many of us and the sudden change to how we live our lives can cause you to feel stressed, worried, anxious, or overwhelmed. It’s totally normal to feel this way but as you might have guessed, if you’re feeling a little stressed lately, your dog is probably feeling a little stressed too. Our dogs mirror us in more ways than one. If they sense that y...2020-04-0620 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceHow to Avoid Frustration with Unwanted BehaviorWhen your dog ‘misbehaves,’ what’s your first emotional response? Do you feel annoyed, frustrated, or angry? It’s okay to feel like this. Actually, it’s pretty normal to feel frustrated when things turn belly side up. But what you might not realize is that your emotional response and reaction could be making the entire situation much worse. In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy talks about how you can learn to take responsibility in difficult situations so that you can be more prepared when disaster strikes in the future. Kathy also share...2020-03-3019 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceBonus EP: Brilliant Partners Academy Members Share their StoriesAre you struggling with a reactive dog? If your dog gets over-excited, distracted, or anxious and won’t listen to you, the Brilliant Partners Academy can help you be the partner your dog needs! The Brilliant Partners Academy is a holistic, positive, heart-connected partnership training program that equips you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to develop a deeper bond and a trusting relationship with your dog. In this special episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy interviews a few BPA members who share their stories including the highs and the lows with their do...2020-03-2637 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceHow to Be Safe, Calm and Happy in Difficult TimesAre you finding it hard to feel safe, calm, and happy during difficult times? COVID-19 has caused a great deal of fear, uncertainty, and upheaval around the world. Many of us are in self-isolation and quarantine with our stress buckets filled to the brim. However, even though it seems like the entire world is upside down, it’s more important than ever that you and your dog are there for each other. Kathy touches on this difficult topic on this episode of Enlightened By Dogs and shares how you can be the partner that your do...2020-03-2329 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceHow Consent Empowerment Builds Trust with Our DogsDo you give your dog the freedom to give their consent? Allowing your dog to give consent is so powerful because it helps to build trust between you and your best friend. A shift in our intention can change everything for our dogs and, in this special episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy shares how the power of consent can help build trust between you and your dog. You’ll also get a peek inside a live coaching session between Kathy and members of the Brilliant Partners Academy (BPA). In this session, Kathy speaks to a...2020-03-1634 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceRole Modeling Calm for Your DogAre you being the calm leader and guide that your dog needs you to be? When things go south, our dogs look to us for guidance. Whether you realize it or not, you are role modeling for your dog. When you’re stressed and anxious, your dog is stressed and anxious too. When you’re calm and relaxed about a situation, your dog is much more likely to feel calm and relaxed too. But what happens when unexpected drama erupts, and your dog is triggered? Kathy has a protocol for that! In this epis...2020-03-0916 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceA Sensitive Dog in a Big Scary City with Ulla KjeldgaardDo you have a sensitive dog? A dog who is hypersensitive, nervous, or fearful around large crowds or when a fast car drives past? If you’re nodding yes, you’ll probably have a lot in common with Ulla Kjeldgaard and her Labrador, Bella. Bella had a hard time adjusting to busy city life. She didn’t have a back garden or yard to run about in, which meant going out into the city was unavoidable for potty breaks and daily walks. However, Bella was afraid of everything and everyone. It wasn’t until Ulla changed her own mind...2020-03-0246 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceWhy Your Reactive or Anxious Dog Doesn't Trust YouDo you have a reactive or anxious dog? If your dog is reactive to triggers like other dogs, it can be really frustrating for both you and your dog. Your dog may feel fearful, worried or anxious about a certain situation, while you’re trying your best to support and help them. Yet, nothing you try is working and it seems like their reactivity is getting worse instead of better. Kathy has seen this happen time and time again. But, there’s a reason why your reactive, hypersensitive, distracted, fearful, worried or anxious dog doesn’t trus...2020-02-2426 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceRehabbing An 'Untrainable' Rescue DogHow can you train an “untrainable” dog? Do such dogs even exist? When Kathy met Maya, a six-month old border collie with a sweet temperament, she had already been re-homed three times and Kathy was her fourth. Each owner said the same thing as the last. Maya was out of control. She was “untrainable.” Poor Maya had a rough time of it but thankfully, Kathy wasn’t about to give up on her. She took what her previous owners said with a grain of salt. After all, how bad could it be? What followed w...2020-02-1733 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceHard Lessons from a Heart DogSome of our most important life lessons come from our hardest dogs. We all have high and low points with our dogs and Kathy is no exception. Like the rest of us, Kathy has had her fair share of challenges and struggles throughout the years. But, instead of looking at them as ‘mistakes,’ or ‘failures,’ – she views them as important life lessons. It was these very same lessons that led Kathy on the path towards enlightenment and she has her hardest dog, a border collie named Phoenix, to thank for it. In this deep and insightful...2020-02-1030 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not Obedience3 Hacks to Become A Better Partner for Your DogKathy has 3 mindset hacks that are going to help you become a better partner for your dog in this week’s episode! What does she mean by “mindset hacks?” Kathy has a few partnership principles that she uses within her lifestyle to fast track or “hack” her way to a brilliant partnership with her furry friends, and she wants to teach them to you! In this episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy dives into a deep discussion about creating more optimism, leaving room for growth (and actually moving toward growing), and a new way to measure success! It’s an extremely...2020-01-2025 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceThe Habit of AweEvery morning Kathy pauses to stand in awe and wonder of her life with dogs and that’s what she’ll be talking about on today’s episode of Enlightened By Dogs! Gratitude and Love are two topics you’ve definitely heard her address before, but what about Awe? What is it, how do we feel it, and why is it so important to enter into a state of awe every now and then? Prepare to be awestruck by the answers as Kathy pulls back the curtain and describes what awe means to her and how she has factored it into...2020-01-1319 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceUnconditional Love for Your Dog IRLWhat lies at the intersection of unconditional love, being fully present and filling your heart with gratitude in real life? It’s a bit of a heavy question, and it may be tough to imagine what the answer is, but that’s exactly what Kathy is talking about on today’s episode of Enlightened By Dogs! It seems as though it's a wonderful place to be, and getting there is a little more simple than you may think! Are you Intrigued? Please read a little more! It’s often said that having a relationship with a child can be s...2019-12-0920 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceHow to Calm Down After Over-ArousalDo you or your dog ever get over aroused or excited and kind of lose your mind? I bet you do! Everyone experiences overarousal to some degree, and in today’s episode of Enlightened By Dogs, Kathy breaks down how to calm down after being overwhelmed or over aroused! Regardless of who gets over aroused first, you or your dog, the protocol that Kathy shares will help you get back to being safe, calm and happy together in no time! You may not be aware that your dog looks to you for loving leadership, and follows your cues when si...2019-11-1123 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceCommon Mistakes with The Dance InvitationDo you know about the dance invitation? Do you know how to invite your dogs to dance? How do you know if you’re doing it properly, and if you’re getting it right, why won’t your dogs join you? In last week’s episode: Giving Our Dogs the Opportunity to Say No, Kathy introduced us to the concept of Connect, Observe, Decide, and how to create opportunities to give our dogs choices. Today, Kathy is furthering our education on the topic by sharing issues that can arise and common mistakes people make when first trying to invite their dog...2019-10-1416 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceThe Best Way to Calm Your DogHello friend! It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, and Kathy is here to tell you all about it! Unexpected issues and life happening all over the place caused her usual sense of calm to bubble over and lead to a bit of a meltdown. Luckily, Kathy is a master of calm and it took her no time at all to find it again, and get back to living her best life! Want to know what she did? Tune into this week’s episode of Enlightened By Dogs to find out exactly what physical and mental steps Kathy took...2019-08-1226 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceFaster and Easier Partnership with Baby StepsDid you know the smaller baby steps you take the quicker you are to attain your goals? In this episode Kathy discusses the comfort zone that exists for us and our dogs. We can learn how to be good role models, loving leaders who are able to set appropriate boundaries. When we do this our dogs are much happier and blossom. When we take huge steps toward our goal, which is outside of our comfort zone, often we backslide and diminish confidence for both ourselves and our dogs Setting ourselves up for failure Diminishes trust between us...2019-04-2212 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceThe Truth About Treats in Dog TrainingWelcome to the Enlightened by Dogs podcast hosted by the passionate and informative Kathy Kawalec. Each week Kathy will bring great stories, tips, and strategies to help you build a better relationship with your dog. Dogs are socially intelligent parts of our family group and so we must treat them as such. In this episode, Kathy tackles the importance of building partnership relationships with our dogs and plays a clip from the Q & A portion of her workshop. Question: “You talked about transactional relationships which is where I think we’ve gone wrong. However, I have a ques...2019-04-0827 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObediencePartnership and the Social Intelligence of DogsWelcome to the Enlightened by Dogs podcast hosted by Kathy Kawalec. This host is very passionate and has a heart of gold. During this weekly podcast about dogs and dog enthusiasts, you will hear great tips and strategies on how to carry out a brilliant partnership with your dog. In this episode, Kathy plays a clip from the Partnership Workshop she taught. Kathy discusses social intelligence (something we share with our dogs), the partnership lifestyle -- what it means and why it’s so important to our relationship with our dogs. Listen to hear more on...2019-04-0120 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceReactive Dog Case Study - A Journey of Courage and HeartWelcome to the Enlightened by Dogs podcast hosted by Kathy Kawalec. During this episode, Kathy presents a segment of an interview with one of the member’s of Brilliant Partners Academy, Kelly. Kelly’s dog, Merle was an extremely reactive dog and in this interview, Kelly and Kathy describe how the partnership approach was administered and worked in soothing his behavior. In this episode, you will hear life-changing advice for both you and your dog! Listen for more: Kelly and Merle’s backstory Reactive nature and behavior to other moving things and dogs Where the behavior occurs...2019-03-2535 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceLeadership Is LoveLeadership, in the positive dog training world, is the most misunderstood concept of all ... to the detriment of our dogs Welcome to the Enlightened by Dogs podcast hosted by Kathy Kawalec. This weekly podcast about dogs focuses on our partnerships and relationships with our dogs as emotional, intelligent beings who are part of our family group. Along the way, Kathy will give you strategies that will inspire within the realm of positive dog training. In this episode, Kathy delivers a passionate look at the common misunderstanding about leadership and she talks about why...2019-03-1828 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEncore! Trust Changed Everything for My Anxious Reactive Dog RemasteredWelcome to the Enlightened by Dogs podcast hosted by the illuminating Kathy Kawalec. Enlightened by Dogs focuses on the human-dog connection and our becoming partners with our dogs. You will be given strategies that will inspire you. In this episode Kathy speaks with a good friend Deb Bauer regarding trust and trustworthiness. Deb is an amazing woman who runs the program Both Ends of the Leash giving dogs a second chance in a very special and unique way. Deb is an expert in dog behavior, holistic healing, amazing work with education, and much more. Deb is focuses on living...2019-03-1455 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceMisunderstood Dogs Begging for LoveWelcome to the Enlightened by Dogs Podcast hosted by Kathy Kawalec. This is a podcasts about dogs that focuses on the human-dog connection and working together through partnership. In this episode Kathy discusses listening--receiving information from our dogs. Listen for strategies that will inspire. If you’ve had the thought that your dog is stubborn, won’t listen, doesn’t care about what you’re asking them to do . . . today’s episode will help solve those problematic thoughts. Today Kathy speaks about: How we’re misunderstanding our dog’s communicative behavior How we often jump to the wrong concl...2019-03-1126 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEncore! Rescue Dog Rehab: Desperate to Brilliant RemasteredWelcome to the Enlightened by Dogs podcast hosted by Kathy Kawalec. This dog podcast is all about the human-dog connection and partnership we share with our dogs. In this episode, Kathy has a very special guest, Sue who is a dog behaviorist. When Sue adopted Charlie, a rescue dog, and saw his behavior issues, she realized she needed to have more information about dogs. Training and behavior meet heart and soul. Listen to find out more on Sue and Charlie’s inspirational and educational journey. Find out: Behaviors that Charlie demonstrated which caused Sue ala...2019-03-071h 03Enlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceThe REAL Lessons from Distracted DogsWelcome to the Enlightened by Dogs podcast with Kathy Kawalec. In this episode, Kathy shares some difficult lessons she dealt with in the area of distractions with her own dogs. (Building upon last weeks lesson, which you can listen to here.) She gives a small back story regarding difficult trialing and fielding with young dogs who are not typically consistent. Kathy shares a personal experience that ultimately strengthened the bond of partnership between Kathy and her dogs. Listen to find out more about the lessons and solutions Kathy discusses: Listening is hard, even for very good...2019-03-0425 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceWhat to Do When Your Dog is Barking and Running the Fence with the Dog Next DoorIn this episode, Kathy discusses the issue of our dogs running the fence line, barking frantically. Kathy shares a clip of one of her coaching sessions, from her Brilliant Partners Academy program, with Claire who struggled with her dog lunging, running and barking along the fence line at the neighbor’s dog. She talks about the disconnection between us and our dogs at that point and what we can do to get the connection back. Claire has successfully been able to stop her dog from doing these things through her coaching! Claire’s question: "How do I...2019-02-1815 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceYour Dog is Designed For Partnership!There is no one on this planet who knows how important a dog is in your life like dog enthusiast Kathy Kawalec of the Enlightened by Dogs Podcast. Just like you, Kathy sees a kindred spirit, a sentient being, a heart and a soul when she looks into the eyes of a dog. Our host makes no bones about her opinion that partnership with our dogs is much better than simply training them. Partnership is based on a deep trusting connection and it’s this connection that breeds the behavior that we want to see from our furry friend. Wh...2019-02-0419 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceWhat Is The Best Approach to Rehab a Reactive Dog?Sweet and soulful Kathy Kawalec, Dog Lover Extraordinaire, wants you to have the best relationship possible with your dog and she is here to help! Kathy appreciates her followers by answering their questions, providing goodies, and giving personal on-air thanks! She wants all trainers, dog owners, anyone who spends an abundant amount of time in a relationship with a dog to build a deep, meaningful relationship, because she believes that dogs connect us to what matters most in the world. In This Episode, Kathy answers the questions: What is the best way to rehab a reactive dog...2019-01-2116 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceReactive Dog Transformation - Cindy Shares Her StoryA reactive dog can be a heartbreaking situation for someone who has big goals. Especially when that dog is supposed to be an agility superstar and ends up biting someone out of fear. What do you do when something serious happens? How do you turn that around? Cindy joins Kathy on this episode of Enlightened By Dogs to share Lyric’s story of trust, and triumph! In This Episode A dream that turned into a reactive nightmare When all of the typical things don’t work, what am I supposed to do? Revisiting the baby...2018-08-201h 00Enlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceEnlightened By Dogs Q&A with Kathy KawalecDo I engage with my dog all day long while they’re awake? What triggers the behaviours you don’t want your dog to have? Kathy answers these questions and more in a Q&A she hosted online! She also gives you the opportunity to jump in on a very special offer she has going on right now! In This Episode Live Q&A The clarity chart Cleaning up our life with our dogs “Having a high level of trust and confidence changes everything” “Just like us, our dogs have their o...2018-08-1326 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceA Holistic Lifestyle For Your DogWelcome back to the Enlightened By Dogs Podcast! Kathy is all about building healthy relationships between people and their dogs. In this episode Kathy tells a story about her dog Max, and how his loss opened the door to learning about a holistic lifestyle. In This Episode: Kathy finds out that she’s allergic to everything. The results of a holistic perspective, and the rippling impact it created. How it all ties in to your lifestyle and the life of your dog The very first thing Kathy did to move toward a holistic lifestyle ...2018-06-2514 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceTrash to Treasure: Maya's Story of RehabWelcome back to the Enlightened By Dogs podcast! Thanks for tuning in. In this episode, Kathy tells us about Maya, and how she found her way from being one household's trash, to being Kathy's treasure. In This Episode Why Kathy decided to welcome an “untrainable” dog into her home How hard can it really be to train a 6 month old Border Collie? Maya becomes part of the family, and Kathy shares how she did it. “At 6 months old, she was already labeled untrainable by 3 homes” “If...2018-06-1820 minEnlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not ObedienceBroken Hearts to Dancing HeartsWelcome to the first episode of Enlightened by Dogs! Our host, Kathy Kawalec shares the spotlight of episode 1 with her friend Shelli Varela! Shelli gives us an opportunity to get to know our host on a deep level, and discover the purpose of the show! In This Episode Kathy's connection to dogs, and where it began How she has learned to develop bonds between people and dogs. Where people tend to go wrong in learning and bonding with their dogs What dogs really want out of life2018-06-0541 min