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Enlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not Obedience — Kids & Family
Enlightened By Dogs: Living with Cooperation, Not Obedience

Welcome to our podcast where we dog moms discuss modern, enlightened dog parenting! Each week, we’ll take a dive deep into the human-dog connection and explore strategies that will inspire you to create connection and cooperation with your dog…no obedience training needed!

We meet up at the intersection where training and behavior meet Heart and Soul…and where we leave behind the ‘power over’ obedience training paradigm we inherited and lead the way to an enlightened ‘power with’ approach. Join us for an inspirational and educational journey as we explore what living in cooperative partnership with our beautiful dogs looks like in real life.

Brilliant Partners are kind, loving, calm, clear, confident, and cooperative … and when WE learn how to be a Brilliant Partner, our dogs do too.

Kathy Kawalec is an author, writer, the founder of Dancing Hearts Dog Academy and creator of the Brilliant Partners Academy, The Foundation Formula, Herding Partners Academy, and Creative Alchemy Passion Plan.

Latest Episodes:

EBD227 4 Strategies to Navigate the Ups and Downs of Life with Dogs Sep 19, 2022

Show notes

It's totally normal to experience ups and downs with our dogs. The good times come with the bad because, well…that's just life!

There are so many factors that influence how we think, feel and respond from past experiences to expectations, our peers and our communities. Sometimes these things can also affect our relationships with our dogs.

However, there are ways we can minimize the negative effects of the bad times to help us achieve a better, more fulfilling life for ourselves and our dogs.

In this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy shares four effective strategies to help you navigate through these ups and downs and build a brilliant partnership with your dog.

In this episode:

How an optimistic outlook can impact you and your dog
Focusing on accomplishments
Setting presets to build a better future

Quotes:

"Hold onto the belief that you and your dog are always good enough just the way you are."

"We have to become that person. That brilliant partner that is able to support our dog in a new way."

"Who we become, as a result of sharing our life with dogs, is what brings true satisfaction, true pleasure, true happiness."

Want More of Kathy?

EBD226 Insider Tips for Understanding Your Dog's Behavior Sep 12, 2022

Show notes

As Brilliant Partners (BP), it's so important to build a strong level of understanding with our dogs. Sometimes their behaviors challenge us or leave us feeling frustrated, but reaching a higher level of insight is so important to keep that bond unbreakable.

In this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, Kathy shares 3 top tips on how to better understand your dog's behavior, and addresses some common mistakes dog parents make when it comes to interpretating their dog's actions.

She dives into what we can do to find relevant and suitable ways to reach that higher level of understanding.

In this episode:

Reach a better understanding of your dog's behavior
Why difficult behavior can be a cry for help
How to listen to your dog's whispers

Quotes:

"Understanding your dog's behavior is crucial if you want to build a trusting, harmonious and deeply connected and cooperative relationship with your dog."

"You can definitely learn to better understand your dog's behavior with more mindful attention, dedication, patience and presence in the moment."

"Trust is so important because, when trust runs deep, you and your dog can handle almost any experience together. Together is better."

Want More of Kathy?

EBD225 Truth Bomb. Dog is Having A Hard Time, Not Giving A Hard Time Sep 05, 2022

Show notes

Being a Brilliant Partner (BP) is wonderful when you and your dog are in sync and you're communicating flawlessly. But what happens when your dog flat-out refuses to listen? It's something that all dog parents go through on their journey to brilliant partnership and that's what Kathy discusses in this episode of Enlightened by Dogs.

To provide a deeper level of insight, Kathy shares a segment of a coaching call she did with dog mom Christina, who was experiencing a few issues with her pup. She talks about viewing behavior as communication, and how patiently practicing BP principles will eventually help both you and your dog feel safe, calm and happy.

In this episode:

Why a change in perspective makes all the difference
Kathy gives a detailed breakdown of the default position for walking
How to ask Brilliant Partner questions instead of dog training questions

Quotes:

"Dogs don't really have an opinion about the leash, the leash is what you make it to mean."

"We put so much effort into leash walking, and not enough effort into walking as partners."

"You and your dog need to collaborate as trusting partners to figure out how you can both meet your needs."

Want More of Kathy?

EBD224 Creative Thinking for Designing a Dream Life with Your Dog Aug 29, 2022

Show notes

Mindset plays a huge role in the partnerships we have with our dogs. Sometimes we have to challenge our own thoughts and what we know to be 'right' in order to live a better life with them.

In this Enlightened by Dogs episode, Kathy explains how tapping into our creative and executive brains can help us design the life we dream of having with our dogs.

Through defying what we know, we can find brand-new ways to build stronger relationships and a happier life for our dogs.

In this episode:

Forming new ideas to keep your dog safe, calm and happy
Using your creative brain to build bonds
Challenging your own thoughts

Quotes:

"It's totally up to each of us to tap into the power of our brain, so that we can design the life that we dream of having with our dogs"

"Come up with some ideas for alternative activities you can do with your dogs to keep you safe, calm and happy."

"Have your dog help with chores, turn on music and dance together, read to your dog. There are so many ways to actually tap into our creative brain that will change everything."

Want More of Kathy?

EBD223 The Gift of Truth From Our Dogs Aug 22, 2022

Show notes

One of the main lessons Kathy has learned from dogs over the years is that you can find the truth in your dogs' reflections of your own behavior.

In this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, she explores how we can become better dog moms through practicing compassion, kindness, empathy, and clarity.

Interspecies cooperation doesn't come from heavy obedience training, compliance, and transacting. Kathy reveals the true recipe for cooperation and tips on how to build a stronger relationship with our beloved dogs.

In this episode:

Why 'together is better'
How to build strong interspecies cooperation
Finding a balance of traditional masculine and feminine qualities

Quotes:

"Dogs serve as our noses, our ears, and our courage when we need their assistance. We serve as their advocates in this human-centric life that we share. We are teachers, friends, and companions for one another."

"This lifetime partnership that we have creates a magical circle of reciprocity like a perfect arrangement that holds the promise of guiding us humans to become ever more enlightened, through the pure reflection that our dogs mirror back to us."

"Interspecies cooperation does not come from training, obedience, expecting compliance, controlling resources, or transacting. It comes from empathy, compassion, kindness, clarity, and it starts with us through self-awareness, mindfulness, and self-empowerment."

Want More of Kathy?

EBD222 Life Lessons from An Intense Puppy with Erin and Jess Aug 15, 2022

Show notes

Kathy has shared many tales of the dogs she's known over the years, but in this guest edition of Enlightened by Dogs, she introduces Erin who tells us about her journey with her 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 tough! Jess' behaviors left Erin anxious, stressed and even panicked at times.

But through her own knowledge and progression, plus the help of the BPA, Erin and Jess' relationship is now stronger than ever and, in just four months, she has settled perfectly into Erin's family.

In this episode:

How Erin's constant worry was lifted
Dealing with an intense puppy
How BPA helped Erin and Jess enjoy a calmer relationship

Quotes:

"She was up every couple of hours through the night, wanting reassurance. I didn't feel equipped to deal with that. Now I feel I know how to respond."

"I've got a little way to go. But things don't freak me out anymore. That's the difference."

"Trust what feels right for you. It might not be my approach. It could be something else."

Want More of Kathy?

EBD221 Dog Advocacy and Social Pressure - Let's Do Better Aug 08, 2022

Show notes

Throughout 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 have found themselves in. She dissects these interactions, what made her and her dogs uncomfortable and provides top tips for dog parents on how to best deal with these kinds of encounters.

Tune in to the episode to hear Kathy's advice.

To revisit one of Kathy's latest, very special episodes about Maya, head to EBD219 – Maya, The Gift that Keeps on Giving.

In this episode:

How to comfort your dog in challenging situations
Why showing people calmly where they stand is key
How to be the parent and advocate your dog's needs

Quotes:

"When dogs are not eager to engage like this, it's always best to let them make the first approach on their own."

"If you're a dog professional and you're advising dog parents to socialize and desensitize using outdated ideas, I hope that you reconsider."

"It's okay to feel social pressure and still be the advocate that your dog needs you to be anyway."

Want More of Kathy?

EBD220 My Most Difficult Dog and Teacher with Terri and Bella Aug 01, 2022

Show notes

Kathy has shared the stories of so many dogs she's had the pleasure of knowing. But this week, she turns the spotlight on a member of the Brilliant Partners Academy.

BPA member, Terri joins Enlightened By Dogs to tell the tale of her beloved Bella and what she's learned during her time with her.

Every dog has different needs, personality types, and complexities, and the learning process never really ends. In this episode, Terri shares her experiences with Bella and what she's learned from being a BPA member.

Terri adopted Bella from a shelter and found herself stuck in a red zone spiral. She would never have dreamed of one day enjoying hiking with her. But through her own insights and BPA learning processes, she has helped Bella develop into the calmer dog she is today.

In this episode:

How Terri listens to her dogs' needs
Why sticking with BPA is crucial for Terri
Why remaining calm helps your dogs remain calm

Quotes:

"I have to tell myself not to get tense because if I'm tense, she's tense. If I'm calm, she's calm."

"If we're sitting on the couch and I take a deep breath, Bella takes a deep breath too. I know she can mirror me."

"I praised Bella anytime she wanted to be beside me. I was like: "You're just such a wonderful dog," and I just let my heart flow out with her."

Want More of Kathy?

EBD219 Maya, The Gift that Keeps on Giving Jul 25, 2022

Show notes

Kathy 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 learned from her time with Maya.

In this episode:

How to stop doubting your decision when you take in a new dog
Why traditional obedience training doesn't work
How an "untrainable" dog can become a life partner

Quotes:

"Keep your eye on the prize, stay the course and keep going, no matter what."

"Each dog has been a gift rich in experiences, adventures and lessons that I could share with others to help ease their way with their dogs."

"There's the common and debilitating mindset mistake of believing that your dog is uncooperative and is giving you a hard time. That all dogs should conform and all dogs should be trained to be obedient to identical standards."

Want More of Kathy?

EBD218 Phoenix- The Hardest Dog That Taught Me the Most Jul 18, 2022

Show notes

Kathy 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 and mindset forever.

In this episode:

Dealing with a highly sensitive dog
What makes a true partner
How one moment with Phoenix changed Kathy forever

Quotes:

"All my dogs are teachers and healers for me and for others."

"She put me in that position to make note of all the elements that were the core of what makes it possible to have a brilliant partnership with your dog and a brilliant life."

"Just because you can teach a dog 152 tricks, it doesn't mean that you should."

Want More of Kathy?

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