Enlightened By Dogs With Kathy Kawalec

In this episode of Enlightened by Dogs, we explore the topic of understanding and navigating the sensitivities, preferences and quirks that affect our daily lives with our dogs.   Here’s what we unpack in today’s episode: Understanding Mindset: We begin by exploring what a mindset is and how it influences our interactions with the world and our dogs. Your beliefs and perspectives can significantly impact the success of your relationship with your dog. Exploring Our Sensitivities: I invite you to think about your own sensitivities. Whether it's loud noises or crowded spaces, recognizing your own needs helps you empathize with your dog's sensitivities to their environment. Empathy and Acceptance: How do we make simple adjustments to accommodate our personal sensitivities, and what happens when these are either dismissed or accepted by others? This understanding is crucial in fostering a nurturing relationship with our dogs, who also experience their own set of sensitivities. The Social Nature of Dogs and Humans

In this episode, we journeyed further into the heart of understanding the unintended consequences of avoiding triggers and how such actions can inadvertently escalate reactivity in our dogs.    Be sure to listen to part 1: EBD301  “Shrinking Worlds, Growing Reactivity: Why Avoiding Triggers Backfires.”   One of the insights from this discussion is that trust is not transactional, and we can’t buy trust from our dogs at any price. Instead, trust is earned through consistent, reliable actions that demonstrate to our dogs that they are safe with us and can rely on us to navigate the world around them.   With a focus on fostering trust and safety, we delved into why genuine connection, rather than distraction, is key to a harmonious life with our four-legged friends.   Key Takeaways from the Episode:   Trust Cannot Be Bought: One of the most profound insights from our discussion is the reminder that trust is not transactional.    The Problem with Avoiding Triggers: We examined how avoiding triggers—although

Recently, I've had the joy of exploring the often challenging terrain of reactivity in dogs, peeling back the layers to understand the underlying causes that sweep us and our canine companions into this whirlwind. It's been an enlightening journey, especially during my "Growing Together from Reactive to Remarkable" workshop, where we shared breakthroughs as dedicated dog moms.   In our latest episode, we've ventured into a topic that's both pivotal and potentially mind-bending: the counterintuitive truth about avoiding triggers. Yes, you've heard me champion the cause of green zone experiences, crafting a world of safety, calm, and happiness for our dogs. Yet, there's a pervasive misunderstanding that I’ve been eager to clear up.   We dived into why avoiding triggers isn't the panacea we might think it is. Here's the essence of what we uncovered:   Responsibility and Safety: The bedrock of our partnership with our dogs lies in creating a safe haven, a bubble where our dogs feel secure and unbothered by exte

This episode unfolds a compassionate and insightful exploration into what reactivity in dogs truly means, advocating for a profound shift in our understanding and response to it.    Kathy introduces listeners to a reimagined definition of reactivity, rooted in the complexities of canine communication and the frequent misunderstandings that arise when these communications go unheard or unheeded.    It challenges the common definition of reactivity—behavior that is inappropriately out of proportion to a situation—by suggesting that what is often seen as reactive behavior is actually a sign of high intelligence, sensitivity, and confusion in dogs.  Key Takeaways:   Kathy challenges traditional views on reactivity, advocating for a definition that acknowledges it as a complex expression of unmet needs and emotions, rather than a straightforward behavioral issue to be trained away. The profound connection we have with our dogs is the very thing that pulls us both into the Reactivity Spiral.  A shift from a

In this episode Kathy explores the nuanced communication between dog moms and their dogs, emphasizing the importance of understanding and reframing our perceptions of our dogs' behaviors.    Kathy shares the idea that behaviors we often interpret as disobedience or refusal are actually our dogs communicating their unmet needs. She advocates for a shift from correction to connection, suggesting that listening and engaging in a dialogue with our dogs can lead to a deeper understanding and a more harmonious relationship. Kathy offers practical advice on becoming a guide for our dogs by establishing clear, kind communication and developing a lifestyle that fosters mutual respect and understanding.   Key takeaways from this episode include:   Reframing Perception: Viewing behaviors not as defiance but as communication of unmet needs. Building Connection: Focusing on creating a circle of safety and trust rather than correcting behaviors. Role Modeling: Being a guide for our dogs through clear communication an

In this inspiring podcast replay, Kathy interviews Ros about her transformative experience with her two Hungarian Vizslas, Phoebe and Myrtle. Ros discusses the initial challenges of their reactivity and her subsequent journey to understanding and connecting with them in a way that led to an enjoyable life together.    The episode highlights the pivotal role of a dog mom’s mindset in influencing dog behavior, the importance of addressing the underlying causes of reactivity, and the effectiveness of the 'Safe, Calm, and Happy' approach. It showcases the significant behavioral transformation possible through partnership-based methods.    Listen to the full interview for insights into this life-changing journey!   Key Takeaways:   The critical impact of a dog mom's emotional state and mindset on her dog's behavior. Addressing the root causes of a dog's reactivity, rather than just the symptoms, leads to more effective results. 'Safe, Calm, and Happy' protocol's role in managing and transforming a dog's beha

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: Recall as an Invitation, Not a Command: Shifting from commanding to inviting your dog strengthens your bond and makes recall a positive experience. Understanding Over Obedience: Understanding your dog's unique personality, needs, and emotions is key to effective recall training. Building Trust, Not Just Compliance: Fostering trust and safety wi

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 Our subconscious beliefs about our dogs can significantly shape their behavior, illustrating the Pygmalion Effect. Viewing dogs' behaviors as forms of communication encourages a more empathetic and effective response to their needs. Changing our perception from seeing our dogs as problematic to understand

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: Leadership with our dogs should focus on guidance and cooperation, not dominance or obedience. Listening and understanding to both human and canine needs are crucial for building tru

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

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: Empathy and Connection: The key to a strong relationship with our dogs lies in empathy and connection. By understanding their needs and emotions, we can nurture a deep bond that goes beyond dominance.

As 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 the way for a happier holiday experience for our furry family members. Remember, our dogs are incredibly attuned to our emotions. If we’re frazzled, they feel it too. By taking a few simple steps to keep ourselves regulated, we help them stay balanced and calm.   Key takeaways: Less is more: our dogs don't need a picture-perfect holiday; they need a happy, connected, and stress-free family. Sensory overload makes dogs hyperactive, barky, anx

In 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 respond to them. Kathy dives deeper into the concept of intention in communication. She explains that knowing the purpose behind our dogs' actions can help us understand them better. For example, a dog not coming in from the backyard when called isn't trying to be uncooperative but might be busy or wrapped up in something. Kathy encourages dog moms to see behavior as a form of communi

Inspired 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, and stressed, and seem to be mirroring our own overwhelming lives.    By supporting our dogs' natural way of living in the moment, and doing what they do best, we can enhance both their lives and ours. This heartwarming episode is a call to be more mindful of our impact on our canine companions and to embrace a lifestyle that benefits both humans and dogs.   Key Takeaways: Mutual Influence: Our stress and lifestyle choices can signi

Sometimes, 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 lives with dogs, the essence of our bond goes far beyond ribbons, titles, or the quest for a 'perfect' pet. It's about the unconditional love, the laughter over their quirky habits, and the lessons they teach us about being present and patient. These moments of connection remind us to appreciate the now, to meet our dogs and ourselves exactly where we are - perfectly imperfect.   And while it's important to have dreams and goals, it's just as crucial to remember that the journey with our dogs shou

Today'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 we all emerged. Oliver's words remind us that dogs are beings that connect us to the larger tapestry of life:   "The dog would remind us of the pleasures of the body with its graceful physicality and the acuity and rapture of the senses..."   Reflecting on Oliver's sentiments, it's clear that dogs are not just living in our world—they magnify its beauty. They invite us to savor the present, to relish life's simple joys, and to embrace the world w

We 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 taught her partnership lessons like how to be a loving leader for our dogs, how our emotional responses inform our dogs and how to communicate with our dogs the right way.    Then there was the crucial life skill of the importance of taking responsibility for our own thoughts, emotions and actions.    And, most of all, the importance of being patient.   Tune in to this candid episode that might just fill your eyes with tears…and your heart with hope.   LOVE TO LEARN MORE? 

Today, we are replaying a compilation of inspiring tales from dog moms who faced various challenges with their reactive dogs and then completely turned things around.   From dogs barking incessantly at fences, reacting aggressively on leashes, fearing strangers, or simply refusing to move on sidewalks due to panic, these stories shine a light on hope. No matter the existing relationship with your dog - even if it's already good - there’s so much more!,   These dog moms embraced the partnership principles, and with a change in mindset that led to a trust-based approach, they transformed their relationships and their life with their dogs.    Key Takeaways:   Importance of Partnership: Many dog moms who faced challenges with their dogs achieved transformation by adopting the 'partnership approach’. This approach focuses on mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation rather than traditional training methods.   Mental Shift Over Training: A recurring theme is the transition from trying to "fix" the dogs thr

Kathy 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 heard, had a sense of belonging, and felt she was contributing to the family. Building trust: Not setting timelines for Maya's progress, but taking things day by day. Decision-making: Using the clarity framework to guide choices, based on trust and desired outcomes. The Partnership Dance Steps: Incorporating dance steps into their daily activities to foster connection and communi

Kathy 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 philosophy has come full circle. While obedience, even when taught through positive reinforcement, was long seen as the gold standard, Kathy believes it's not the most compassionate way to connect with our dogs. She emphasizes that positive reinforcement training isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning. Introducing her progressive concept: partnership-centered cooperation. This method prioritizes living ha