Enlightened By Dogs With Kathy Kawalec

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

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

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

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 b

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 guid

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.” “

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 th

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, s

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 an

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,

Kathy’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. In this episode: How dogs can teach you where you’re going wrong Why you should be the partner your dog truly deserves The broad range of emotions you feel in partnerships with dogs Quotes: “I hadn't even cracked the surface of what it meant to be a good partner and a good handler up until then.” “Whether you're doing dog sports, or agility or rally or obedience or whether you're just enjoying life with your good dog, commit to being the p

Sometimes, 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 episode: How Kathy broke the mold with ‘kind leadership’ How dogs will keep you constantly learning Lessons Kathy learned from Haley that she sticks by today Quotes: “Positive reinforcement training isn’t an end to the evolution of living together harmoniously with dogs. It’s a beginning.” “I had worked so carefully to build her trust in me so she could use that trust as her courage to stand strong while allowing a stranger to touch her.” “I learned that setting my dog

Kathy’s journey with her dogs over the years has taught her so much. They've been her friends, healers, and confidants in so many things. So, in this Enlightened by Dogs episode, she’s taking us back to where it all began. Kathy shares her experience with the first dog she lived alone with as an adult, Max. Losing him was the turning point that inspired her to explore a holistic approach to life. In this episode, Kathy explains holistic living and shares how she pivoted to a holistic perspective, as well as a few success stories she’s experienced along the way. In this episode: What it means to adopt a holistic approach to caring for our dogs The connection between health behavior and emotional balance How effective holistic tools and the partnership approach help balance your dog Quotes: “A holistic lifestyle that includes a natural diet, fresh air, sunshine, clean water, and appropriate exercise promotes overall good health and a strong immune system.” “When your dog is in optimal physical condition, they

As dog parents, we all want what’s best for our dogs. We want them to live up to their full potential and lead rewarding lives within our partnerships. But sometimes, our wants and goals end up overshadowing the most important part of the equation…our dogs. The result? It becomes more of a struggle to reach our desired outcomes and create a beautiful partnership with our dogs. So, in this Enlightened by Dogs episode, Kathy invites us to really consider why we have dogs in our lives. She also shares tips on how to keep our sights on what’s important and how to avoid falling down the rabbit hole of focusing solely on achieving goal after goal with our dogs. In this episode: Why it’s important to know the main reason you want your dog in your life How our dogs help us remain present Kathy shares three ways to stay focused on what’s important Quotes: “Even when we're training our dogs in a really fun and positive game-centric way, we still somehow go down that rabbit hole of compliance.” “It’s always important

Most of our dogs are reactive when it comes to grooming, visiting the vet or other unavoidable tasks. The truth is that most of these aren’t the most pleasant activities for our dogs. But while we can’t blame our dogs for reacting, these are must-do tasks. We’ve got to find a way to carry them out so that our dogs are left safe, calm, and happy in the end. That’s where consent comes in. In this Enlightened by Dogs episode, Kathy explains how a shift in our intentions can change everything. Viewing the freedom to give consent as a must-have for our dogs helps unlock a whole new level of trust. She shares a coaching segment from the Brilliant Partners Academy, where dog-mom Penny asks for pointers on how to support her dog, who isn’t a fan of visiting the vet. Kathy also demonstrates the trust-building power of allowing your dog to give consent through a personal story about her dog, Lucy. In this episode: Why it’s important to embrace a brilliant partnership as a process What it means to step into your role a

Dog greetings are such an important part of our dogs’ socialization process. But guess what? It’s also one of those things we dog parents don’t always understand. While we’re all social beings, dogs approach greetings in a totally different way, and that’s what Kathy explores in the Enlightened by Dogs episode. She highlights the actions that count as greetings for dogs and discusses nine things to consider when facilitating dog greetings. Kathy also shares some insights from research that’ll alter your perception of dog greetings altogether. In this episode: The dynamics of dog-to-human and dog-to-dog greetings When you should let your dogs greet Kathy explains the partnership greeting protocol Quotes: “The first rule is that we greet only if all parties are feeling safe, calm and happy.” “Unlike humans, dogs don't approach one another head-on. They prefer to take a soft approach that's more sideways and indirect.” “Greetings should only happen politely, we want our dogs to know this is how we do things.”

We often think our dogs are giving us a hard time, but we never stop and think… maybe they are having a hard time! What can we do to improve our relationships with our dogs and stop ourselves from thinking so negatively about them? Well, the answer lies in this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast. Kathy explores some of the most common dog personality categories. She runs through a method of reframing your thought processes so you can avoid blaming your dogs when they aren’t behaving how you’d like them to. She also delves into how to personalize your training for your dogs’ specific traits and needs. In this episode: Why it’s important to avoid patterns that lack trust with your dog Identifying your negative thoughts towards your dog’s behavioral patterns Shifting your perspective to allow more mutual trust between you and your pooch Quotes: “We have the capacity to truly love, unconditionally, our difficult dog.” “Contemplate what your insight about your better understanding of your dog’s behavior

As a dog mom, you probably have a clear picture of the life you want to create with your dog. And that’s amazing because the trick to creating your ideal life is visualizing it first. It only becomes an issue when we get stuck in that visualizing stage and neglect to start living that wonderful life in the here and now. That’s why in this episode, Kathy addresses some of the common myths and limiting beliefs that hold most dog moms back from creating the life they envision for themselves and their dogs. She discusses the importance of honesty when relating with your dog and emphasizes the benefits of creating time to learn more ways to wholly connect with your dog. In this episode: How obedience-based beliefs hold us back from a brilliant partnership Why it’s important to build new habits of forming connections with our dogs Kathy debunks three common myths about living cooperatively with our dogs Quotes: “Most of us don't want to learn how to become an expert dog trainer. What we really want is to live eff

While the ultimate goal is to constantly be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to our dogs, the simple truth is that we’re only human. Stressful situations are part and parcel of everyday life, and we all succumb to them every now and then. That’s why this episode of Enlightened by Dogs is all about various ways we can recover quickly when we get into difficult situations with our dogs. It all starts from a place of understanding. Kathy explains the science behind what makes us feel safe or unsafe and how that affects our connection with our dogs. She also delves into a few ways we can pull ourselves back once we’re triggered and, in turn, keep our dogs safe, calm, and happy. In this episode: How our natural system of connection and coregulation works Why social and cultural learning are vital to our relationship with our dogs Kathy shares strategies and tips for handling stressful situations Quotes: “With our very first breath, we’re on a quest to feel safe in our bodies, our environment, and in our re

There’s a lot of information floating around about what’s right and wrong for our dogs. While some of it is accurate, the rest could ultimately slow you down on that journey towards a brilliant partnership. Kathy understands how easy it is to make mistakes that ultimately cost us down the road. So, in this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast, she shares three things to avoid if you want to have a calm, cooperative, and connected dog. Kathy explains why exercise isn’t the best cure for over-arousal and highlights the importance of sleep for both our dogs and us. She also grazes the topic of understanding our dogs and how it all starts with knowing their personality types. In this episode: Why sleep, not more exercise, is the remedy for an over-aroused dog Kathy lists activities suited for each dog based on their personality type Why it’s vital to truly understand your dog Quotes: “More sleep and less exercise, less enrichment, less arousal, always equals more calm and more cooperative behavior.” “It's