About this episode

This episode explores the concept of 'The Obedience Hangover' and the disconnect that can arise from traditional dog training methods focused on obedience rather than understanding.

Have we mistaken obedience for understanding? In this episode of Rewriting the Rules, I’m exploring what I call “The Obedience Hangover” - that quiet, uneasy space we find ourselves in after years of teaching our dogs to behave, only to realise that something still feels disconnected. We’ll talk about what really happens when dogs are praised for being calm, quiet, and compliant - and why that calmness can sometimes be a mask for emotional suppression and confusion. Together, we’ll look at how obedience culture shaped so many of us - even the most ethical of trainers - and how to begin recovering from it with compassion, curiosity, and dialogue. This isn’t about throwing away everything you’ve learned. It’s about rediscovering the “why” behind it - rebuilding trust, confidence, and communication so your dog feels seen, not just well-behaved. ✨ In this episode: • What the “obedience hangover” really means • How good intentions can still lead to emotional suppression • The difference between calmness and safety • How to begin recovery through observation, empathy, and dialogue • Replacing control with connection in everyday life If you’ve ever felt that quiet voice inside saying…

People in this episode

Host: Bethany Bell

Topics covered

• obedience
• emotional suppression
• dog training
• trust
• communication
• relationship

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