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DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training

Nikki Ivey

Understand your dog better with DogSpeak's founder, Nikki Ivey--a professional Canine Behavior Specialist, trainer and Family Dog Mediator. Learn why it's not about just fixing your dog's behavior but about understanding why the behavior is occurring. Nikki often shares the mic with wife, Britt, along with other fantastic guests. Whether the discussion is about real-life manners, inappropriate behavior or nutrition, this podcast has it all. We focus on building relationships, not dictatorships. Learn more about DogSpeak and Nikki Ivey by checking out www.dogspeak101.com. Become a Patreon member by visiting https://www.patreon.com/c/dogspeak

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Tuesday · 40 min
Dear Human, We Need to Talk.
If your dog could sit you down for an honest conversation, what would they want you to know? Chances are, it wouldn't be about more treats, longer walks, or learning another trick. It would be about the way you communicate, the expectations you place on them, and the relationship you share. In this episode, we're giving dogs a voice and exploring a few things they probably wish their humans understood. Why the leash should feel more like holding your dog's hand than steering them through the world. Why talking to your dog and offering information about what's happening around them can create predictability and trust. And why acknowledging the things your dog gets right matters just as much as teaching something new. We'll also talk about why every interaction doesn't need to become a training opportunity and why your dog deserves the same patient, understanding human in public that they know and trust at home. Because at the end of the day, your dog isn't asking you to be a better trainer. They're asking you to be a better partner. Get Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, on Amazon! DogSpeak Website DogSpeak Online Courses Patreon Membership YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok GET YOUR FREE TICKET TO 'YOUR PUPPY BLUEPRINT SUMMIT' HERE.
November 3 · 1 hr 6 min
Canine Couch Convo with Sandra Larson
In this episode, Nikki and Animal Medium, Sandra Larson talk dogs. Regulation, pain, behavior, and awakening are all discussed. Our Canine Couch Convo episodes are where we sit with friends and chat about dogs, animals, and their humans. Get Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, on Amazon! Catch Nikki's Interview on the Importance of Play for the Puppy Blueprint Summit. Register here. https://puppyblueprint.com/register-2026?am_id=nikki9575 DogSpeak Website YouTube DogSpeak Online Courses Patreon Membership Instagram Facebook TikTok Sandra Larson YouTube Sandra Larson Website Sandra Larson Facebook
October 27 · 37 min
Give Your Dog an Exit: Why Moving Away Is a Life Skill
We spend so much time teaching our dogs to sit, stay, and tolerate the world around them, but what about teaching them that it's okay to walk away? In this episode, Nikki explores why moving away is one of the most important life skills a dog can have. From uncomfortable greetings to overwhelming environments, dogs often communicate their need for space long before barking, growling, or reacting. But are we listening? We'll discuss the importance of choice, agency, and emotional safety, how forcing dogs to remain in uncomfortable situations can contribute to fear and reactivity, and why giving your dog an exit can actually build confidence and resilience. Because a confident dog isn't one who can tolerate everything. It's one who knows they don't have to face everything alone. Get Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, on Amazon! DogSpeak Website DogSpeak Online Courses Patreon Membership YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok GET YOUR FREE TICKET TO 'YOUR PUPPY BLUEPRINT SUMMIT' HERE. #dogtrainingtips #positivedogtrainer #puppytraining #dogbehavior #caninetraining
October 20 · 33 min
The Missing Piece of Public Manners: Meeting Your Dog's Needs
We often expect our dogs to remain calm, ignore distractions, and behave appropriately in public. But are we setting them up to succeed, or are we asking them to meet expectations without first meeting their needs? In this episode, Nikki explores why public manners go far beyond obedience and how understanding your dog's physical, emotional, and genetic needs can make all the difference. From enrichment and natural behaviors to stress, overstimulation, and emotional regulation, we'll discuss what it really takes to help dogs navigate the world with confidence. Discover why neutrality isn't about suppressing reactions or demanding compliance. It's about creating the conditions where your dog feels safe enough to observe the world without needing to respond to everything around them. Because good public manners don't begin with obedience. They begin with understanding the dog at the other end of the leash. Get Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, on Amazon or directly through Nikki at info@dogspeak101.com. DogSpeak Website DogSpeak Online Courses Use Coupon Code cl-com for 50% off Dog Communication and Language of Play bundle. YouTube Patreon Membership Instagram Facebook TikTok #dogtrainingtips #dogreactivity #leashtraining #offleashtraining #caninetraining #puppytraining #positivedogtraining Catch Nikki's Interview for the Puppy Blueprint Summit by registering here! https://puppyblueprint.com/register-2026?am_id=nikki9575 Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
October 16 · 25 min
Your Dog Knows Sit. But Can He Do Life?
In this episode, Nikki and Britteny talk about a recent trip to a brewery with Willow. Britt rates Willow's behavior very low. What does Nikki have to say about her amazing dog Willow and her behavior? Plus, understanding what makes a good dog worthy of this world? You may be surprised to hear the answer. And what would you rate your dog's overall behavior in life? Get Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, on Amazon! DogSpeak Website DogSpeak Online Courses Patreon Membership YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
October 6 · 1 hr 10 min
Canine Couch Convo with Sandra Larson
In this episode, Sandra interviews Nikki about her new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior. In this episode, Sandra interviews Nikki about her new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior: Healing Chronic Stress and Creating Lasting Change. Nikki shares what inspired her to write the book, why understanding the emotion and stress beneath a dog’s behavior matters, and how guardians can move beyond simply trying to “fix” what they see on the surface. They discuss chronic stress, the nervous system, behavior, enrichment, physical health, and the importance of creating safety, trust, and connection. If you live with a dog struggling with fear, anxiety, reactivity, or chronic stress—or you simply want to better understand the dog in front of you—this conversation offers a compassionate look at what behavior may really be trying to communicate. The Dog Beneath the Behavior is now available on Amazon! dogspeak101.com dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com Sandra Larson
September 29 · 43 min
Dogs Need Dogs: The Missing Piece in Emotional Regulation
Dogs are social animals, and healthy relationships with other dogs can play an important role in emotional development and regulation. In this episode, we explore the value of conspecific socialization—what dogs can learn from one another that humans simply cannot teach. We’ll discuss how appropriate dog-to-dog interactions can support communication skills, confidence, resilience, play, and emotional balance, while also looking at the difference between meaningful social experiences and simply putting dogs together. Not every dog needs a crowd, but access to safe, compatible canine relationships may be an important piece of helping dogs feel more secure and socially fulfilled. Read the research paper here! Get Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, on Amazon! DogSpeak Website DogSpeak Online Courses Patreon Membership Instagram Facebook TikTok Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
September 22 · 49 min
Calm Is Contagious: When Your Presence Becomes Their Peace
Our dogs look to us for more than food, shelter, and guidance. They also rely on us for a sense of safety, comfort, and connection. But what happens when our own stress, frustration, or anxiety begins to influence how they experience the world? In this episode, Nikki explores the power of co-regulation and how our emotional state can influence our dogs' ability to navigate life's challenges. We'll discuss why your presence matters, how dogs respond to our emotions, and why creating a sense of safety begins with understanding and regulating ourselves. You'll learn how small, intentional changes in your daily interactions can help your dog feel more secure, build trust, and develop greater emotional resilience. Because helping your dog through difficult moments isn't always about teaching a new behavior. Sometimes, it's about slowing down, offering support, and simply being the safe place they need. When we learn to find our own calm, we create opportunities for our dogs to find theirs. Buy The Dog Beneath the Behavior on Amazon Website Online Course Patreon YouTube Re-Regulated by Anna Runkle Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
September 9 · 41 min
Connected, Not Controlled-Canine Couch Convo with Britt
In this Canine Couch Convo, we’re talking about the dogs we know and love best—our own. We share some of our favorite things about each of our dogs, the traits that make them uniquely who they are, and what those relationships have taught us along the way. We also talk about Britt’s dad’s dog, who has had very little formal training yet is incredibly responsive to him. Why? Because responsiveness isn’t always built through obedience. Sometimes it comes from trust, connection, clear communication, and having a dog’s genetic needs understood and fulfilled. This conversation is a reminder that a strong relationship with your dog isn’t about controlling every behavior. It’s about knowing who they are, meeting their needs, and building the kind of connection that makes them want to stay engaged with you. Get Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, on Amazon. www.dogspeak101.com www.dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com www.patreon.com/dogspeak
September 1 · 32 min
Drop It Without the Drama
Teaching your dog to drop something doesn’t have to turn into a chase or a battle over who gets to keep the item. In this episode, we’re talking about how to teach a reliable “drop it” cue through cooperation, trust, and clear communication. We’ll look at why dogs hold onto objects in the first place, how grabbing things away can create conflict or even contribute to resource guarding, and why trading can be such a powerful teaching tool. You’ll also learn how to practice this skill before you actually need it, so your dog is more likely to respond when they pick up something unsafe or inappropriate. The goal isn’t to make your dog surrender everything they value. It’s to teach them that letting go is safe, worthwhile, and part of a conversation they understand.
August 25 · 34 min
Your Leash Shouldn’t Do All the Talking
Too often, we depend on the leash to communicate with our dogs—pulling them closer, steering them away, stopping forward movement, or physically managing every decision they make. But a leash should be a safety tool, not the primary way we communicate. In this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to walk well together in public. That includes teaching clear verbal cues, creating predictable expectations, helping your dog understand how to move through different environments, and building communication that doesn’t depend on constant leash pressure. Because good public walking isn’t just about a loose leash—it’s about developing a dog who understands what you’re asking and a guardian who knows how to communicate it. Buy Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior here. DogSpeak Website Online Courses Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
August 18 · 34 min
Dog Sports Without the Pressure
Dog sports can be an incredible way to provide enrichment, build confidence, strengthen your relationship, and give your dog an outlet for natural behaviors—but they don’t have to be about ribbons, titles, or being the best. In this episode, we explore dog sports from a different perspective: choosing activities based on who your dog is, what they enjoy, and what they were naturally built to do. From scent work and agility to dock diving, herding, and more, we’ll talk about how dog sports can support physical and emotional well-being without turning another activity into a source of pressure. Because sometimes the goal isn’t to compete. It’s simply to let your dog have fun. Website Patreon Online Content YouTube Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
August 11 · 47 min
The Dog Beneath the Behavior
What if the behavior you’re struggling with isn’t actually the problem? In this special episode, Nikki introduces her new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, and explores the idea at the heart of it: behavior is communication, and lasting change begins when we stop asking only how to change what a dog is doing and start asking why they’re doing it. This episode gives you a glimpse into the science, stories, and practical approach behind The Dog Beneath the Behavior—without giving away everything inside. Because when we stop focusing solely on the behavior in front of us, we finally have the opportunity to understand the dog beneath it. Purchase Book HERE! Website Patreon Online Courses YouTube Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
August 4 · 49 min
Canine Couch Convo with Patricia McConnell, PhD
Nikki talks with icon, Patricia McConnell about her new novel, Away to Me, her first venture into fiction writing, ADHD in dogs, and the importance of the human part of the human-dog relationship. Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB is an internationally renowned animal behaviorist and author whose acclaimed books, including The Other End of the Leash, For the Love of a Dog, and The Education of Will, have sold more than 1.2 million copies. She saw clients whose dogs had serious behavioral problems for twenty-five years, and spoke around the world about canine training and behavior. A former adjunct professor in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her nationally syndicated radio show, Calling All Pets, played in more than 110 cities for 14 years and her television show, Petline, aired on Animal Planet for two and a half years. Her debut novel, Away to Me, is her first venture into fiction, and has received rave reviews. She lives with her husband, Jim Billings, her Border Collies Skip and Maggie, and a spoiled flock of sheep on a farm in Southern Wisconsin, and can be found online at PatriciaMcConnell.com. Find Kikopups videos HERE. Find DogSpeak videos HERE. Website Online Content Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
July 14 · 37 min
How Dogs Make Choices
In this episode, Nikki touches on the neuroscience of making choices and how your dog's decision-making process isn't what you think. Genetics, learning history, nervous system, memory and so much more goes into every "decision." DogSpeak Website DogSpeak Online Courses DogSpeak Video Library Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
July 7 · 1 hr 6 min
Canine Couch Convo with Sandra Larson
In this episode, Sandra and Nikki talk ghosts. Pet guardians talk often about their dog exhibiting strange behavior; strange behavior that can't be linked to a certain trigger or antecedent. Sometimes, you have to look deeper... Website Online Courses Video Library Find Sandra HERE! Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
June 23 · 46 min
Stress Isn't Just Stress: Understanding the Emotional Brain of the Dog
When we hear the word stress, most of us think of fear, anxiety, or overwhelm. But stress isn't always negative. In fact, stress is a normal and necessary part of life—for both humans and dogs. In this episode of DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training, Nikki Ivey explores the many forms of stress, from positive stress that helps dogs learn and grow to chronic and traumatic stress that can impact behavior, health, and overall well-being. You'll learn why two dogs can experience the same event in completely different ways and how genetics, learning history, environment, and individual perception shape a dog's response to stress. Nikki also introduces the fascinating field of Affective Neuroscience and the work of Jaak Panksepp, whose research helped identify the primary emotional systems shared by mammals. From SEEKING and PLAY to FEAR, CARE, and PANIC/GRIEF, you'll discover how emotions drive behavior and why understanding what a dog is feeling is often more important than focusing on what a dog is doing. If you've ever wondered why some dogs struggle with reactivity, frustration, anxiety, or recovery from stressful events, this episode will help you look beyond behavior and into the emotional experiences shaping it. Because behavior is often the symptom—but emotion is the story underneath. Website Online Content Substack Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
June 16 · 33 min
The Day Chickens Changed My Dog Training, and other Ramblings
What do chickens have to do with dog training? More than you might think. In this episode, I share the story of how a 40-hour week spent training chickens fundamentally changed the way I understood behavior, learning, and my work with dogs. After starting my career in 1996 with traditional obedience methods—including the use of prong collars—I began questioning what I thought I knew about training and discovered a different path rooted in learning theory, communication, and relationship. I also introduce my new online course, Understanding Dog Interaction, where we explore how dogs communicate through play, body language, and social interactions. Understanding these signals can help prevent conflicts, improve relationships, and teach us to recognize when a dog is saying "yes," "no," or "not right now." We also recap our reliable recall episode where we discussed why meeting a dog's genetic and behavioral needs is critical for building responsiveness, and how a simple touch cue can become a powerful, reward-based safety tool while recall skills are still developing. Whether you're interested in dog communication, recall training, behavior science, or the evolution of modern dog training, this episode offers insight into the lessons that shaped my approach and continue to influence how I help dogs and their humans today. Website Patreon Online Courses Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
June 9 · 36 min
Building a Dog Who Wants to Return
What makes a dog choose to come back? Many people think recall starts with teaching the cue "come," but reliable recall is about much more than a single behavior. It begins with understanding the dog in front of us—their genetics, their needs, their motivations, and the relationship we have with them. In this episode, I explore what recall actually looks like beyond the cue itself, the foundational behaviors that support it, and the common mistakes that often get in the way of success. We discuss the importance of meeting a dog's biological and emotional needs, fostering check-ins and engagement, and creating an environment where returning to their person becomes a meaningful choice rather than a forced response. Whether you're working with a puppy, an adolescent, or an adult dog, this conversation offers a different perspective on recall—one that focuses less on control and more on connection. Because the strongest recalls aren't built on obedience alone. They're built on trust, understanding, and a dog who genuinely wants to return. Website Patreon YouTube Substack Facebook Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.
June 2 · 48 min
Beyond the Six-Month Rule
For decades, dog owners were routinely told to spay or neuter their dogs at six months of age. It was a simple recommendation that became the standard of care for generations. But as research into canine growth, development, and long-term health has expanded, the conversation has become far more nuanced. In this episode, Nikki explores the evolving science behind spay and neuter timing, including the role that hormones play in muscle development, bone density, structural balance, and overall physical maturity. We'll discuss the potential benefits of allowing dogs to mature before sterilization, as well as the legitimate concerns associated with waiting, including accidental litters, pyometra, and mammary cancer considerations. Most importantly, we'll examine why many veterinarians and researchers are moving away from a one-size-fits-all recommendation and toward decisions based on breed, size, sex, lifestyle, and individual health risks. This is not a pro-spay or anti-spay episode. It's a conversation about understanding the science, weighing the risks and benefits, and making informed decisions that support the long-term welfare of the individual dog. Whether you're raising a new puppy, competing in dog sports, working your dog, or simply trying to make the best decisions for your companion, this episode will help you better understand why the six-month rule may no longer be the whole story. Website Online Content Videos Patreon Social Media Mentioned in this episode: The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon. The Dog Beneath the Behavior What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.

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