DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training

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!

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 beha...

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...

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 foundationa...

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...

Don’t Train Me, Raise Me explores the difference between creating a dog that simply follows commands and raising a dog that understands how to navigate the world with confidence, stability, and trust. In this episode, we dive into why obedience alone doesn’t prepare dogs for real life, how micromanaging every behavior can create dependence instead of understanding, and why truly successful trainin...

We’ve all heard the advice: “A tired dog is a good dog.” But physical exhaustion alone does not create emotional stability, confidence, or good decision-making. In this episode, we discuss why constantly trying to wear dogs out can actually overlook what many dogs truly need—guidance, fulfillment, rest, decompression, and the ability to regulate themselves. We’ll talk about the difference between...

Somewhere along the way, we started believing that a “good” dog is one who can go everywhere, meet everyone, and handle anything without hesitation. But what if that’s not actually what your dog needs? In this episode, Nikki breaks down the difference between introverted and extroverted dogs—and why forcing all dogs into stimulating environments can do more harm than good. You’ll learn how to reco...

Dogs aren’t struggling because they haven’t been exposed to enough—they’re struggling because of how their nervous system is processing what they’ve experienced. In this episode, we break down the role of emotion in exposure work and why neutrality is the true marker of success. You’ll learn how to move beyond “just getting them used to it” and instead begin shaping experiences that help your dog...

Britteny joins Nikki for an honest conversation about Willow’s early behaviors—what felt concerning at the time, and how those same behaviors now make perfect sense. This episode highlights how our interpretation of behavior can change as understanding deepens, and why what we see in the moment isn’t always the full picture. Britteny also reflects on witnessing Nikki’s relationship with Willow dev...

We tend to look at behavior and point to the obvious— that dog, that noise, that moment—and assume we understand what caused it. But what if the event isn’t actually the thing your dog learned from? In this episode, I’m breaking down how associations are really formed, and why it’s not the event itself that matters most—it’s how your dog felt in that moment. Associations aren’t just “good” or “bad...

We’ve been taught that dog training comes down to four quadrants—reinforce what you like, punish what you don’t. Clean. Simple. Effective… right? Not quite. In this episode, we’re taking a step back and looking at what actually drives behavior: the nervous system. Because before a dog can learn from consequences, they have to be in a state where learning is even possible. If your dog is stressed,...

In this part 2, we dive into the Five Domains of animal welfare, exploring how environment, behavior, and mental state shape your dog’s well-being. Learn practical ways to support your dog’s overall welfare and enhance their quality of life every day. dogspeak101.com dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com patreon.com/dogspeak 5strands.com/#dogspeak

In this episode of DogSpeak, we explore two essential components of the Five Domains Model of Animal Welfare : Nutrition and Physical Health . While training and behavior often get most of the attention in the dog world, a dog’s well-being begins with the foundations of proper nourishment and a healthy body. We discuss how nutrition influences far more than just weight. The quality of a dog’s diet...

In this episode, Animal Communicator, Sandra Larson joins Nikki in a deep dive of speaking with dogs, living or transitioned. Sandra's ability to communicate with animals is extraordinary to say the least. She has honed her gift over the years through study and practice. Most people experience the world through the five senses. Sandra is proficient in seven intuitive senses. This allows her to tun...

Episode Description: The words we choose matter more than we think. In this episode, we explore how unclear, emotional, or inconsistent language can create confusion for dogs—and how simple shifts in the way we communicate can transform behavior. Instead of focusing on what we don’t want, we’ll talk about how to clearly teach what we do want. You’ll learn why dogs struggle with vague corrections l...

In this episode, Nikki explores the vital role of the vagus nerve in your dog’s nervous system and how it directly influences behavior, stress, and emotional regulation. Often called the “nerve of safety,” the vagus nerve helps shift dogs out of survival mode and into connection, rest, and healing. You’ll learn what the vagus nerve is, how it functions within the autonomic nervous system, what dys...

In this episode, I’m exploring the power of focused, intentional touch as a tool for nervous system regulation in dogs. We’ll break down three supportive modalities—massage, TTouch, and acupressure—and how each one influences the autonomic nervous system in different ways. You’ll learn how these approaches can help reduce stress, improve body awareness, and support emotional regulation, especially...

Imagine a wolf on the tundra. Every muscle, every nerve is geared toward capturing food. Today’s pet dogs still carry that legacy. But in our world of leashes, lawn chairs, and bicycles, those ancient patterns show up in unexpected ways — including behaviors that confound and worry caregivers. Today, we’re exploring what’s under the hood of those instincts, and how understanding them can transform...

In this episode, we go beyond dog food labels to explore what happens after your dog eats. We break down how nutrients are digested, absorbed, and used by the body, and why nutrition is about more than what’s in the bowl—it’s about what the body can actually access. We discuss the role of the gut, enzymes, and microbiome, highlight common nutrient deficiencies in dogs, and explain how stress and p...

Dog food is one of the most overwhelming topics for dog owners—and it’s not because you’re doing something wrong. Labels are confusing, marketing is loud, and advice often feels contradictory and fear-based. In this episode, we decode dog food without the guilt or pressure. You’ll learn how to read ingredient lists and labels more clearly, why there’s no single “best” diet for every dog, and how f...

In this episode, Nikki explores how many common behavior concerns are actually natural canine behaviors—not signs that a dog is being “bad.” By understanding your dog’s genetics, instincts, desires, and unmet needs, you can build a more appropriate and trusting relationship. This knowledge helps your dog develop the skills they need to successfully navigate life in captivity and adapt to their env...

When stress becomes chronic, both dogs and humans can get stuck in a constant state of vigilance. In this episode, we explore how stress impacts the brain across species—changing behavior, learning, emotional regulation, and our ability to feel safe. By understanding the shared neurobiology of stress in dogs and people, we can shift away from blame and toward compassion, regulation, and healing. d...

Britteny joins the episode to share what it’s really like living with a large Rottweiler puppy deep in the throes of adolescence. From big emotions in an even bigger body to impulse control struggles and testing boundaries, we talk honestly about the challenges that can make this stage feel overwhelming for dog owners. Canine adolescence is often one of the most frustrating phases of raising a dog...

This is a REPLAY of Nikki's interview for the KIENO Conference. Training doesn’t have to feel like a constant battle. When we stop pushing against our dog’s nervous system and start listening to what their behavior is communicating, everything changes In this episode, we explore what it truly means to meet your dog where they are — emotionally, physically, and neurologically. We’ll talk about why...