DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training

In this episode, Nikki and Gray discuss rewarding your dog for appropriate behaviors and when you should no longer have to use rewards. They discuss the different types of rewards and how you should learn what your dog finds as a reward in different scenarios. Disclaimer: Gray's microphone was not picking him up so he does sound like he's in a hole. The episode was good overall so we have decided to post it even with this issue. We appreciate you listening and understanding. Support the showMentioned in this episode:Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support SessionJoin me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions. January 8th, 2026 https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-behavior-live-event

in this episode, Nikki and Gray discuss human behavior and what it looks like to be a bully towards your dog. Some bully behavior is obvious like using shock collars, choking your dog or kneeing them in the chest. However, there are other ways you may be bullying your dog without realizing it. TRIGGER WARNING: DISCUSSIONS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE AND EXPLETIVES! www.dogspeak101.comwww.patreon.com/dogspeak Support the showMentioned in this episode:Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support SessionJoin me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions. January 8th, 2026 https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-behavior-live-event

In this episode, Nikki and Britteny talk about creating harmony within your multiple dog household. Guidance for those that already have multiple dogs with no issues, bringing a new dog into the mix, dealing with same age dogs and how to handle aggression between housemates. This is an in-depth look at what you can do to create harmony between your best friends, even if they are not. www.dogspeak101.com*www.facebook.com/dogspeak101*Instagram Account @dogspeak101Support the showMentioned in this episode:Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support SessionJoin me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions. January 8th, 2026 https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-behavior-live-event

Regardless of your dog's age or breed, daily enrichment is crucial to the welfare of your dog. Understand how your dog's genetics can give you clues as to what enrichment is right and some great ideas how you can begin doing this at home right after you listen to this episode! Support the showMentioned in this episode:Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support SessionJoin me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions. January 8th, 2026 https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-behavior-live-event

In this episode, Nikki discusses best practices if you're dealing with aa dog that is fearful of fireworks. It's too late to get your dog more comfortable with them if you're living where fireworks will be going off all weekend, but there are things you can do to help them feel safe and to keep them safe. Whether your dog has never shown fear or you're dealing with a severe case of fear Nikki will give you her advice on getting through this celebration. Support the showMentioned in this episode:Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support SessionJoin me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions. January 8th, 2026 https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-behavior-live-event

In this episode, Nikki and Britteny talk about the first steps to dealing with aggressive behavior in your dog. www.dogspeak101.comwww.patreon.com/dogspeakwww.facebook.com/dogspeak101www.instagram.com/dogspeak101Support the showMentioned in this episode:Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support SessionJoin me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions. January 8th, 2026 https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-behavior-live-event

In this episode, Nikki and Britteny discuss the different types of aggressive behavior and why many dogs are exhibiting these.  They can be seen on leash, off leash, at home or in public. They may be towards other dogs, people, or objects such as bicycles and cars. The motivations may be different than what you initially believe and understand that is the most important aspect of dealing with the behavior. Not handled correctly or using aversive techniques will only increase the aggressive behavior and will begin to occur with little to no warning. Don't let this be you and your dog. Listen now to begin understanding more about the way your dog is feeling! Part 1 of Part 2 as next week we will discuss the best ways to help your dog if he is exhibiting aggressive behaviors. Support the showMentioned in this episode:Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support SessionJoin me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions. January 8th, 2026 https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-behavior-live-event

In this episode, Nikki answers some of our listeners questions. www.dogspeak101.com www.patreon.com/dogspeakSupport the showMentioned in this episode:Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support SessionJoin me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions. January 8th, 2026 https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-behavior-live-event

In this episode, Nikki introduces Amanda and Clark. Amanda is our new Puppy Development Specialist and Clark is her very special dog. Amanda talks about her process on her thoughts about getting a puppy, the breed she wanted and the expectations she wanted from her dog and how she went about getting and training Clark. www.dogspeak101.comwww.instagram.com/dogspeak101www.patreon.com/dogspeakwww.instagram.com/southern_dood_clarkwww.instagram.com/akstephens.dptSupport the showMentioned in this episode:Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support SessionJoin me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions. January 8th, 2026 https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-behavior-live-event

In this episode, Nikki and Britteny discuss the importance of understanding what and who your dog is and how your expectations should reflect that. Support the showMentioned in this episode:Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support SessionJoin me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions. January 8th, 2026 https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-behavior-live-event