DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training

In this episode, Nikki discusses the steps and mistakes of housebreaking. With her new puppy, Willow Amara Moon, she has been reminded of what puppy owners go through in the first couple of months. Come along on this educational adventure where Nikki raises her pup along with yours. Have you checked out our on-demand Prepared Puppy Course? Follow us on social media! dogspeak101.comdogspeakgeek.thinkific.comMentioned 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 gives advice on preparing your dog for the upcoming holiday season. Whether you are hosting or traveling, there are many things you can do to help your dog feel as little stress as possible. Support our podcast through Patreon. www.patreon.com/dogspeakwww.dogspeak101.comhttps://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/ for our Online Content. Mentioned 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, Bethany Cunningham of Family Paws chats with Gray and I about dealing with dogs and toddlers. There are so many points to consider when bringing a child into your home with dogs and Bethany gives us great advice on the safest way to do so. Check out all the great information Family Paws has to offer at familypaws.com. Be sure to check out our new online content and upcoming webinars by visiting https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/.Mentioned 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 the lack of food motivation in dogs. Is a lack of food motivation a real issue or is your dog suffering from poor gut health? In the rare instance your dog is motivated at a lower level when using food, Nikki gives you ideas on how to work using rewards in your environment. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media so you don't miss out on upcoming events. dogspeak101.comClick here for Online ContentMentioned 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 talk with Family Paws expert, Bethany Cunningham, CPDT-KA on preparing Gray to the TWINS he and his wife are expecting in November. Family Paws provides specialized programs and support for new and expecting parents with dogs. Family Paws Parent Education | Dog Training for Baby InteractionsSince 2002, their goal has been to increase safety and reduce stress in homes with young children and family dogs. They help to answer the question “How can we prepare our dog for life with baby/children?”Jennifer Shryock, owner and founder of Family Paws, saw a need for resources and information to support new and expecting families with dogs. While answering calls for a German Shepherd rescue Jennifer heard firsthand the concerns, challenges, and heartache families experienced. From fearing how their dog would accept a new addition to a serious bite to a toddler, families needed more support and resources. Recognizing this need led Jennifer down the path to developing this very important niche, dog and baby/toddler dynamics and safety through Family Paws. We strongly believe that education empowers, and our goal is to increase safety and decrease stress for all family members through education and realistic expectations.Bethany is Family Paws Program Development & Educator Program Co-Instructor. She is a mom, professional dog trainer, and professional photographer. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with a focus on behavior modification in pet dogs.Bethany has a deep love of animal behavior, child development, and visual arts, and is delighted by the fact that her multiple roles with Family Paws Parent Education bring all of those passions together. Bethany finds great joy in helping families succeed through relationship-building, empathetic practices for both dogs and children alike, and brings that enthusiasm to Family Paws both in her role with program development and as a co-instructor for the Family Paws Educator course. To learn more about Bethany, you can go to www.trainingbyconnection.com, or can view her portfolio at www.bethanyrosephoto.com.Mentioned 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, Gray, and Alicia review the book, "Burnout" by Emily Nagoski, PhD and Amelia Nagoski, DMA. The discussion gets personal about how each member works on completing their stress cycle as well as how the book helped to understand others in their lives, and how we can take this information to help us with our dogs. Join us on our new Book Club adventure where we pick a book for every month. September's book is "Your Dog is Your Mirror" by Kevin Dehan. Recommended BooksDogSpeak WebsiteDogSpeak Geek Online CoursesMentioned 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 Britt give three hacks you can use to help your dog navigate this world and to make things a little easier on you. There are so many hacks but this episode we cover three that you can start using today. Mr. Rogers HackOff-duty HackKarl Hackdogspeak101.comdogspeakgeek.thinkific.com (ONLINE CONTENT)Mentioned 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 second part talking LEGS, we discuss the Genetics and Self aspect of your canine best friend. dogspeak101.comThe Dog Key Canine Genetic Heritage TestThe Dog's Truth (thinkific.com)ON-demand ContentMentioned 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

Dive into the fascinating world of canine ethology and the innovative L.E.G.S. model of dog training. Discover the reasons behind dog digging behaviors, influenced by genetics and instincts, especially in breeds like the Great Pyrenees. Explore how understanding a dog’s learning history and environment promotes a stronger human-animal bond. The conversation also challenges fear-based training techniques and emphasizes creating safe, comforting spaces for our furry companions. Join the journey of redefining positive dog training!

In this episode, Nikki is accompanied by Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Chris Pachel to explore the potential problems associated with daily dog daycare and frequent visits to the dog park. They discuss whether such routines could lead to elevated cortisol levels that may hinder a dog's capacity for self-regulation.Dr. Pachel is a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. His work has garnered him international recognition as a thought leader, and coveted keynote speaker and educator. Dr. Pachel has traveled the world, headlining international conferences & teaching inspiring lessons about animal aggression, animal behavior, and industry trends. https://www.drpachel.com/ Mentioned 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