DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training

Helen St. Pierre, founder of NH non-profit, Old Dogs Go To Helen, joins the pod today to talk about senior dogs. "We don't talk about seniors enough! I am very guilty of this as my job often doesn't include seniors." - NikkiNikki heard Helen speak at the annual LEGS Conference where she opened Nikki's eyes to adjusting our homes and expectations with our senior dogs, not just our pups and adolescent dogs. Old Dogs Go To Helen is not a facility or a shelter. It is a sanctuary for senior and hospice dogs and hub for people who love old dogs, want to rescue or adopt them, and if they can't, they can donate to help them however they can until that dog finds their forever home. Dogs that need further testing, dogs that need special food, dogs that need costly medical expenses, and dogs that need to be highlighted over others because they aren't as young and spry as the rest. We share older dogs available for adoption there or those that are in need of things. We work with shelters and rescues to help these dogs get what they need without the shelter or rescue having to drain their own resources. It is the best way we can help as many dogs as we can without having them all on our sofa. The plan for this is to help spread awareness of the joys of senior dog adoption, to help people see how bringing an old dog into your home, for no matter how long, is simply one of the best things you can do for your soul, not to mention what it does for the dog. And if people want to support the mission or cause they can, and if not, they can see some really cute grey faces and maybe tell their friends!"  Find Helen and support her cause! Old Dogs Go To Helen(1) FacebookNo Monkey Business Dog Training - Concord, New Hampshire's Best Dog TrainerMentioned 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

Kim Brophey, an applied ethologist and owner of The Dog Door Behavior Center, shares her vast expertise in canine behavior and relationships. She discusses the complexities of dog emotions, emphasizing that traditional training often misses the mark. The conversation highlights how unresolved issues can lead to behavioral problems and stresses the importance of empathy in understanding our pets. Kim also champions her innovative Dog L.E.G.S.® model as a way to foster better human-dog relationships through patience and insight.

In this mini-episode, Nikki talks about the details of setting up a spa room for your dog. Spa rooms are crucial to allow dogs to decompress and learn to complete the stress cycle. dogspeak101.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

Justine Shuurmans', CPDT-KA and Family Dog Mediator, of The Family Dog joins Nikki on today's episode. Justine is the developer of The Dial Method. The Dial Method is a multi-functional system that meets dog owners exactly where they are and helps them create a plan to teach the entire family on the ways to interact with the family dog. Get The Dial Method at www.thefamilydog.com and purchase the books through Amazon. thefamilydog.com/the-dial-methodThe WHITE Dial Method book is out NOW!! The WHITE workbook is also available.dogspeak101.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, Gray joins Alica as they talk about the importance of nail trims. Alicia gives great information on how long nails effects your dog's ability to balance, as well as some great tips on how to get your dog comfortable with nail trims through the use of cooperative care. Alica gives zoom consults to assist with cooperative care. Email us to get yours scheduled. info@dogspeak101.comdogspeak101.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 talks with Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, Dr. Neely North on how she's using acupuncture and Chinese herbs to address Myer's past trauma. Dr. North understands and values the difference between surviving and thriving. Her whole-body approach will lead your pet to their best and longest life. Using human-grade whole foods, supplements, Chinese herbs, and more, Dr. North’s goal is to manage your pet’s medical conditions with as little conventional drug intervention as possible. Through your virtual or in-person consultation, you will gain an understanding of your pet’s Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine diagnosis, Western veterinary medicine diagnosis, lab work details, and more. Clients leave feeling heard and with a plan for herbs, supplements, foods, and even a home-cooked recipe (topper or full diet) using foods that benefit their pet’s specific conditions.www.drneelynorth.comdogspeak101.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 continues the conversation about frustration and what it looks like in dogs, as well as some more thoughts on how to help your dog if he is feeling frustrated. dogspeak101.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 talks with Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), GMBPsS, CDBC about frustration in dogs. Frustration isn't always a choice and can be recognized in the interstates and highways of the canine brain. Understand frustration and how you can help your dog through all levels. Animal Behaviour Kent - Dog Behaviourist | Dog Trainerwww.dogspeak101.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 is joined by Britteny to answer a couple of questions about using vibrating collars and the best way to handle a dog that is barking at other dogs during play. dogspeak101.compatreon.com/dogspeakMentioned 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 the best steps to take when bringing in a new dog, regardless of age. Christmas pups are very common, but don't jump straight into obedience training without first listening to this episode! www.dogspeak101.com ONLINE COURSE: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS NOT DICTATORSHIPSDogSpeak Geek Monthly Memberships are now available! 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