DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training
Understand your dog better with DogSpeak 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 and DogSpeak manager, Britteny, 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 www.patreon.com/dogspeak
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 sh...
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 thro...
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 ne...
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...
Don't Train Me, Raise Me. (Part 2)
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 training must account for the individual dog standing in front of us.
Not every dog needs the same behaviors, the same expectations, or the same path to success. Real life skills are about emotional bala...
Why Running Your Dog Ragged Isn’t the Answer
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 physical fatigue and behavioral wellness, why some dogs become more dysregulated the more they’re exercised, and how enrichment, neutrality, sleep, and emotional safety play a critical role in behavior. If you’ve been stuck in the c...
The Hidden Cost of “Including” Your Dog
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 recognize when your dog is coping versus truly comfortable, how overstimulation impacts the nervous system, and why neutrality—not constant socialization—should be the goal.
This conversation challenges the cultural p...
Teaching Neutrality in a Stimulating World
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 feel safe, regulated, and capable in a stimulating world.
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Aggression and Reactivity S...
What You See Isn’t the Whole Story—It’s Just the Surface
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 develop in a way that challenges more traditional training dynamics. At the heart of it all is a simple but often overlooked truth: the relationship you build with your dog should feel safe, respectful, and mutually...
It’s Not the Event—It’s the Feeling: Associations Are Built on Emotion
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.” They can be neutral, layered, and often far more complex than what we see on the surface. A single experience can ca...
Learning Starts in the Nervous System—Not the Quadrants
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, overwhelmed, or living in a constant state of survival, it doesn’t matter how “correctly” you apply the quadrants. Reinforcement won’t land the way you t...
The Five Domains of Animal Welfare, Part 2
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.
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The Five Domains of Animal Welfare, Part 1
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 affects energy levels, gut health, immune function, skin and coat condition, and even behavior. When dogs are fed diets that support their biological needs, their bodies are better able to r...
Messages from Our Dogs: An Interview with Animal Communicator Sandra Larson
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 tune into animals in a way that the majority of us cannot yet do. Through these seven senses she can send and receive messages with animals intuitively. Her gift also allows her to...
Say What You Mean: Helping Your Dog Understand Expectations
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 like “no,” how to replace them with direction, and how clarity reduces stress in the nervous system—for both you and your dog. When expectations a...
The Healing Highway: Understanding Your Dog’s Vagus Nerve
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 dysregulation looks like in dogs, and practical ways to support vagal tone through safety, co-regulation, touch, and environment. If your dog struggles with chronic stress, reactivity, anxiety, or shutdown behaviors, understa...
How Focused Touch Can Help Regulate Your Dog's Nervous System
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 in dogs living in chronic hyperarousal or shutdown. I’ll also walk you through when touch is appropriate, when it’s not, and how to begin in a way that feels safe and consent-based for your dog.
<...What Predatory Motor Action Patterns Reveal About Canine Behavior
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 your relationship with your dog.
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The Dog Key
Dog Food Decoded: Part 2 — From Bowl to Body
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 poor digestion can interfere with absorption. This episode helps guardians understand how nutrition supports physical health, nervous system regulation, and a dog’s ability to cope and...
Dog Food Decoded, Part 1
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 factors like stress, digestion, and the nervous system play a bigger role in food tolerance than most people realize.
This episode is about helping you feed the d...
Decreasing Behavior Concerns through Enrichment
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 environment with confidence.
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Stuck on High Alert: Stress in the Dog Brain and the Human Brain
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.
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When Good Dogs Go Rogue: Navigating Canine Adolescence
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—but it’s also temporary. When you understand what your dog’s brain and nervous system are going through during this developmental stage, it becomes easier to replace frustration with pat...
Meeting Your Dog Where They Are: The Path of Least Resistance
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 resistance shows up in training, how stress and past experiences shape behavior, and how choosing the path of least resistance leads to deeper trust, faster learning, and more sustaina...
Cosmic Companions: Discovering My Dog Through Astrology
What if the stars could tell you more about your dog—who they are, what they need, and why you click (or clash) in certain moments? In this playful yet surprisingly insightful episode, we explore the world of canine astrology and how your dog’s zodiac sign can illuminate their personality, preferences, and quirks.
From fiery Aries pups with endless energy to sensitive Cancer dogs who never want to leave your side, we dive into how star signs might shape your dog’s temperament—and how your own sign influences the partnership.
Whether you’re astrology...
Pawsport to Chaos
Traveling with my teen dog taught me more than I expected—not just about logistics and snacks, but about patience, communication, and being a better partner on the road. In this episode, I share the lessons I learned, the mistakes I made, and how I’m becoming a more mindful tour guide for my dog’s adventures. A journey of growth, chaos, and connection awaits!
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Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support Session
Nature & Nurture: The Two Sides of Your Dog’s Story
This episode explores how a dog’s genetics (“nature”) and environment (“nurture”) work together to shape personality, behavior, and emotional health. Understanding both sides helps us meet our dogs where they are—without frustration or unrealistic expectations.
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Longevity for Dogs: Building Strength, Mobility, and Confidence
In this episode, Nikki sits down with Canine Physical Therapist Amanda Stephens of 615 Canine PT. Amanda shares how preventative care and targeted strengthening can help prepare dogs for potential future injuries, and she explains why physical therapy plays a critical role in supporting behavior work.
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Runs Be Done
Why Obedience Training Isn’t the Key to Your Dog’s Well-Being
This episode challenges the traditional focus on obedience training as the cornerstone of good dog ownership. Instead, it explores the deeper elements of canine well-being—trust, communication, emotional safety, and enrichment—and how these form the true foundation for a balanced, happy, and well-behaved dog.
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Stop Believing These Dog Training Myths Today
In this episode, Nikki tackles the Top 5 Dog Training Myths that continue to circulate in today’s world. After more than three decades of working with dogs, she’s heard them all—and it’s time to set the record straight.
From the idea that you need to be “alpha” to earn respect, to the belief that older dogs can’t learn new skills, Nikki breaks down the most persistent myths and explains what actually helps dogs learn, trust, and thrive.
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Kim Brophey and Justine Schuurmans podcast "You'r...
Why Modern Life Is So Stressful for Our Canine Companions
In today’s world, our dogs live surrounded by constant stimulation—noisy neighborhoods, busy households, unpredictable schedules, and limited opportunities to simply be dogs. In this episode, we explore why modern life can be so stressful for our canine companions and how this environment impacts their behavior, emotions, and overall well-being.
You’ll learn how factors like lack of rest, overexposure to triggers, and even our own stress levels can influence a dog’s nervous system. We’ll also share practical ways to help your dog find balance, from creating predictable routines to using sensory enrichment and calming te...
Paws and Paranormal: Spooky Tails
Where fur meets fear! Listeners share true stories of their pets’ mysterious encounters—ghostly growls, invisible playmates, and unexplained midnight stares. Because when your dog barks at the wall… maybe it’s not just the wall.
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Your Most Asked Dog Questions: From Behavior to Bonding
Ever wonder why your dog does the things they do? In this episode, we’re answering the most common questions dog owners ask — from training and behavior to communication, health, and everyday life.
We’ll explore how to better understand your dog’s unique personality, what their body language is really saying, and how to make choices that support a balanced, happy companion. You’ll also learn simple ways to build trust, strengthen your bond, and create a life where both you and your dog can thrive together.
Whether you’re a first-time dog parent or a lifelon...
Listen with Your Eyes: Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language
Dogs are always communicating — we just need to learn how to listen. In this episode, we explore how dogs' express emotions through body language, with a focus on tail wags. You’ll learn to recognize stress signals, prevent conflicts, and build stronger, safer, and more trusting relationships with your canine companions.
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Proactive vs. Reactive: Setting Your Dog Up for Success
Are you always correcting your dog after things go wrong? In this episode, we’ll explore the difference between being proactive and reactive in dog training, and how shifting your approach can prevent problems, build confidence, and create a calmer, happier dog.
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No More Door Dashes or Counter Crimes!
Is your pup the master of the great escape or a sneaky snack thief? You’re not alone! In this episode, we tackle two of the biggest house-manner headaches—door dashing and counter-surfing. Tune in for fun, practical tips to keep paws on the floor, food on the counter, and your dog’s manners on point.
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The Power of Play – Why Socializing with Other Dogs Matters
Play with other dogs isn’t just fun—it’s vital. Dog-to-dog play builds communication skills, relieves stress, prevents behavior problems, and supports emotional health. Learn why social play is essential for your dog’s well-being.
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From Frustration to Flow: Troubleshooting Training Without Losing Trust
Training doesn’t always go as planned—and that’s okay. In this episode, we explore how to troubleshoot common dog training challenges without letting frustration get in the way. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, identify what’s really blocking progress, and keep the bond with your dog at the center of the process. By focusing on trust, communication, and adaptability, you can move from tension to flow and create a smoother training journey for both you and your dog.
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Calming the Storm: Regulating the Nervous System in Humans and Dogs with The Infinite Unfolding
In this episode, Lisa, from The Infinite Unfolding joins Nikki as they explore how the central nervous system shapes our ability—and our dogs’ ability—to feel safe, calm, and connected. Just like people, dogs can become dysregulated when stress overwhelms their nervous system, leading to reactivity, fear, or shutdown. We’ll break down the science of regulation, discuss the signs of nervous system imbalance in both species, and share practical strategies for restoring balance. From breathing techniques and movement for humans, to choice, predictability, and enrichment for dogs, you’ll learn how small changes can create big shifts in nervous...
Resource Guarding: Protecting, Not Possessing
Resource guarding is one of the most misunderstood dog behaviors. Many guardians see growling or guarding as dominance or defiance, but in reality, it’s a deeply rooted survival instinct. In this episode, we explore what resource guarding really means, why dogs display it, and how you can respond in ways that build trust rather than conflict.
You’ll learn the difference between normal protective behaviors and true guarding issues, common myths that lead to frustration, and simple strategies to prevent and manage guarding in daily life. From trade games to safe spaces, we’ll cover practical approa...
