DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training

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.dogspeak101.comdogspeakgeek.thinkific.compatreon.com/dogspeakMentioned in this episode:2026 Decoding Aggression and Reactivity SummitIf you want your dog to truly live well—not just get through the day, but feel safe, regulated, and able to move through their world without constant stress—this is for you. If you’re tired of managing triggers, walking on eggshells, or dreading walks because you don’t know what might set your dog off… you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is a better way. That’s exactly why I’m part of the 2026 Decoding Aggression & Reactivity Summit, created by my friend Ness Jones. She’s brought together more than 10 professionals from around the world (myself included) to help you understand what’s really going on underneath aggression and reactivity—and how to support your dog in a way that actually creates change. It kicks off April 19 (Northern Hemisphere) / April 20 (Southern Hemisphere), and you’ll get access to over 12 hours of education, real-world application, and conversations that go far beyond surface-level training advice. Yes, it’s a paid event—but at $47 USD, it’s a small investment for the depth of information, practical tools, and perspective you’ll walk away with. You’ll also receive a workbook, audio and video access, and a gift from each of the speakers. If you’re ready to start understanding your dog differently—and supporting them in a way that actually makes a difference—you can sign up here: Register HERE!

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 patience. This episode explores how awareness, realistic expectations, and supportive strategies can help you guide your dog through adolescence without damaging the relationship you’ve worked so hard to build.dogspeakgeek.thinkific.comdogspeak101.comwww.patreon.com/dogspeakMentioned in this episode:2026 Decoding Aggression and Reactivity SummitIf you want your dog to truly live well—not just get through the day, but feel safe, regulated, and able to move through their world without constant stress—this is for you. If you’re tired of managing triggers, walking on eggshells, or dreading walks because you don’t know what might set your dog off… you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is a better way. That’s exactly why I’m part of the 2026 Decoding Aggression & Reactivity Summit, created by my friend Ness Jones. She’s brought together more than 10 professionals from around the world (myself included) to help you understand what’s really going on underneath aggression and reactivity—and how to support your dog in a way that actually creates change. It kicks off April 19 (Northern Hemisphere) / April 20 (Southern Hemisphere), and you’ll get access to over 12 hours of education, real-world application, and conversations that go far beyond surface-level training advice. Yes, it’s a paid event—but at $47 USD, it’s a small investment for the depth of information, practical tools, and perspective you’ll walk away with. You’ll also receive a workbook, audio and video access, and a gift from each of the speakers. If you’re ready to start understanding your dog differently—and supporting them in a way that actually makes a difference—you can sign up here: Register HERE!

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 changesIn 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 sustainable change.dogspeak101.comdogspeakgeek.thinkific.comDecoding Your DogMentioned in this episode:2026 Decoding Aggression and Reactivity SummitIf you want your dog to truly live well—not just get through the day, but feel safe, regulated, and able to move through their world without constant stress—this is for you. If you’re tired of managing triggers, walking on eggshells, or dreading walks because you don’t know what might set your dog off… you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is a better way. That’s exactly why I’m part of the 2026 Decoding Aggression & Reactivity Summit, created by my friend Ness Jones. She’s brought together more than 10 professionals from around the world (myself included) to help you understand what’s really going on underneath aggression and reactivity—and how to support your dog in a way that actually creates change. It kicks off April 19 (Northern Hemisphere) / April 20 (Southern Hemisphere), and you’ll get access to over 12 hours of education, real-world application, and conversations that go far beyond surface-level training advice. Yes, it’s a paid event—but at $47 USD, it’s a small investment for the depth of information, practical tools, and perspective you’ll walk away with. You’ll also receive a workbook, audio and video access, and a gift from each of the speakers. If you’re ready to start understanding your dog differently—and supporting them in a way that actually makes a difference—you can sign up here: Register HERE!

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-obsessed or simply curious, you'll walk away with a fun, heartwarming perspective on your relationship and a deeper understanding of what makes your dog uniquely them.To hear a full description of astrological signs and how they impact your dog, check out our Patreon membership! patreon.com/dogspeakdogspeak101.comdogspeakgeek.thinkific.comSign up for our newsletter here!Mentioned in this episode:2026 Decoding Aggression and Reactivity SummitIf you want your dog to truly live well—not just get through the day, but feel safe, regulated, and able to move through their world without constant stress—this is for you. If you’re tired of managing triggers, walking on eggshells, or dreading walks because you don’t know what might set your dog off… you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is a better way. That’s exactly why I’m part of the 2026 Decoding Aggression & Reactivity Summit, created by my friend Ness Jones. She’s brought together more than 10 professionals from around the world (myself included) to help you understand what’s really going on underneath aggression and reactivity—and how to support your dog in a way that actually creates change. It kicks off April 19 (Northern Hemisphere) / April 20 (Southern Hemisphere), and you’ll get access to over 12 hours of education, real-world application, and conversations that go far beyond surface-level training advice. Yes, it’s a paid event—but at $47 USD, it’s a small investment for the depth of information, practical tools, and perspective you’ll walk away with. You’ll also receive a workbook, audio and video access, and a gift from each of the speakers. If you’re ready to start understanding your dog differently—and supporting them in a way that actually makes a difference—you can sign up here: Register HERE!

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!dogspeak101.comdogspeakgeek.thinkific.comDecoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support Session

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.dogspeak101.comdogspeakgeek.thinkific.comCoupon Code: "Thanksgiving" for 50% off online courses. "Intro to Nervous System Regulation via Somatic Movement Practices" Dec. 14th, 2pm EST Sign Up HERE!Mentioned in this episode:2026 Decoding Aggression and Reactivity SummitIf you want your dog to truly live well—not just get through the day, but feel safe, regulated, and able to move through their world without constant stress—this is for you. If you’re tired of managing triggers, walking on eggshells, or dreading walks because you don’t know what might set your dog off… you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is a better way. That’s exactly why I’m part of the 2026 Decoding Aggression & Reactivity Summit, created by my friend Ness Jones. She’s brought together more than 10 professionals from around the world (myself included) to help you understand what’s really going on underneath aggression and reactivity—and how to support your dog in a way that actually creates change. It kicks off April 19 (Northern Hemisphere) / April 20 (Southern Hemisphere), and you’ll get access to over 12 hours of education, real-world application, and conversations that go far beyond surface-level training advice. Yes, it’s a paid event—but at $47 USD, it’s a small investment for the depth of information, practical tools, and perspective you’ll walk away with. You’ll also receive a workbook, audio and video access, and a gift from each of the speakers. If you’re ready to start understanding your dog differently—and supporting them in a way that actually makes a difference—you can sign up here: Register HERE!

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.dogspeak101.comdogspeakgeek.thinkific.com615 Canine PTDr. Harvey'sRuns Be DoneMentioned in this episode:2026 Decoding Aggression and Reactivity SummitIf you want your dog to truly live well—not just get through the day, but feel safe, regulated, and able to move through their world without constant stress—this is for you. If you’re tired of managing triggers, walking on eggshells, or dreading walks because you don’t know what might set your dog off… you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is a better way. That’s exactly why I’m part of the 2026 Decoding Aggression & Reactivity Summit, created by my friend Ness Jones. She’s brought together more than 10 professionals from around the world (myself included) to help you understand what’s really going on underneath aggression and reactivity—and how to support your dog in a way that actually creates change. It kicks off April 19 (Northern Hemisphere) / April 20 (Southern Hemisphere), and you’ll get access to over 12 hours of education, real-world application, and conversations that go far beyond surface-level training advice. Yes, it’s a paid event—but at $47 USD, it’s a small investment for the depth of information, practical tools, and perspective you’ll walk away with. You’ll also receive a workbook, audio and video access, and a gift from each of the speakers. If you’re ready to start understanding your dog differently—and supporting them in a way that actually makes a difference—you can sign up here: Register HERE!

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.dogspeak101.comdogspeakgeek.thinkific.comMentioned in this episode:2026 Decoding Aggression and Reactivity SummitIf you want your dog to truly live well—not just get through the day, but feel safe, regulated, and able to move through their world without constant stress—this is for you. If you’re tired of managing triggers, walking on eggshells, or dreading walks because you don’t know what might set your dog off… you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is a better way. That’s exactly why I’m part of the 2026 Decoding Aggression & Reactivity Summit, created by my friend Ness Jones. She’s brought together more than 10 professionals from around the world (myself included) to help you understand what’s really going on underneath aggression and reactivity—and how to support your dog in a way that actually creates change. It kicks off April 19 (Northern Hemisphere) / April 20 (Southern Hemisphere), and you’ll get access to over 12 hours of education, real-world application, and conversations that go far beyond surface-level training advice. Yes, it’s a paid event—but at $47 USD, it’s a small investment for the depth of information, practical tools, and perspective you’ll walk away with. You’ll also receive a workbook, audio and video access, and a gift from each of the speakers. If you’re ready to start understanding your dog differently—and supporting them in a way that actually makes a difference—you can sign up here: Register HERE!

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.dogspeak101.comdogspeakgeek.thinkific.comKim Brophey and Justine Schuurmans podcast "You're Dogs Not Broken" can be found on Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Music. Mentioned in this episode:2026 Decoding Aggression and Reactivity SummitIf you want your dog to truly live well—not just get through the day, but feel safe, regulated, and able to move through their world without constant stress—this is for you. If you’re tired of managing triggers, walking on eggshells, or dreading walks because you don’t know what might set your dog off… you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is a better way. That’s exactly why I’m part of the 2026 Decoding Aggression & Reactivity Summit, created by my friend Ness Jones. She’s brought together more than 10 professionals from around the world (myself included) to help you understand what’s really going on underneath aggression and reactivity—and how to support your dog in a way that actually creates change. It kicks off April 19 (Northern Hemisphere) / April 20 (Southern Hemisphere), and you’ll get access to over 12 hours of education, real-world application, and conversations that go far beyond surface-level training advice. Yes, it’s a paid event—but at $47 USD, it’s a small investment for the depth of information, practical tools, and perspective you’ll walk away with. You’ll also receive a workbook, audio and video access, and a gift from each of the speakers. If you’re ready to start understanding your dog differently—and supporting them in a way that actually makes a difference—you can sign up here: Register HERE!

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 techniques that support regulation and resilience.If you’ve ever wondered why your dog seems on edge—or how to bring more calm back into their world—this episode will help you see life from your dog’s point of view and make meaningful changes that reduce stress for both of you.dogspeak101.comdogspeakgeek.thinkific.comUse Coupon Code DOGSPOOK for 85% Off the Communication WebinarMentioned in this episode:2026 Decoding Aggression and Reactivity SummitIf you want your dog to truly live well—not just get through the day, but feel safe, regulated, and able to move through their world without constant stress—this is for you. If you’re tired of managing triggers, walking on eggshells, or dreading walks because you don’t know what might set your dog off… you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is a better way. That’s exactly why I’m part of the 2026 Decoding Aggression & Reactivity Summit, created by my friend Ness Jones. She’s brought together more than 10 professionals from around the world (myself included) to help you understand what’s really going on underneath aggression and reactivity—and how to support your dog in a way that actually creates change. It kicks off April 19 (Northern Hemisphere) / April 20 (Southern Hemisphere), and you’ll get access to over 12 hours of education, real-world application, and conversations that go far beyond surface-level training advice. Yes, it’s a paid event—but at $47 USD, it’s a small investment for the depth of information, practical tools, and perspective you’ll walk away with. You’ll also receive a workbook, audio and video access, and a gift from each of the speakers. If you’re ready to start understanding your dog differently—and supporting them in a way that actually makes a difference—you can sign up here: Register HERE!