We spend so much time teaching our dogs to sit, stay, and tolerate the world around them, but what about teaching them that it's okay to walk away?In this episode, Nikki explores why moving away is one of the most important life skills a dog can have. From uncomfortable greetings to overwhelming environments, dogs often communicate their need for space long before barking, growling, or reacting. But are we listening?We'll discuss the importance of choice, agency, and emotional safety, how forcing dogs to remain in uncomfortable situations can contribute to fear and reactivity, and why giving your dog an exit can actually build confidence and resilience.Because a confident dog isn't one who can tolerate everything. It's one who knows they don't have to face everything alone.Get Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, on Amazon!DogSpeak WebsiteDogSpeak Online CoursesPatreon MembershipYouTubeInstagramFacebookTikTokGET YOUR FREE TICKET TO 'YOUR PUPPY BLUEPRINT SUMMIT' HERE.#dogtrainingtips #positivedogtrainer #puppytraining #dogbehavior #caninetraining

We often expect our dogs to remain calm, ignore distractions, and behave appropriately in public. But are we setting them up to succeed, or are we asking them to meet expectations without first meeting their needs?In this episode, Nikki explores why public manners go far beyond obedience and how understanding your dog's physical, emotional, and genetic needs can make all the difference. From enrichment and natural behaviors to stress, overstimulation, and emotional regulation, we'll discuss what it really takes to help dogs navigate the world with confidence.Discover why neutrality isn't about suppressing reactions or demanding compliance. It's about creating the conditions where your dog feels safe enough to observe the world without needing to respond to everything around them.Because good public manners don't begin with obedience. They begin with understanding the dog at the other end of the leash.Get Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, on Amazon or directly through Nikki at [email protected] WebsiteDogSpeak Online CoursesUse Coupon Code cl-com for 50% off Dog Communication and Language of Play bundle.YouTubePatreon MembershipInstagramFacebookTikTok#dogtrainingtips #dogreactivity #leashtraining #offleashtraining #caninetraining #puppytraining #positivedogtrainingCatch Nikki's Interview for the Puppy Blueprint Summit by registering here! https://puppyblueprint.com/register-2026?am_id=nikki9575Mentioned in this episode:The Dog Beneath the BehaviorWhat if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.The Dog Beneath the BehaviorWhat if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.

In this episode, Nikki and Britteny talk about a recent trip to a brewery with Willow. Britt rates Willow's behavior very low. What does Nikki have to say about her amazing dog Willow and her behavior? Plus, understanding what makes a good dog worthy of this world? You may be surprised to hear the answer. And what would you rate your dog's overall behavior in life? Get Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, on Amazon!DogSpeak WebsiteDogSpeak Online CoursesPatreon MembershipYouTubeInstagramFacebookTikTokMentioned in this episode:The Dog Beneath the BehaviorWhat if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.The Dog Beneath the BehaviorWhat if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.

In this episode, Sandra interviews Nikki about her new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior. In this episode, Sandra interviews Nikki about her new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior: Healing Chronic Stress and Creating Lasting Change.Nikki shares what inspired her to write the book, why understanding the emotion and stress beneath a dog’s behavior matters, and how guardians can move beyond simply trying to “fix” what they see on the surface. They discuss chronic stress, the nervous system, behavior, enrichment, physical health, and the importance of creating safety, trust, and connection.If you live with a dog struggling with fear, anxiety, reactivity, or chronic stress—or you simply want to better understand the dog in front of you—this conversation offers a compassionate look at what behavior may really be trying to communicate.The Dog Beneath the Behavior is now available on Amazon!dogspeak101.comdogspeakgeek.thinkific.comSandra Larson

Dogs are social animals, and healthy relationships with other dogs can play an important role in emotional development and regulation. In this episode, we explore the value of conspecific socialization—what dogs can learn from one another that humans simply cannot teach.We’ll discuss how appropriate dog-to-dog interactions can support communication skills, confidence, resilience, play, and emotional balance, while also looking at the difference between meaningful social experiences and simply putting dogs together. Not every dog needs a crowd, but access to safe, compatible canine relationships may be an important piece of helping dogs feel more secure and socially fulfilled.Read the research paper here! Get Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, on Amazon!DogSpeak WebsiteDogSpeak Online CoursesPatreon MembershipInstagramFacebookTikTokMentioned in this episode:The Dog Beneath the BehaviorWhat if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.The Dog Beneath the BehaviorWhat if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.

Our dogs look to us for more than food, shelter, and guidance. They also rely on us for a sense of safety, comfort, and connection. But what happens when our own stress, frustration, or anxiety begins to influence how they experience the world?In this episode, Nikki explores the power of co-regulation and how our emotional state can influence our dogs' ability to navigate life's challenges. We'll discuss why your presence matters, how dogs respond to our emotions, and why creating a sense of safety begins with understanding and regulating ourselves.You'll learn how small, intentional changes in your daily interactions can help your dog feel more secure, build trust, and develop greater emotional resilience. Because helping your dog through difficult moments isn't always about teaching a new behavior. Sometimes, it's about slowing down, offering support, and simply being the safe place they need.When we learn to find our own calm, we create opportunities for our dogs to find theirs.Buy The Dog Beneath the Behavior on AmazonWebsiteOnline CoursePatreonYouTubeRe-Regulated by Anna RunkleMentioned in this episode:The Dog Beneath the BehaviorWhat if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.The Dog Beneath the BehaviorWhat if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.

In this Canine Couch Convo, we’re talking about the dogs we know and love best—our own. We share some of our favorite things about each of our dogs, the traits that make them uniquely who they are, and what those relationships have taught us along the way.We also talk about Britt’s dad’s dog, who has had very little formal training yet is incredibly responsive to him. Why? Because responsiveness isn’t always built through obedience. Sometimes it comes from trust, connection, clear communication, and having a dog’s genetic needs understood and fulfilled.This conversation is a reminder that a strong relationship with your dog isn’t about controlling every behavior. It’s about knowing who they are, meeting their needs, and building the kind of connection that makes them want to stay engaged with you.Get Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior, on Amazon.www.dogspeak101.comwww.dogspeakgeek.thinkific.comwww.patreon.com/dogspeak

Teaching your dog to drop something doesn’t have to turn into a chase or a battle over who gets to keep the item. In this episode, we’re talking about how to teach a reliable “drop it” cue through cooperation, trust, and clear communication.We’ll look at why dogs hold onto objects in the first place, how grabbing things away can create conflict or even contribute to resource guarding, and why trading can be such a powerful teaching tool. You’ll also learn how to practice this skill before you actually need it, so your dog is more likely to respond when they pick up something unsafe or inappropriate.The goal isn’t to make your dog surrender everything they value. It’s to teach them that letting go is safe, worthwhile, and part of a conversation they understand.

Too often, we depend on the leash to communicate with our dogs—pulling them closer, steering them away, stopping forward movement, or physically managing every decision they make. But a leash should be a safety tool, not the primary way we communicate.In this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to walk well together in public. That includes teaching clear verbal cues, creating predictable expectations, helping your dog understand how to move through different environments, and building communication that doesn’t depend on constant leash pressure. Because good public walking isn’t just about a loose leash—it’s about developing a dog who understands what you’re asking and a guardian who knows how to communicate it.Buy Nikki's new book, The Dog Beneath the Behavior here. DogSpeak WebsiteOnline CoursesMentioned in this episode:The Dog Beneath the BehaviorWhat if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.The Dog Beneath the BehaviorWhat if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.

Dog sports can be an incredible way to provide enrichment, build confidence, strengthen your relationship, and give your dog an outlet for natural behaviors—but they don’t have to be about ribbons, titles, or being the best.In this episode, we explore dog sports from a different perspective: choosing activities based on who your dog is, what they enjoy, and what they were naturally built to do. From scent work and agility to dock diving, herding, and more, we’ll talk about how dog sports can support physical and emotional well-being without turning another activity into a source of pressure.Because sometimes the goal isn’t to compete. It’s simply to let your dog have fun.WebsitePatreonOnline ContentYouTubeMentioned in this episode:The Dog Beneath the BehaviorWhat if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.The Dog Beneath the BehaviorWhat if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem—but communication? In The Dog Beneath the Behavior, I take you beyond what your dog is doing and help you understand what may be happening underneath it. We’ll explore how chronic stress, fear, anxiety, and trauma can shape behavior—and how safety, connection, and compassion can create real change. If you’re ready to stop asking, “How do I fix this behavior?” and start asking, “What does my dog need?” then The Dog Beneath the Behavior is for you. Now on Amazon.