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...
7 Apr 1h 18min
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 w...
24 Mars 40min
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...
17 Mars 48min
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 le...
10 Mars 1h 23min
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 th...
3 Mars 26min
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 saf...
24 Feb 47min
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—an...
17 Feb 1h 4min
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...
10 Feb 44min
