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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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.
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.
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.
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 system health. Whether you’re healing from trauma yourself or supporting a dog with a history of stress, this episode will help you build resilience, trust, and calm—together.
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 approaches that respect your dog’s needs while keeping your home peaceful.
We’ll also dive into the emotional side for guardians—how to move past fear or frustration and reframe guarding as communication instead of aggression. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a new perspective: resource guarding isn’t about power, it’s about protection. And when you learn to listen, you can strengthen the bond with your dog.
Fall means football games, tailgates, BBQs, and outdoor gatherings—but for your dog, these events can be overwhelming. In this episode, we’ll explore how to prepare your dog for noisy, crowded environments, reduce stress, and build calm confidence. You’ll learn what important skills you need, like “place,” “leave it,” and recall before the event, what essentials to pack to keep your dog comfortable, and how to spot early signs of stress. Whether you’re headed to a tailgate, a backyard party, or a local festival, this guide will help you set your dog up for success so you both can enjoy the season stress-free.
In this episode, we break down the subtle — and not-so-subtle — ways humans miscommunicate with their dogs. From snapping commands to overusing the leash, to being inconsistent with rules, these habits can create stress, anxiety, and frustration for your pup. Learn how your dog is reading your body language, tone, and patterns, and discover practical ways to replace mixed signals with clear, consistent communication. Your dog will thank you with calmer, more confident behavior.
In this episode, we dive into one of the most essential behaviors for any dog: recall. Teaching your dog to come when called isn’t just convenient—it can be life-saving. But building a reliable recall takes more than just calling their name and hoping for the best. Nikki walks you through the foundational steps, common mistakes, and how to turn recall training into a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog. Whether you're starting from scratch or trying to strengthen an existing recall, this episode will help you create a dog who runs to you with joy—every single time.
In this episode, we’re diving into what it really means to raise a resilient dog—one who can handle life’s unpredictability without shutting down or reacting out of fear. You’ll learn why emotional recovery matters more than obedience, how to support your dog through stress without suppressing behavior, and practical ways to build confidence in dogs of all ages. Whether you're raising a puppy or helping a reactive adult dog, this episode will give you the tools to help your dog not just survive—but thrive.
🐾 Let’s raise dogs who bounce back, not break down.