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Canine Couch Convo with Sandra Larson

Published on: 6th October, 2026

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.com

dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com

Sandra Larson

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About the Podcast

DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training
Join Canine Behavior Specialist Nikki Ivey as we explore the world of canine behavior, communication, and emotional well-being.
Understand your dog better with DogSpeak's 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, Britt, 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 https://www.patreon.com/c/dogspeak

About your host

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Nikki Ivey

Nikki Ivey is DogSpeak's™ founder, trainer and canine behavioral specialist. She is a certified Family Dog Mediator and Pet Food Nutrition Specialist. She has been training dogs and their owners since 1996. Nikki primarily works with dogs displaying behavioral issues such as dog and human aggression, fear and anxiety. In addition to in-home sessions, she hosts the DogSpeak™ podcast, and teaches multiple workshops and seminars.

Nikki is a former search and rescue handler, instructor and trainer.

Nikki owned and operated one of the first daycare facilities in the Nashville area, and now assists daycare and kennel owners in their own facilities. She has also written multiple books and produced several online courses to assist pet owners, business owners and their staff, and rescue organizations.

In her free time, Nikki enjoys spending time with her family (including 2 dogs and 3 cats), working out and hosting The Full Breakdown podcast with co-host, Julie Roberts.