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When Good Dogs Go Rogue: Navigating Canine Adolescence

Published on: 5th January, 2026

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.com

dogspeak101.com

www.patreon.com/dogspeak

Mentioned in this episode:

Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support Session

Join me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions. January 8th, 2026 https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-behavior-live-event

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About the Podcast

DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training
Talking behavior and giving owners the tools they need to improve their relationship with their dog.

Understand your dog better with DogSpeak 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 and DogSpeak manager, Britteny, 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 www.patreon.com/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.