About DogSpeak

Who they are

DogSpeak is run by its founder Nikki Ivey, described on the site as "DogSpeak's founder, trainer and canine behavioral specialist" and as "a certified Family Dog Mediator and Pet Food Nutrition Specialist." It says she "has been training dogs and their owners since 1996" and that she "primarily works with dogs displaying behavioral issues such as dog and human aggression, fear and anxiety." She is also "a former search and rescue handler, instructor and trainer", hosts the DogSpeak podcast, and lists continuing education through Behavior Vets and others. A second trainer, Alicia Russell, is listed as "DogSpeak's Cooperative Care Specialist and group class teacher", with thirteen years as a zookeeper and marine-mammal trainer behind her.

Where they work

This is a mobile practice rather than a premises. Its address is in White Bluff; the site markets to Nashville and Middle Tennessee. What it does publish is the format: "We offer in-home and virtual sessions, group classes and online learning."

What they offer

Basic manners covering "housebreaking, leash manners, recall and everything in between", behavioral modification, Zoom consultations, service and therapy dog training where "Training focuses on bonding, task work and public access", one-on-one tutoring sessions "at home or in public", and seminars plus online courses. Behavior work is the specialty: "Our Behavioral Specialist has more than 25 years experience working with behavioral issues such as aggression, fear and anxiety." The commonly worked problems are listed as "jumping, excessive barking, separation anxiety, aggressiveness toward humans and/or other dogs, confidence-building, inner-pack issues, chewing/mouthing, door-bolting and housebreaking."

How they train

This is the most explicit method statement of any trainer in the metro, and it sits firmly on the force-free side. The site says DogSpeak "vehemently discourages any type of aversive training techniques, including the use of shock, choke or pinch collars", and that "We use a reward-based system that also focuses on genetics, enrichment and relationship-building." Its own summary: "DogSpeak's ultimate goal is to build relationships, not dictatorships." Owners weighing this against the e-collar board-and-train kennels nearby should know the two camps are genuinely different.

Worth knowing

The model is you and your dog working with a trainer, in your home or on a video call, so ask about prices when you get in touch.