What if the dog who needed the most healing was also the one who came to heal you?
In this emotionally raw episode of The Dog Who Asked for More, we revisit the moment I met Toby—an emaciated, reactive bait dog on the brink of being forgotten. What followed was not just a rescue story, but a story of mutual transformation. This is about choosing each other, over and over, and learning what it really means to be safe, seen, and loved.
In this episode:
Press play to hear Toby’s story, and reconnect with what your own dog might be asking for—beyond behavior, beyond training, and straight from the heart.
The Dog Who Asked for More Extras:
Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Doghttps://tinyurl.com/messymiddletdwafm
Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow
Email thedogwhoaskedformore@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
Join the Community
https://join.slack.com/t/thedogwhoaskedformore/shared_invite/zt-305kdyab7-y6eTWjbAeSwHItNmloLQUA
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
Tired of living in a maze of baby gates, blocked rooms, and constant “no”? You’re not alone.
Many dog parents rely on physical barriers or harsh corrections to manage indoor behavior—but these quick fixes can backfire, creating more confusion and stress. In this episode, Em teams up with Jesús from Pawport to explore a smarter way to teach boundaries inside your home—one that builds calm, clarity, and communication.
In this episode:
Understand why traditional indoor management often causes more stress than it solves
Learn how to teach boundaries using reinforcement—not restriction
Press play to create a home environment where your dog knows what to do—without gates, yelling, or constant micromanagement.
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of the Mini Bowl Blueprinthttps://tinyurl.com/minibowltdwafm
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
Looking to BOOST your pet’s daily meal? Try PetMatRx supplements, use code FITZ20 and save!
https://petmatrx.com/?ref=tdwafm
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
What if your dog’s reactivity, barking, or resistance isn’t a problem to fix—but a plea to be heard?
In this raw and vulnerable solo episode, Em shares why the podcast is changing names—and why that shift reflects a much deeper evolution in how we understand and support our dogs. Through her own journey with Fitz, Em invites you to reconsider what your dog’s behavior is truly trying to communicate.
You'll Learn:
Hear how training burnout became an invitation to build trust and rest
Learn how enrichment—not obedience—transformed Em’s relationship with her reactive dog
Discover the deeper meaning behind the new podcast name, and how it reflects your story too
Press play to step into a more compassionate, curiosity-driven way of living and learning with your dog—starting with this moment of reflection and realignment.
The Dog Who Asked for More Extras:
Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Doghttps://tinyurl.com/messymiddletdwafm
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
Join the Community
https://join.slack.com/t/thedogwhoaskedformore/shared_invite/zt-305kdyab7-y6eTWjbAeSwHItNmloLQUA
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
Tried all the protocols, bought every tool, and your dog’s still not improving?If you're stuck in a cycle of reactivity, barking, or anxiety despite following expert advice, it might be time to rethink the way you're approaching your dog’s behavior. This episode flips the script on traditional training with a skill few talk about: curiosity.
You'll Learn:
Press play to explore a new, empowering perspective on training that builds trust, not tension—and finally helps you move forward with your big-feeling dog.
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Paws, Brains, and Fun Enrichment ebook
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/68cdb369ba20a30034591cd9
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
Looking to BOOST your pet’s daily meal? Try PetMatRx supplements, use code FITZ20 and save!
https://petmatrx.com/?ref=tdwafm
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
Think Halloween is just “one fun night” for your dog? Think again.
For anxious, reactive, or aging dogs, Halloween can feel like a full-blown sensory attack—from loud doorbells and chaotic costumes to unfamiliar visitors and unpredictable energy. This episode explores how those “fun traditions” can trigger overwhelm and dysregulation in even well-loved dogs.
In this episode:
Understand why Halloween is not a healthy training opportunity for sensitive dogs
Press play for a grounded plan to protect your dog’s emotional well-being this Halloween—without guilt, stress, or pressure to conform.
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Dog
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
Join the Community
https://join.slack.com/t/thedogwhoaskedformore/shared_invite/zt-305kdyab7-y6eTWjbAeSwHItNmloLQUA
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
Is your dog still itching, stinking, or acting off—even after regular baths?
Most dog parents don’t realize that frequent bathing can actually make things worse. Overbathing disrupts your dog’s skin barrier, triggering inflammation, behavioral issues, and even gut health problems.
In this episode:
Learn the hidden signs of skin imbalance often mistaken for "bad behavior"
Discover a low-stress, holistic skin care routine that supports full-body wellness
Get expert-backed product recommendations for sensitive, anxious, or reactive dogs
Hit play to learn how less bathing—and smarter care—can help your dog feel and behave better from the inside out.
Special Offer:
Use code EMILY15 to save 15% on your order at DOG by Dr. Lisa — Em’s go-to for gentle, effective skin care products.
https://us.dogbydrlisa.com/pages/dog-suppplies
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Dog
Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
Join the Community
https://join.slack.com/t/thedogwhoaskedformore/shared_invite/zt-305kdyab7-y6eTWjbAeSwHItNmloLQUA
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
Affiliate Disclosure:
This episode includes affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Em may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Supporting partner brands helps keep this podcast free and accessible.
Can’t get your dog out for a walk—but they’re still bouncing off the walls?
You’re not alone. For many reactive, anxious, or high-energy dogs, traditional exercise isn’t always possible—or even helpful. In this solo episode, Em shares 7 indoor enrichment games built for real life, emotional regulation, and nervous system support.
In this episode:
Get 7 practical games that help your dog burn energy without overstimulation
Learn why stillness and sniffing might help more than fetch or running
Discover how to meet your dog’s behavioral needs—without draining yourself in the process
Press play to discover calming enrichment tools for the hard days, rainy days, and everything in between.
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Paws, Brains, and Fun Enrichment ebook
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/68cdb369ba20a30034591cd9
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
Looking to BOOST your pet’s daily meal? Try PetMatRx supplements, use code SUDT20 and save!
https://petmatrx.com/?ref=straightupdogtalk
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
There’s so much pressure to “move on” after losing a pet.
But real grief doesn’t follow a timeline—and it doesn’t need to be fixed.
In this heart-centered episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by Anne-Marie Farage-Smith, grief educator and author of Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss. Together, they explore the complex and often misunderstood world of pet loss grief—including anticipatory, disenfranchised, and complicated grief. If you’ve ever felt like your sadness was “too much” or unsupported, this conversation will validate your pain and offer a more compassionate path forward.
You’ll learn:
• Why pet loss grief is so intense—and why society often misses the mark
• How to identify the type of grief you’re experiencing
• Small but powerful ways to honor your pet’s memory without “moving on”
This episode is a safe space for anyone in the thick of pet loss—or walking alongside someone who is.
Press play for grounded, gentle insight—and learn how to move forward with your pet’s memory, not away from it.
Guest Info:
Website: farage-smith.comBook: Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Dog
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/68cdb369ba20a30034591cd9
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
Join the Community
https://join.slack.com/t/straightupdogtalk/shared_invite/zt-305kdyab7-y6eTWjbAeSwHItNmloLQUA
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
You’ve followed the rules, tried the tools, and still feel stuck with your dog. Sound familiar?
In this myth-busting episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em unpacks 10 outdated dog training “truths” that may be doing more harm than good. From dominance-based techniques to rigid obedience expectations, you’ll learn why some of the most common advice might be keeping both you and your dog from real progress.
You'll Learn:
Identify which dog training myths are stalling your growth and confidence
Learn why obedience ≠ regulation or trust—and what actually creates calm, connected behavior
Discover how to rebuild your training approach so it works for your dog, not someone else’s rulebook
Press play to shift your mindset, drop the myths, and start making training progress rooted in clarity, compassion, and real connection.
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners
https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
Is your dog still bouncing off the walls after walks—or ripping through puzzle toys with zero chill?
Most enrichment toys are marketed as magic solutions—but for many dogs, they’re either too simple, too repetitive, or used in isolation. In this episode, Em teams up with Aina from Pawzler to unpack a smarter approach: enrichment stacking—a way to combine different activities to help dogs regulate their energy and behavior more effectively.
You'll Learn:
Understand why modular puzzles outperform traditional toys in engagement and mental stimulation
Learn how to scale enrichment difficulty to reduce boredom and frustration
Press play to stop guessing and start building a daily enrichment routine that leaves your dog calm, confident, and fully satisfied—without relying on endless walks or toy clutter.
Explore Pawzler puzzles: https://us.pawzler.com (Use code SUDT10 for 10% off)
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Paws, Brains, and Fun Enrichment ebook
Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
Looking to BOOST your pet’s daily meal? Try PetMatRx supplements, use code SUDT20 and save!
https://petmatrx.com/?ref=straightupdogtalk
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
Feel like you're doing everything right but still burning out behind the scenes?
In this raw, solo episode, Em shares the emotional truth most dog trainers and pet parents never talk about: the exhaustion, the overwhelm, and the pressure to keep showing up when everything feels too heavy. From the dream of RV life to the real struggles behind the mic, this isn’t a highlight reel—it’s a lifeline for anyone feeling emotionally stretched.
You'll Learn:
Hear what burnout really looked like behind the growth of Straight Up Dog Talk
Learn why the RV story became a metaphor for belief, loss, and starting over
Press play for a grounded, honest conversation that reminds you—you’re not behind, you’re just human. And your dog (and your vision) are still worth it.
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Dog
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/68cdb369ba20a30034591cd9
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
Join the Community
https://join.slack.com/t/straightupdogtalk/shared_invite/zt-305kdyab7-y6eTWjbAeSwHItNmloLQUA
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
Did you know that—legally—your pet is still considered property?
That outdated legal status isn’t just offensive—it’s dangerous. It affects everything from shelter euthanasia policies to divorce custody disputes and rehoming decisions. In this powerful episode, Em sits down with animal law expert Suzana Gartner to uncover the root legal issue holding back progress—and what her A-CAP framework offers as a new path forward.
In this episode:
Learn how “property” status directly impacts shelter outcomes and animal welfare policy
Hear how Suzana’s A-CAP philosophy is building legal models based on compassion, agency, and protection
Discover real ways everyday dog parents can contribute to meaningful change—from education to advocacy
Press play to understand the hidden legal systems affecting the animals you love—and how to help shift the status quo from property to partnership.
Learn more and take action: suzanagartner.com
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners
https://tinyurl.com/fearfreetdwafm
Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow
Email thedogwhoaskedformore@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
What if the one thing you’re told every dog needs—daily walks—is actually keeping your dog stuck?
If your reactive, anxious, or overstimulated dog seems worse after walks—not better—you’re not failing them. You might just be following a model that doesn’t fit their nervous system. In this honest solo episode, Em shares why she stopped forcing daily walks with Fitz—and how that shift finally created the calm, connected progress she’d been chasing for years.
You'll Learn:
Learn how to tell the difference between dysregulation and true high energy
Discover practical, sustainable walk-free enrichment alternatives
Understand how to regulate your dog’s nervous system—and your own—without guilt or pressure
Press play to release outdated rules and start building a calmer, more connected life with your dog—one that works for both of you, not just what social media says.
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners
https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/booknowsudt
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
What if the most powerful dog training lessons came from the last place you’d expect—inside a prison?
In this deeply moving episode, Em sits down with Mattison Skoog-Simpson, founder of Freed By Training, to share what she learned from working inside a prison dog program. This is about more than obedience—it’s about building trust, emotional healing, and training that meets both dogs and humans with compassion and grace.
You'll Learn:
Learn how prison dog programs foster trust-based training for lasting results
Discover why connection > control in both reactive dog parenting and self-leadership
Get inspired to shift from shame or guilt into partnership, empathy, and emotional healing
Press play to explore a powerful reframe on dog training—one rooted in second chances, slower timelines, and deeper trust.
👉 Connect with Mattison + get free resources:
Instagram: @freedbytraining
Website: freedbytraining.co
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners
https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/booknowsudt
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
Ever feel like you're giving everything to your dog, your dreams, your life—and still coming up empty?
You’re not alone. Burnout hits hard when you're balancing dog parenting, purpose, and pressure to keep it all together. In this honest solo episode, Em opens up about the quiet breakdowns behind the brand, and what it’s really like to keep showing up when you’re not sure how much longer you can.
You'll Learn:
Hear what success actually looks like behind the scenes of a dog-centered business
Learn how burnout affects your ability to train, connect, and support your dog
Get a grounded reframe on what progress, purpose, and dog parenting really mean in the messy middle
Press play to feel seen, supported, and reminded that you—and your dog—deserve compassion, not perfection.
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners
https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
What if your dog could do more than bark or sit—what if they could talk?
In this mind-expanding episode, Em sits down with Molissa, dog parent to Tilda the Talking Dog, to explore the world of button training and canine communication. From simple cues to emotional expression, their journey challenges everything we think we know about how dogs learn, feel, and connect with us.
You'll Learn:
Learn how to introduce your dog to button communication using positive training
Understand the cognitive enrichment that happens when dogs are empowered to “speak”
Get real insights into what’s hype—and what’s truly transformational—about the “talking dog” movement
Press play to discover how button training could unlock a deeper, richer bond with your dog—and reveal just how much they’ve been trying to tell you all along.
Use code Tilda at FluentPet.com to save on button kits.
Shop trusted supplements: https://petmatrx.com/?ref=straightupdogtalkUse code SUDT20 to save 20%
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners
https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
Ever feel like you're constantly explaining or apologizing for your reactive dog?
Whether it’s family pushing boundaries, strangers giving unsolicited advice, or that constant pressure to be polite—many reactive dog parents feel stuck between protecting their dog and pleasing others. In this empowering episode, Em shares the moment she stopped asking for permission—and started showing up as her dog’s advocate, with confidence and clarity.
You'll Learn:
Learn real-world advocacy scripts to use with family, strangers, or even professionals
Understand how saying “no” can deepen your training results and your dog’s trust
Shift out of shame and into calm, confident leadership—even when others don’t “get it”
Press play and reclaim your right to advocate for your dog—without guilt, shame, or over-explaining.
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners
https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
Can you really train your dog effectively—without punishment or dominance?
In this science-backed episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Annie Grossman—dog trainer, educator, and author of How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science—to unpack what actually helps dogs learn. They explore the mechanics of clicker training, why positive reinforcement builds trust faster than fear ever could, and how modern, humane training gets real results without sacrificing relationship.
You’ll learn:
• Why clicker training speeds up learning and builds behavior fluency
• How positive reinforcement impacts your dog’s brain and confidence
• The science behind learning theory vs. outdated dominance training
• When (and how) to choose training tools that support emotional regulation
• Actionable, easy ways to use reinforcement in real life—not just training sessions
Whether you're just starting or ready to leave old-school methods behind, this episode will rebuild your confidence, your clarity, and your connection with your dog.
Check out How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science by Annie Grossman
https://www.schoolforthedogs.com/book
Bonus: Annie references a video clip—watch it here for context: https://youtu.be/jgDzy8y7jDM
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners
https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/68cdb369ba20a30034591cd9
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
Ever feel like you're constantly explaining or apologizing for your reactive dog?
Whether it’s family pushing boundaries, strangers giving unsolicited advice, or that constant pressure to be polite—many reactive dog parents feel stuck between protecting their dog and pleasing others. In this empowering episode, Em shares the moment she stopped asking for permission—and started showing up as her dog’s advocate, with confidence and clarity.
You'll Learn:
Learn real-world advocacy scripts to use with family, strangers, or even professionals
Understand how saying “no” can deepen your training results and your dog’s trust
Shift out of shame and into calm, confident leadership—even when others don’t “get it”
Press play and reclaim your right to advocate for your dog—without guilt, shame, or over-explaining.
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners
https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/68cdb369ba20a30034591cd9
Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
What if the biggest difference in a shelter dog’s life wasn’t a foster home—but a flight?
In this inspiring episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Michael Schneider, founder of Pilots to the Rescue, to celebrate a decade of saving animals through aviation. Learn how small planes, big hearts, and fast action are helping at-risk dogs escape high-kill shelters and reach safe, enriched futures with families who truly see them.
You'll Learn:
Hear how rescue flights are coordinated, funded, and flown across the U.S.
Learn the emotional reality of rescue transport and what dogs go through on their journey to safety
Discover how anyone—not just pilots—can be part of this powerful movement
Press play for an uplifting look at what happens when passion meets purpose—and how one flight can mean the difference between despair and a forever home.
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners
https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
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Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em
This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.
