Straight Up Dog Talk: Support for Reactivity, Dog Food & Burnout — Training, Nutrition & Enrichment

You’ve read the advice. Tried the tips. Bought the tools.
So why does everything still feel so hard?
In this myth-busting episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em breaks down ten outdated or oversimplified dog training rules that may actually be stalling your progress. From dominance-based narratives to one-size-fits-all expectations, these myths can leave even the most committed dog parents feeling stuck and second-guessing thems...

Does your dog still seem wired after walks, blow through puzzle toys in seconds, or destroy things when bored? You're not failing them—you just haven't found the right kind of mental enrichment yet.
In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by Aina, founder of Pawzler, to break down why most enrichment toys fall short—and how a smarter, modular approach can reduce reactivity, anxiety, and destructive behavior...

Ever feel like you're chasing progress—but getting further from peace?
In this behind-the-scenes solo episode, Em opens up about the real story behind the podcast, the RV dream, and what it’s taken emotionally to keep going. From burnout to belief, this isn’t just about logistics—it’s about the quiet, gritty work of building something that matters, even when you feel like you're falling apart.

You’ll Learn:

• What bu...

We call them family—but legally, pets are still considered property. And that outdated status has real consequences, from shelter policies to custody battles.
In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em talks with animal law mediator and author Suzana Gartner about how legal definitions are holding back real progress in animal welfare—and how her A-CAP framework offers a practical path forward.

You’ll Learn:

• How the “prope...

You’re following the rules—daily walks, enrichment, training cues—and your dog is still barking, reacting, or melting down. What gives?
In this vulnerable solo episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em shares the moment she realized daily walks weren’t calming her reactive dog Fitz—they were overloading him. Instead of helping, those structured walks were feeding dysregulation and emotional chaos.
You’ll learn:
• How to spot dys...

What if the key to building trust with your dog could be found behind prison walls?

In this transformative episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Mattison Skoog-Simpson, founder of Freed By Training, to share the life-changing lessons she learned while training dogs inside a prison-based rehabilitation program. This isn’t just about obedience—it’s about emotional healing, second chances, and relationship-based dog tr...

Feeling like you're holding it all together—barely? Wondering if you're the only one building a dream while running on empty?
In this raw, relatable solo episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em gets honest about the part of dog mom life no one talks about: the burnout behind the brand, the late-night tears, and the quiet bravery it takes to keep going when you’re not sure it’s even working. Whether you’re an overwhelmed dog ...

Ever wonder if your dog is trying to say more than “sit” or “walk”? What if they could talk—using buttons?
In this fascinating episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em chats with Molissa, the human behind viral sensation Tilda the Talking Dog. From a single button to full-on emotional conversations, Molissa and Tilda’s journey through button training will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about dog communication.

Tired of apologizing for your dog? Whether you're walking your reactive dog, navigating awkward family interactions, or dodging pushy strangers at the dog park—you’re not alone.
In this empowering episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em shares the exact moment she stopped explaining, over-explaining, and people-pleasing—and started advocating for Fitz instead. If you're struggling to balance your dog's needs with social ...

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 trainin...

You followed the protocols. You stuck to the plan. You were the “good” dog parent.
So why does it still feel like you’re failing?
In this raw solo episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em shares the emotional reality of trying to raise a reactive dog while stuck in the loop of perfectionism. She opens up about following every professional cue, every structured routine—only to hit burnout, frustration, and deep self-doubt when her ...

What if a flight—not a foster—was the reason a shelter dog got a second chance?
In this powerful episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Michael Schneider, founder of Pilots to the Rescue, to celebrate ten years of life-saving aviation missions. Michael shares how he combined his love for flying with his passion for animal welfare—and how each flight is a coordinated effort to save dogs from euthanasia and fly them in...

Feeling stuck in your reactive dog’s training journey—and wondering what you’re missing?
You’re not alone. Reactivity can feel like a loop of trial, error, and exhaustion—especially when it seems like nothing is working.

In this raw and relatable solo episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em shares the three most powerful lessons she learned while training her own reactive dog, Fitz. This isn’t about tools or techniques—it’s about the...

What would you do if your dog bolted—and your GPS collar failed?
No signal. No map. No idea where they are. It happens more than you think—and most collars can’t keep up.

In this eye-opening safety episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with David from SATELLAI to reveal how their cutting-edge satellite-powered GPS tracker is solving the problems traditional collars miss. Born from a real-life emergency search in a snowsto...

Still feeling stuck, even after doing everything “right” with your reactive dog?
You’re not alone—and the problem might not be your dog. It might be the pressure to perform.

In this raw, revealing solo episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em shares the story of the moment she took the E-collar off her dog Fitz—for good. After months of strict obedience, tools, and trying to “fix” reactivity, the breakthrough didn’t come from more con...

Ever wonder where the latest dog food, supplements, and pet wellness trends really come from?
You’re about to get a front-row seat.

In this special on-location episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em takes you behind the scenes at SuperZoo—the largest pet industry trade show in North America. From new product launches to the conversations shaping the future of dog care, you’ll hear what it’s really like on the floor with the people w...

Feeling overwhelmed with your reactive dog? You’re not alone—and what you’re facing isn’t just a behavior issue. It’s a relationship shift in progress.

In this heartfelt episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by her client and friend, Cobia, to share the raw, real journey of Majic—a beautifully complex, reactive dog who challenged everything Cobia thought she knew about being a “good” dog parent. What followed was grief, grow...

Does walking your dog sometimes feel more stressful than helpful? What if skipping the walk wasn’t lazy—but exactly what your reactive dog needed for behavior improvement and emotional regulation?

In this raw and relatable solo episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em shares her personal story of realizing daily walks were actually harming her reactive dog, Fitz. From guilt to breakthroughs, you’ll hear what shifted—and how rethinking ex...

What if your reactive dog isn’t giving you a hard time—but showing you where healing is needed, in both of you?

In this profound and thought-provoking episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with world-renowned behaviorist Matt Beisner (Dog: Impossible, The Zen Dog) to explore the emotional, neurological, and spiritual layers of dog reactivity. This isn’t just about training—it’s about trust, trauma, and the power of relations...