Straight Up Dog Talk

Your Dog Is Smarter Than You Think—Here’s the Proof

🐶 What if your dog is more intelligent, intuitive, and emotionally aware than most people realize?

In this heart-expanding episode, Em sits down with Jennifer Holland—journalist and author of Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence—for a beautiful and eye-opening conversation about how dogs think, feel, and communicate.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why your...

This one’s personal.

In 2019, I made a decision I thought would help my dog Fitz—something I believed would make his reactivity better. But instead, it changed both of our lives in ways I never saw coming.

This episode isn’t about chaos. It’s about what came after—the guilt, the overwhelm, and the quiet belief that I had somehow failed my dog.

That’s where this podcast was born.

Because I couldn’t find a judgment-free space when I need...

🐾 Ever wondered how to turn your backyard into a mental + physical enrichment paradise? In this fun and insightful episode, Em chats with Meghan Wolfgram, CEO and founder of SwiftPaws, to talk all things structured play, enrichment, and how chasing can be the key to calm.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How SwiftPaws got its start (and what Shark Tank was really like!)

• Why structured movement matters for dogs of all ages and en...

I thought I was doing everything right—until I realized I was pushing my dog through a world he wasn’t ready for.

In this solo episode, Em shares the emotional turning point with Fitz: how dog parks and daily walks made things worse, how guilt and confusion clouded her decisions, and what finally shifted when she started listening instead of forcing.

You’ll hear:

• The early signs of reactivity Em missed (and what they looked like)
• W...

🐕 What does it really mean when a dog is labeled “aggressive”? In this powerful episode, Em sits down with internationally recognized aggression expert Michael Shikashio to explore the nuance behind canine aggression—what it is, what it isn’t, and how to approach it with clarity and compassion.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What aggression really means in dogs

• Why labels can oversimplify complex behavior

• How environment, histo...

🧬 What’s really in your dog’s supplements—and how do you know they’re working? In this episode, Em sits down with Will, CEO of PetMatRx, to break down the science, transparency, and impact behind quality pet nutrition.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to read supplement labels and what to avoid

• The mission behind PetMatRx’s science-backed products

• Why proactive wellness matters in a dog’s longevity

• What makes a supplement trul...

🐾 What if your daily dog walk could help build a kinder, safer community? In this episode, Em chats with Laura—professional dog walker and creator behind Curious Snoots—about how thoughtful walking practices and mutual respect between pet guardians can transform neighborhoods.

💡 In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why how we show up on walks matters

• How to handle off-leash dogs and boundary-pushing situations

• Tips for navigating awkwa...

🐾 Ever wondered what it takes to get started in dog sports—or how they benefit your dog’s mind and body? In this fun and educational episode, Em chats with ⁠@katherinek9trainer⁠, a multi-certified trainer and behaviorist, about agility, rally, enrichment, behavior, and why doing things differently matters.

💡 In this episode, you'll learn:

• How dog sports build confidence, trust, and focus

• Why enrichment is more than just puzzle t...

💛 Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. In this deeply heartfelt episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Dr. Benson and Courtney from Paws Into Grace to explore how we can provide comfort, dignity, and love during our pets' final chapter.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What in-home end-of-life care looks like and why it matters

• How to prepare emotionally and logistically for your pet’s passing

• What opti...

🐶 Ever wondered what life as a dog trainer is really like? In this fun and unfiltered episode, Em hangs out with Zoë from The Dreaded Trainer to talk about the highs, lows, and downright hilarious moments of working in the dog world.

🎙️ What’s in this episode?
✔️ Relatable stories about their own dogs 🐾
✔️ The unexpected (and often ridiculous) realities of trainer life
✔️ A lighthearted, laughter-filled conversation you won’t want t...

🐶 What does it really take to run a rescue? In this episode, Em sits down with Crystal from Dogs Forever Rescue, a local organization doing BIG things for the community while raising awareness around responsible adoption and fostering.

💡 Em and Crystal talk through the realities of rescue work—from burnout and big wins to the heart behind every foster placement. They share what potential adopters and volunteers need to know, and w...

🐾 Did you know black dogs are often overlooked in shelters?

In this fun and heartfelt episode, Em chats with Kate—dog mom to Rick Ross the Boss Dawg—about Black Dog Syndrome, rescue life, training, and the many lessons sassy dogs can teach us.

💡 Kate shares the joys and challenges of working in rescue, how the work fills her cup, and why it’s so important to advocate for misunderstood dogs. Whether you volunteer, foster, or just lo...

🐶👓 What if a tiny pair of glasses could change your dog’s life?

In this episode, Em chats with Elizabeth, author of Charlie Gets Glasses, to share the incredible story of Charlie—a senior dog whose UV-protective glasses helped him navigate cataracts and see the world in a new way.

💡 What started as a playful idea turned into something much bigger. Elizabeth uses her book to educate and normalize wearing glasses—for both dogs and h...

🐾 Want to teach your dog fun tricks at home?

In this episode, Em is joined by Krista from HeelerPoint to talk all things trick training—from timing and reinforcement to safety and fun. Whether you’re working on basic skills or flashy moves, this episode is full of encouragement and actionable tips.

💡 Krista shares her experience training her dogs, Han Solo and Carly Rae, while Em adds her own insight into how to make trick training...

⚖️ Do you actually know your state’s dog laws? Many pet parents don’t—and some of these laws are outdated, heartbreaking, or even dangerous for the dogs we love. In this must-listen episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by Lauren from Choose Wisely Training to unpack the legal landscape that affects dogs across the U.S.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How dog laws differ wildly from state to state

• Why breed-specific ...

🐶 Are carbs silently impacting your dog’s health? In this eye-opening episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Daniel Schulof—author of Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma and founder of Keto Natural Dog Food—to dig into the real science behind canine obesity and the role carbohydrates play in your dog’s diet.

💡 You’ll learn:

• How nutrition and metabolism affect your dog’s long-term health

• The truth about carbohydrates in com...

✨ Curious about how Reiki can support your pet’s physical, emotional, and energetic well-being? In this calming and insightful episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em chats with Tatiana from Howling OM to explore the healing power of Reiki for both pets and their humans.

💛 Em and Tatiana—both Reiki Masters—share:

• How energy healing can support animals emotionally and physically

• Ways Reiki builds connection and mindfulness in the ...

🎀 Want to keep your pet stylish and support a small business? In this fun and inspiring episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em chats with Diana—the creative force behind Dainty Paws, a brand known for its playful and fashionable pet accessories.

💡 In this episode:

• How Dainty Paws got started and what makes it unique

• The ups and downs of running a small business in the pet industry

• Why community, creativity, and connection matter

• ...

💛 How do you prepare your heart for the goodbye you know is coming? In this deeply moving follow-up episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Beth Bigler from Honoring Our Animals to talk about anticipatory loss, pet grief, and the emotional journey of loving a pet through their final chapter.

💡 In this episode:

• What anticipatory grief looks like and why it matters

• Em’s personal experience navigating this with Toby ...