Is your dog’s reactivity really about disobedience—or are they trying to tell you something deeper?

In this powerful and paradigm-shifting episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Matt Beisner (Dog: Impossible, The Zen Dog) to explore the emotional, neurological, and spiritual dimensions of dog reactivity. Together, they unpack why dominance-based training fails, and how relationship-first, trauma-informed approaches can build lasting safety and trust—for dogs and their humans.

In this episode:

• Understand how fear, trauma, and dysregulation show up in dog training

• Learn why connection—not control—is the foundation for true progress

• Discover how to lead with empathy, presence, and enrichment that supports healing, not just behavior change

Press play to explore what it really means to train, trust, and grow with your reactive dog—and why the journey might be as much about your healing as it is theirs.

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

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This podcast explores life with dogs and life with pets, focusing on the dog–human bond and what it truly takes to bond with your dog through dog enrichment, behavior guidance, dog reactivity support, reactivity awareness, reactive dogs, reactive dog training, calming reactive dogs, dog training, dog training tips, training rescue dogs, pet training, dog obedience, dog behavior, dog behaviour, dog socialization, dog barking, dog habits, dog health, dog life, dog myths, and positive reinforcement for all dogs — rescue dogs, velcro dogs, anxious dogs, reactive dogs, high-energy dogs, big-feeling dogs, and family pets. Hosted by a canine nutritionist, nutrition coach, dog coach, dog coaching specialist, and retired vet tech, each episode covers dog food, canine enrichment, dog training, dog nutrition, canine nutrition, dog gut health, dog grief, dog products, and science-backed routines that help dogs feel safer, healthier, calmer, and more understood. You’ll discover practical steps, enrichment ideas, behavior strategies, and daily habits to support any dog and create a more confident, connected life with dogs.