🐾 Can dogs really talk? Tilda’s button journey shows how communication can transform your bond—and change how we see canine intelligence.

In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Molissa to share the incredible story of Tilda—a dog using buttons to “speak” her mind. From the first button press to emotional breakthroughs, you’ll hear how Tilda’s journey has inspired a global community of dog lovers.

💡 You’ll learn:

• ​ How Tilda started learning to use buttons
• ​ Training methods that worked (and what didn’t)
• ​ The most surprising things she’s ever “said”
• ​ Tips for pet parents curious about button training
• ​ Why this movement is reshaping how we view canine intelligence

💛 Whether you’re new to button training or just curious about how dogs communicate, this episode will leave you inspired.

Guest Info:

@talkingmytilda

Use code Tilda at FluentPet.com to save on your buttons!

🐾 Sponsored by PetMatRxShop science-backed supplements: petmatrx.comUse code SUDT20 to save 20%

✨ Stay Connected

🌐 Free resources + more: straightupdogtalk.com

🆓 Book your free training or nutrition consult: straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b

📲 Follow on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube & Facebook: @em_lovesdogs | @straightupdogtalk

#dogbuttons #caninedialogue #talkingdog #dogtraining #straightupdogtalk

Affiliate Disclosure: This episode contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Straight Up Dog Talk and helping fuel the RV dream

In this dog training podcast episode, Em shares how to advocate for your reactive dog—setting boundaries, saying no, and protecting trust without guilt.

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly justifying your dog’s behavior to others?

In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, I share the moment everything shifted—the first time I stopped explaining Fitz and started advocating for him. From awkward family events to pushy strangers, I’ve been there. And I know how hard it is to speak up when the world doesn’t get it.

But here’s the truth: your dog doesn’t need your defense.

They need your protection. Your leadership. Your trust.

💡 You’ll walk away with:

• Real-world examples of what advocacy looks like

• Tips for saying “no” without guilt

• Why advocating for your dog is one of the most powerful tools you have

• A reminder that you don’t need to explain your way to respect

If you’re stuck between wanting to protect your dog and trying not to offend anyone—this one’s for you.

✨ Free Resource

👉 Grab the free enrichment guide: Paws, Brains, and Fun

✨ Stay Connected

🌐 Website + More Resources: straightupdogtalk.com

🆓 Book your free training or nutrition consult: straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b

💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook

💛 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more pet parents find support that actually feels good.

#dogtrainingpodcast #reactivedogsupport #dogadvocacy #bigfeelingdogs #straightupdogtalk

In this dog training podcast episode, Em and Annie Grossman share why positive reinforcement and science—not dominance—create lasting results.

What if we could combine heart and behavioral science to train dogs—without relying on dominance or intimidation?

In this inspiring conversation, Em sits down with Annie Grossman, founder of School for the Dogs and author of How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science, to talk about building connection through positive reinforcement and how our differing yet aligned methods shape learning in both canines and humans.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why Annie’s book advocates for "good training" above all—a science-based, humane approach that avoids punishment-based tools• How clicker training acts as a precise marker, bridging behaviors to rewards faster than traditional cues• Where our philosophies align—and where our styles diverge—especially in matching methods to the needs, emotions, and learning styles of each dog• Practical tips to make training joyful, effective, and rooted in science

✨ Stay Connected
🌐 Website + Free Resources: straightupdogtalk.com
🆓 Book your free training or nutrition consult: straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook

💛 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more pet parents find support that actually feels good.

#dogtrainingpodcast #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #dogbehavior #straightupdogtalk

You followed every tip. You stuck to the plan. You tried to be the perfect pet parent—so why does it still feel like you’re failing?

In this raw and validating episode, Em opens up about the emotional cost of trying to do everything “right”—and still watching your dog struggle.

💔 This is the episode for the person who’s burned out, overwhelmed, and starting to doubt themselves.

🎧 You’ll learn:• Why training protocols can backfire emotionally• The hidden toll of doing “everything right” and seeing no progress• How Em’s breakdown became a breakthrough• What to do when you’re stuck in the burnout loop• How to rebuild trust—with your dog and yourself

💛 If you’re in the thick of it, this episode is your permission to pause, reset, and choose a different way.

👉 Grab Em’s free enrichment guide for low-pressure, connection-building activities that don’t require structure or perfection.

STAY CONNECTED:
Follow @straightupdogtalk for more real talk, judgment-free support, and podcast updates.

📩 Share this with a pet parent who needs to hear they’re not alone.

#dogtrainingtruths #bigfeelingdogs #dogmomlife #enrichmentfordogs #judgmentfreepodcast

In this animal rescue podcast episode, Pilots to the Rescue shares how aviation saves shelter dogs from euthanasia and flies them into forever homes.

What if the difference between life and death for a shelter dog… was a pilot?

In this incredible episode, Em sits down with Michael Schneider, founder and “Top Dog” of Pilots to the Rescue, to celebrate 10 years of flying animals out of danger and into forever homes. Michael shares how he turned his passion for aviation into a lifesaving mission—and how one plane, one person, and one animal at a time is reshaping rescue as we know it.

🚨 In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How Pilots to the Rescue uses aviation to prevent euthanasia• What goes into planning each rescue flight—and why it matters• The emotional and logistical realities of saving lives from the sky• How you can support, volunteer, or get involved with their mission

Whether you’re a rescue advocate, a dog lover, or just love a story with heart—this one will stick with you.

✨ Stay Connected:
🌐 Website + Free Resources: straightupdogtalk.com
🆓 Book your free training or nutrition consult: straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more stories, strategies, and support on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.

💛 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more pet parents find this space.

#animalrescue #dogrescueflight #pilotstotherescue #dogpodcast #rescueheroes #straightupdogtalk

In this reactive dog podcast episode, Em shares 3 lessons from training Fitz—why walks made things worse and how regulation matters more than obedience.

💭 I thought I was doing everything right.
But nothing was working—because I was starting from the wrong place.

Reactivity training can feel like a full-time job. And when you’re doing all the things but your dog is still barking, lunging, or spiraling… it’s easy to feel like you’re failing.

In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, I’m sharing the 3 biggest things I wish I knew before I ever started training with Fitz—and why understanding his emotional world changed everything.

💡 You’ll learn:
• Why daily walks were making things worse• How regression is often a sign of growth• Why emotional regulation matters more than obedience• What helped us slow down, reconnect, and start seeing real progress

🛑 This one’s for the pet parent who’s doing their best and still feels like it’s not enough.
You’re not failing. You’re just in the messy middle—and your dog is still learning, too. 💛

🕒 Episode Breakdown:00:00 I Didn’t Fail My Dog—I Just Didn’t Know00:40 Welcome to Straight Up Dog Talk01:15 Why This Episode Matters01:50 Lesson 1: Walks Are Not Always the Answer03:25 The Turning Point: Connection Over Control04:30 Lesson 2: Progress Doesn’t Always Look Pretty06:00 The Scatter Feeding Breakthrough06:30 Lesson 3: Regulation Over Obedience07:30 Final Thoughts & Where to Get Support

✨ Stay Connected:
🌐 Website + Free Resources: straightupdogtalk.com
🆓 Book your free training or nutrition consult: straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook

💛 If this episode hit home, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more pet parents find support that actually works.

#reactivedogsupport #dogbehaviorhelp #bigfeelingdogs #dogtrainingrealtalk #straightupdogtalk

In this dog safety podcast episode, Em and David from SATELLAI share how GPS dog collars with satellite tracking protect pets—even off-grid without cell service.

What would you do if your dog ran off…
And you couldn’t call them back?
Couldn’t see where they were?
Couldn’t even track them?

For most of us, GPS collars only work if we have cell service.
But what if you’re hiking, off-grid, or in panic mode with no way to connect?

In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, I’m joined by David from SATELLAI—creators of one of the smartest, most innovative GPS collars on the market—offering real-time tracking, health alerts, and satellite-connected safety (even when you’re out of service range).

💡 You’ll hear:
🛰️ How the SATELLAI collar uses 4G/LTE + AI to keep your dog safe🐾 What makes their new Tracker a game-changer for off-grid coverage📖 The personal story that inspired this mission (hint: it started with a lost dog in a snowstorm)🔐 Why not having a GPS collar might be the riskiest part of your safety plan📱 App features, virtual fencing, no-go zones, and health tracking in real time

Whether your dog is reactive, adventurous, or just one open gate away from disappearing—this is a conversation that could change how you think about dog safety forever.

💸 Special Offer:
Use code DOGTALK at checkout to save $25 at satellai.com
(P.S. It’s sometimes stackable with other promos—so give it a shot!)

✨ Stay Connected:
🌐 Website + Free Resources: straightupdogtalk.com
🆓 Book your free training or nutrition consult: straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook

💛 Love what you heard? Leave a review or share this episode with someone who needs peace of mind.

#GPSDogCollar #DogSafety #DogTracker #PetTech #LostDogHelp #ReactiveDogSupport #StraightUpDogTalk

This episode contains affiliate links. If you purchase a SATELLAI product (or other partner product) using my code or link, I may earn a small commission—at no additional cost to you.

I only share products and partnerships I personally use, trust, and believe in. Your support through these links helps keep the Straight Up Dog Talk podcast going—and gets us one step closer to the RV dream 💛.

In this reactive dog podcast episode, Em shares how letting go of perfection—and the E-collar—changed everything for her and Fitz.

✨ I thought I had to be perfect to help my reactive dog.
Turns out, I just had to be present.

Five and a half years ago, I was standing in a quiet parking lot, holding the leash of a barking, overwhelmed dog—using an E-collar, doing everything I was told—and still, it wasn’t working.

That was the moment I realized:
Maybe the problem wasn’t my dog.
Maybe it was the pressure I was putting on both of us.

That moment changed everything. It was the beginning of a new way of thinking… and the first step toward becoming a trainer, launching this podcast, and building the life we have now.

🎧 In this solo episode, I’m sharing:
• Why perfection was stealing my peace (and Fitz’s)• The moment I took the E-collar off for good• What helped us heal: safety, regulation, and connection• Why “doing everything right” still didn’t help• How Fitz made me question everything—and build something better

💛 This is your reminder:
You don’t need to be perfect to support your dog.
You just need to show up. Regulated. Honest. Willing.

Because your dog isn’t looking for perfection.
They’re looking for you.

🕒 Episode Breakdown:00:00 The Lie I Believed About Being a Good Pet Parent00:45 When Doing “Everything Right” Still Didn’t Help01:40 The E-Collar That Made Things Worse02:30 The Parking Lot Realization That Changed Everything03:30 From Obedience to Understanding04:25 What Helped Us Heal: Safety, Regulation, Connection05:10 You’re Not Failing—You’re Doing the Work

✨ Stay Connected:
🌐 Website + Free Resources: straightupdogtalk.com
🆓 Book your free training or nutrition consult: straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook

👇 Tag a pet parent who needs this reminder today.
💛 Save this post for the days you feel like you’re falling short.
🔗 Free consults + support links above.

#reactivedog #bigfeelingdogs #dogtrainingjourney #straightupdogtalk #petparentpressure

In this pet industry podcast episode, Em takes you behind the scenes at SuperZoo—the biggest North American trade show for pet products, brands, and trends.

Ever wondered what really happens at the biggest pet industry trade show in North America?

In this special live episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, I’m coming to you from SuperZoo in Las Vegas—the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at where the pet industry comes to launch, connect, and showcase what’s next.

💡 Here’s what we’ll cover:
• What trade shows like SuperZoo are actually like—the energy, the products, the behind-the-scenes buzz• Why I’m here and how it ties into the upcoming Straight Up Dog Talk RV tour• The truth about partnerships—how I choose brands, test products, and make sure they align with the mission of supporting both ends of the leash• How all of this impacts YOU as a pet parent—from discovering products worth your time and trust to cutting through the industry noise

Whether you’re curious about the future of pet products, wondering how partnerships get built, or just want to hear what it’s like on the trade show floor—this episode is for you.

👉 Make sure you’re following on Instagram and YouTube for behind-the-scenes content from SuperZoo, and stay tuned for the RV tour updates coming soon!

✨ Stay Connected:
🌐 Website + Free Resources: straightupdogtalk.com
🆓 Book your free training or nutrition consult: straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook

💛 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more pet parents and advocates find this space.

#superzoo #petindustry #petproducts #dogpodcast #straightupdogtalk

In this reactive dog podcast episode, Em and client Cobia share Majic’s journey—how reactivity reshaped confidence, connection, and what dogs really need.

🐾 What happens when your dog’s reactivity forces you to rethink everything you thought you knew about being a “good” pet parent?

In this raw and relatable episode, Em sits down with her client Cobia to talk about Majic—a big-feeling, reactive dog who’s completely transformed her life. From breakdowns to breakthroughs, this is a powerful look at what it really takes to show up for your dog when the world doesn’t always understand.

💡 You’ll hear:
• Why reactivity isn’t “bad behavior”—it’s communication• The mental and emotional toll of being judged as a dog parent• How Majic’s growth reshaped Cobia’s confidence and perspective• What our dogs really need from us to feel safe and connected

If you’ve ever felt alone, ashamed, or overwhelmed by your dog’s big feelings—this episode is for you. Because sometimes, the dog we think is “too much” is the one who teaches us the most.

💛 Special Offer:
Mention “Majic” or this episode when you book a free consult and receive an exclusive discount on training with Em!

👉 Book Your Free Consult

✨ Stay Connected:
🌐 Website + Free Resources: straightupdogtalk.com
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook

✨ If this episode moved you, please leave a review or share it with someone who’s walking a similar path.

#reactivedogs #dogtrainingjourney #bigfeelingdogs #petparenting #straightupdogtalk