Ever dreamed of hiking or fishing with your dog—but felt unsure if they’re ready, reactive, or just too unpredictable?
In this honest and adventure-filled episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Halie from The Fishing Mutts to explore how real-life outdoor enrichment—messy moments and all—can support your dog’s behavior, confidence, and well-being. Whether you're trail-curious or already planning river days, this episode brings practical tips, safety knowledge, and so much reassurance.

In this episode:

• Learn how to prep your dog for hikes, rafting, and fishing without stress

• Understand river safety, gear needs, and how to read your dog’s comfort cues outdoors

• Discover how outdoor enrichment helps dogs with anxiety, reactivity, or excess energy thrive in new ways

Press play to learn how to safely bring your dog along on adventures—and make enrichment feel accessible, empowering, and fun.

Guest Info:

• American Whitewater

• Swiftwater Safety Institute

• US Geological Survey Water Data

• The Fishing Mutts

Affiliate DisclosureSome links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep Straight Up Dog Talk going—thank you.

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of the Mini Bowl Blueprint

https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/the-mini-bowl-blueprint

Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em

https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

Email [email protected] 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.

Over 2,200 dogs. One shelter. One year. Many of them healthy, treatable, or simply misunderstood.
In this urgent episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by trainer and advocate Mattison Skoog-Simpson (Freed By Training) to expose the heartbreaking truth behind the rescue crisis—why good dogs are being euthanized, why the system is failing, and how dog lovers everywhere can be part of the change without burning out.

In this episode:

• Learn why shelters are overwhelmed—and how behavior issues and underfunding play a role

• Understand the emotional toll on rescue workers and volunteers—and how to protect your own mental health

• Discover how small acts of advocacy, time, or skill-sharing can create real, lasting impact

Press play to uncover what’s really happening inside shelters—and how your voice, time, and compassion can help save good dogs from being lost to a broken system.

Guest Info:

This Episode is Proudly Sponsored By PetMatRx

Use code FITZ20, and save! https://petmatrx.com/?ref=tdwafm

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

What if your dog—safe, loved, and trained—suddenly became illegal just because of how he looked?
In this raw and emotional episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em speaks with Charleigh and Nichola, two advocates on the front lines of the UK’s XL Bully ban. As families are forced to choose between surrender, euthanasia, or legal action, we unpack the real-life cost of breed-specific laws—and why science, behavior, and context matter more than appearance.

In this Episode:

• Hear firsthand what it’s like to live under breed-specific legislation and fight to save your dog

• Learn why BSL fails to address actual behavior issues, public safety, or responsible dog ownership

• Understand how fear-based policies affect rescue dogs, shelters, and the mental health of dog parents everywhere

Press play to learn how breed bans are hurting good dogs—and what you can do to support science-based advocacy and protect families like Charleigh’s.

Guest InfoFollow Charleigh: @charleigh_413
Follow Enzo & Nichola: @enzo_and_nicky
TikTok: @longislandicetea5 + @enzo_and_nicky

Resources
UK Gov: XL Bully Ban News
Official Definition of an XL Bully
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
Support the Fight – GoFundMe

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Dog

https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/the-messy-middle-getting-unstuck-with-your-big-feeling-dog

Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em

https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

Email [email protected] 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.

Still being told to “be the alpha” or “show your dog who’s boss”? That advice is not only outdated—it can damage your bond.
In this eye-opening episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by certified trainer Lauren from Sit Stay Stella to break down the lasting influence of dominance theory in dog training. They unpack where this myth came from, why it’s stuck around, and how modern, science-based approaches can help your dog learn through trust—not fear.

In this Episode:

• Learn what dominance-based training really is and how it shows up in viral content

• Understand the psychology of how dogs actually learn—and why force-free works

• Get actionable tips for spotting red flags and choosing training methods that build confidence, not confusion

Press play to finally cut through the noise and learn how to build lasting behavior through partnership, not power struggles.

Guest Info:

Learn more about Lauren: sitstaystella.com
Follow Lauren: @sitstaystella_ on Instagram

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Dog

https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/the-messy-middle-getting-unstuck-with-your-big-feeling-dog

Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em

https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

Email [email protected] 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.

Sick of being told you’re doing it wrong—even when you’re doing your best for your dog?

In this honest, no-BS first episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, dog trainer and former vet tech Emily Breslin shares how burnout, compassion fatigue, and raising a reactive dog led her to build something the dog world desperately needs: a space for real conversations, emotional support, and practical advice—without the shame. Alongside producer Josh, Em shares why this podcast exists and who it’s here to serve.

In This Episode:

• Hear the story behind the podcast and how it grew from burnout into advocacy

• Learn what makes Straight Up Dog Talk different from other training shows

• Get a sneak peek at future episodes covering grief, behavior, nutrition, enrichment, and trust—always with honesty at the core

Press play to join a community that’s done with judgment—and ready to build something real, one episode at a time.

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Straight Up Dog Talk launches Jan 3, 2024! In this teaser, Em + unPACKed Podcast share big news, Season 1 sneak peeks, and what’s coming next.

🎉 Straight Up Dog Talk is almost here—and in this final teaser, we’ve got a BIG announcement!

Em sits down with Mattison and Jerri from the unPACKed Podcast to share what’s coming in Season 1 (launching January 3, 2024). Whether you’ve been following along or just found us, this teaser gives you a behind-the-scenes peek into the conversations, community, and stories you can expect.

💡 In this teaser, you’ll hear:

• A major behind-the-scenes update

• What Em’s been working on with Mattison and Jerri

• A taste of what’s to come in Season 1

• Why this podcast is about more than just dogs

👉 Hit Follow now so you don’t miss our very first episode!

🎙️ Featured Guests

Mattison & Jerri — unPACKed Podcast

Check them out: unpacked.stream

✨ Stay Connected

🌐 Website: straightupdogtalk.com

📲 Instagram + TikTok: @em_lovesdogs | @straightupdogtalk

💛 Catch up on unPACKed while you wait for Straight Up Dog Talk to release on 01/03/24 (and Season 2 of unPACKed drops 01/04/24!)

🐾 Training & Community Links:

Mattison – Instagram: @freedbytraining

Jerri – Instagram: @sailorjerrithedogtrainer + @tulsapack

#dogpodcastlaunch #unpackedcollab #dogloversunite #podcastteaser #bigfeelingdogs

🐾 Straight Up Dog Talk is more than just a podcast—it’s a safe space for dog lovers, pet parents, and professionals to have the honest, unfiltered conversations the dog world needs.

We’re tackling the tough stuff—behavior, grief, training, nutrition, and everything in between—with compassion, curiosity, and community.

💛 Whether you're navigating life with a big-feeling dog or just want support from people who truly get it, Straight Up Dog Talk is here for you.

🎧 Season 1 premieres January 3rd, 2024
Hit follow so you’re first to know when it drops!

—

Stay Connected:
🌐 Website: straightupdogtalk.com
📲 Instagram + TikTok: @em_lovesdogs + @straightupdogtalk

#dogpodcastcomingsoon #realconversationsfordogpeople #judgmentfreezone #dogsupportcommunity #bigfeelingdogs