Is your dog still itching, stinking, or acting off—even after regular baths?

Most dog parents don’t realize that frequent bathing can actually make things worse. Overbathing disrupts your dog’s skin barrier, triggering inflammation, behavioral issues, and even gut health problems.

In this episode:

• Learn the hidden signs of skin imbalance often mistaken for "bad behavior"

• Discover a low-stress, holistic skin care routine that supports full-body wellness

• Get expert-backed product recommendations for sensitive, anxious, or reactive dogs

Hit play to learn how less bathing—and smarter care—can help your dog feel and behave better from the inside out.

Special Offer:
Use code EMILY15 to save 15% on your order at DOG by Dr. Lisa — Em’s go-to for gentle, effective skin care products.

https://us.dogbydrlisa.com/pages/dog-suppplies

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Doghttps://tinyurl.com/messymiddletdwafm

Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em

https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

Email [email protected] to get in touch with Em

Join the Communityhttps://tinyurl.com/tdwafmslack

This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training through the lens of a canine nutritionist, dog coach, and retired vet tech—diving into reactivity, dog obedience, dog health, dog food, dog habits, dog lifestyle, canine enrichment, pet enrichment, dog myths, and what it actually takes to support reactive dogs safely and calmly. Whether you’re a dog mom navigating reactivity, building the human–dog bond, choosing dog products, or just trying to create a calmer dog life with your canine, you’ll find grounded strategies to build trust, improve dog behavior, and help your dog feel safe, understood, and supported.

Affiliate Disclosure:
This episode includes affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Em may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Supporting partner brands helps keep this podcast free and accessible.

Can’t get your dog out for a walk—but they’re still bouncing off the walls?
You’re not alone. For many reactive, anxious, or high-energy dogs, traditional exercise isn’t always possible—or even helpful. In this solo episode, Em shares 7 indoor enrichment games built for real-life, emotional regulation, and nervous system support.

In this episode:

• Get 7 practical games that help your dog burn energy without overstimulation

• Learn why stillness and sniffing might help more than fetch or running

• Discover how to meet your dog’s behavioral needs—without draining yourself in the process

Press play to discover calming enrichment tools for the hard days, rainy days, and everything in between.

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of Paws, Brains, and Fun Enrichment ebookhttps://tinyurl.com/enrichmenttdwafm

Book FREE 15-minute call with Emhttps://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=straightupdogtalk

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.

There’s so much pressure to “move on” after losing a pet.
But real grief doesn’t follow a timeline—and it doesn’t need to be fixed.

In this heart-centered episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by Anne-Marie Farage-Smith, grief educator and author of Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss. Together, they explore the complex and often misunderstood world of pet loss grief—including anticipatory, disenfranchised, and complicated grief. If you’ve ever felt like your sadness was “too much” or unsupported, this conversation will validate your pain and offer a more compassionate path forward.

You’ll learn:
• Why pet loss grief is so intense—and why society often misses the mark
• How to identify the type of grief you’re experiencing
• Small but powerful ways to honor your pet’s memory without “moving on”

This episode is a safe space for anyone in the thick of pet loss—or walking alongside someone who is.
Press play for grounded, gentle insight—and learn how to move forward with your pet’s memory, not away from it.

Guest Info:

Website: farage-smith.com

Book: Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

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

https://tinyurl.com/messymiddletdwafm

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://tinyurl.com/tdwafmslack

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.

You’ve followed the rules, tried the tools, and still feel stuck with your dog. Sound familiar?
In this myth-busting episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em unpacks 10 outdated dog training “truths” that may be doing more harm than good. From dominance-based techniques to rigid obedience expectations, you’ll learn why some of the most common advice might be keeping both you and your dog from real progress.

You'll Learn:

• Identify which dog training myths are stalling your growth and confidence

• Learn why obedience ≠ regulation or trust—and what actually creates calm, connected behavior

• Discover how to rebuild your training approach so it works for your dog, not someone else’s rulebook

Press play to shift your mindset, drop the myths, and start making training progress rooted in clarity, compassion, and real connection.

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners

https://tinyurl.com/fearfreetdwafm

Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em

https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

Email [email protected] to get in touch with Em

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.

Is your dog still bouncing off the walls after walks—or ripping through puzzle toys with zero chill?
Most enrichment toys are marketed as magic solutions—but for many dogs, they’re either too simple, too repetitive, or used in isolation. In this episode, Em teams up with Aina from Pawzler to unpack a smarter approach: enrichment stacking—a way to combine different activities to help dogs regulate their energy and behavior more effectively.

You'll Learn:

• Understand why modular puzzles outperform traditional toys in engagement and mental stimulation

• Learn how to scale enrichment difficulty to reduce boredom and frustration

• • Discover a real-world enrichment stacking sequence (play → puzzle → chew) that helps calm overstimulated or anxious dogs
    

  Press play to stop guessing and start building a daily enrichment routine that leaves your dog calm, confident, and fully satisfied—without relying on endless walks or toy clutter.

Explore Pawzler puzzles: https://us.pawzler.com (Use code SUDT10 for 10% off)

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of Paws, Brains, and Fun Enrichment eBook

https://tinyurl.com/enrichmenttdwafm

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 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.

Feel like you're doing everything right but still burning out behind the scenes?

In this raw, solo episode, Em shares the emotional truth most dog trainers and pet parents never talk about: the exhaustion, the overwhelm, and the pressure to keep showing up when everything feels too heavy. From the dream of RV life to the real struggles behind the mic, this isn’t a highlight reel—it’s a lifeline for anyone feeling emotionally stretched.

You'll Learn:

• Hear what burnout really looked like behind the growth of Straight Up Dog Talk

• Learn why the RV story became a metaphor for belief, loss, and starting over

• • Get validation if you're in the “messy middle” of dog training, parenting, or building something that matters
    

  Press play for a grounded, honest conversation that reminds you—you’re not behind, you’re just human. And your dog (and your vision) are still worth it.

  
  

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

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

https://tinyurl.com/messymiddletdwafm

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://tinyurl.com/tdwafmslack

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.

Did you know that—legally—your pet is still considered property?

That outdated legal status isn’t just offensive—it’s dangerous. It affects everything from shelter euthanasia policies to divorce custody disputes and rehoming decisions. In this powerful episode, Em sits down with animal law expert Suzana Gartner to uncover the root legal issue holding back progress—and what her A-CAP framework offers as a new path forward.

In this episode:

• Learn how “property” status directly impacts shelter outcomes and animal welfare policy

• Hear how Suzana’s A-CAP philosophy is building legal models based on compassion, agency, and protection

• Discover real ways everyday dog parents can contribute to meaningful change—from education to advocacy

Press play to understand the hidden legal systems affecting the animals you love—and how to help shift the status quo from property to partnership.

Learn more and take action: suzanagartner.com

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners

https://tinyurl.com/fearfreetdwafm

Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em

https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

Email [email protected] to get in touch with Em

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.

What if the one thing you’re told every dog needs—daily walks—is actually keeping your dog stuck?

If your reactive, anxious, or overstimulated dog seems worse after walks—not better—you’re not failing them. You might just be following a model that doesn’t fit their nervous system. In this honest solo episode, Em shares why she stopped forcing daily walks with Fitz—and how that shift finally created the calm, connected progress she’d been chasing for years.

In this episode:

• Learn how to tell the difference between dysregulation and true high energy

• Discover practical, sustainable walk-free enrichment alternatives

• Understand how to regulate your dog’s nervous system—and your own—without guilt or pressure

Press play to release outdated rules and start building a calmer, more connected life with your dog—one that works for both of you, not just what social media says.

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners

https://tinyurl.com/fearfreetdwafm

Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em

https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

Email [email protected] to get in touch with Em

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.

What if the most powerful dog training lessons came from the last place you’d expect—inside a prison?

In this deeply moving episode, Em sits down with Mattison Skoog-Simpson, founder of Freed By Training, to share what she learned from working inside a prison dog program. This is about more than obedience—it’s about building trust, emotional healing, and training that meets both dogs and humans with compassion and grace.

In this episode:

• Learn how prison dog programs foster trust-based training for lasting results

• Discover why connection > control in both reactive dog parenting and self-leadership

• Get inspired to shift from shame or guilt into partnership, empathy, and emotional healing

Press play to explore a powerful reframe on dog training—one rooted in second chances, slower timelines, and deeper trust.

👉 Connect with Mattison + get free resources:

Instagram: @freedbytraining

Website: freedbytraining.co

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners

https://tinyurl.com/fearfreetdwafm

Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em

https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

Email [email protected] to get in touch with Em

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.

Ever feel like you're giving everything to your dog, your dreams, your life—and still coming up empty?

You’re not alone. Burnout hits hard when you're balancing dog parenting, purpose, and pressure to keep it all together. In this honest solo episode, Em opens up about the quiet breakdowns behind the brand, and what it’s really like to keep showing up when you’re not sure how much longer you can.

In this episode:

• Hear what success actually looks like behind the scenes of a dog-centered business

• Learn how burnout affects your ability to train, connect, and support your dog

• Get a grounded reframe on what progress, purpose, and dog parenting really mean in the messy middle

Press play to feel seen, supported, and reminded that you—and your dog—deserve compassion, not perfection.

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners

https://tinyurl.com/fearfreetdwafm

Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em

https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

Email [email protected] to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training through the lens of a canine nutritionist, dog coach, and retired vet tech—diving into reactivity, dog obedience, dog health, dog food, dog habits, dog lifestyle, canine enrichment, pet enrichment, dog myths, and what it actually takes to support reactive dogs safely and calmly. Whether you’re a dog mom navigating reactivity, building the human–dog bond, choosing dog products, or just trying to create a calmer dog life with your canine, you’ll find grounded strategies to build trust, improve dog behavior, and help your dog feel safe, understood, and supported.