What if your dog could do more than bark or sit—what if they could talk?

In this mind-expanding episode, Em sits down with Molissa, dog parent to Tilda the Talking Dog, to explore the world of button training and canine communication. From simple cues to emotional expression, their journey challenges everything we think we know about how dogs learn, feel, and connect with us.

In this episode:

• Learn how to introduce your dog to button communication using positive training

• Understand the cognitive enrichment that happens when dogs are empowered to “speak”

• Get real insights into what’s hype—and what’s truly transformational—about the “talking dog” movement

Press play to discover how button training could unlock a deeper, richer bond with your dog—and reveal just how much they’ve been trying to tell you all along.

Use code Tilda at FluentPet.com to save on button kits.

This episode is sponsored by PetMatRx!

Looking to BOOST your pet’s daily meal? Try PetMatRx supplements, use code FITZ20, and save! https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

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://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

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 constantly explaining or apologizing for your reactive dog?

Whether it’s family pushing boundaries, strangers giving unsolicited advice, or that constant pressure to be polite—many reactive dog parents feel stuck between protecting their dog and pleasing others. In this empowering episode, Em shares the moment she stopped asking for permission—and started showing up as her dog’s advocate, with confidence and clarity.

In this episode:

• Learn real-world advocacy scripts to use with family, strangers, or even professionals

• Understand how saying “no” can deepen your training results and your dog’s trust

• Shift out of shame and into calm, confident leadership—even when others don’t “get it”

Press play and reclaim your right to advocate for your dog—without guilt, shame, or over-explaining.

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://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

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.

Can you really train your dog effectively—without punishment, dominance, or fear?

In this science-rich episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em and expert trainer Annie Grossman explore the truth about clicker training and positive reinforcement. Whether you're a first-timer or ready to leave outdated methods behind, this conversation will reshape your understanding of how dogs actually learn—and why trust-based methods work faster and better than old-school dominance techniques.

In this episode:

• Learn how clicker training builds behavior fluency and clarity

• Understand why positive reinforcement changes your dog’s brain and confidence

• Discover how to use emotionally supportive training tools that strengthen trust, not fear

Press play to upgrade your training toolbox with strategies that are humane, effective, and built on science—not shame.

Check out How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science by Annie Grossman

https://www.schoolforthedogs.com/book

Bonus: Annie references a video clip—watch it here for context: https://youtu.be/jgDzy8y7jDM

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 constantly explaining or apologizing for your reactive dog?

Whether it’s family pushing boundaries, strangers giving unsolicited advice, or that constant pressure to be polite—many reactive dog parents feel stuck between protecting their dog and pleasing others. In this empowering episode, Em shares the moment she stopped asking for permission—and started showing up as her dog’s advocate, with confidence and clarity.

You'll Learn:

• Learn real-world advocacy scripts to use with family, strangers, or even professionals

• Understand how saying “no” can deepen your training results and your dog’s trust

• Shift out of shame and into calm, confident leadership—even when others don’t “get it”

Press play and reclaim your right to advocate for your dog—without guilt, shame, or over-explaining.

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 biggest difference in a shelter dog’s life wasn’t a foster home—but a flight?

In this inspiring episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Michael Schneider, founder of Pilots to the Rescue, to celebrate a decade of saving animals through aviation. Learn how small planes, big hearts, and fast action are helping at-risk dogs escape high-kill shelters and reach safe, enriched futures with families who truly see them.

In this episode:

• Hear how rescue flights are coordinated, funded, and flown across the U.S.

• Learn the emotional reality of rescue transport and what dogs go through on their journey to safety

• Discover how anyone—not just pilots—can be part of this powerful movement

Press play for an uplifting look at what happens when passion meets purpose—and how one flight can mean the difference between despair and a forever home.

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners

https://tinyurl.com/fearfreetdwafm

Are you stuck in a cycle of reactivity, walk pressure, and training overwhelm?

You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong. In this vulnerable solo episode, Em shares the three most important things she wished she knew before training her own reactive dog, Fitz. This is about more than cues and commands—it’s about mindset, emotional regulation, and redefining progress on your own terms.

In this episode:

• Understand why daily walks and strict routines might be worsening your dog’s reactivity

• Learn how emotional regulation and enrichment create real, lasting change

• Find permission to let go of perfection and trust a slower, more compassionate training path

Press play to break the cycle of burnout—and discover what your reactive dog really needs from you to grow, regulate, and feel safe.

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.

What would you do if your dog bolted—and your GPS collar failed?

Most pet parents assume their dog’s GPS tracker will keep them safe. But when you're off-grid, in the woods, or dealing with a reactive dog in full flight mode, those devices often fail when you need them most. In this episode, Em sits down with David from SATELLAI, a tech solution built specifically for the worst-case scenarios most collars can’t handle.

In this episode:

• Learn how satellite-powered tracking + AI gives you true 24/7 peace of mind

• Understand why off-leash training, recall, and adventure safety need more than just Bluetooth or 4G

• Hear how SATELLAI helps reactive, escape-prone, or high-energy dogs stay safer in the real world

Press play to explore the next generation of dog safety—and finally feel confident your dog is protected, wherever your training takes you.

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

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.

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 💛.

You followed the rules. Used the tools. Did the training. So why does your dog still feel overwhelmed—and why do you?

In this powerful solo episode, Em shares the pivotal moment she took off her dog’s E-collar—and started listening instead of controlling. After months of obedience-focused training, real progress didn’t come through structure—it came through presence, trust, and emotional regulation. This episode challenges the pressure to "perform" and invites you to reimagine what progress really looks like with a reactive dog.

In this episode:

• Learn how strict obedience training can unintentionally amplify reactivity

• Discover what helped Em and Fitz finally feel safe, connected, and calm

• Understand how enrichment and regulation can often do more than tools ever could

Press play for a grounded, honest reframe of reactive dog training—one that centers emotional safety over performance, and connection over control.

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 wonder how the dog food, supplements, and enrichment tools you buy actually make it to the shelf?

In this behind-the-scenes episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em takes you inside SuperZoo, the largest pet industry trade show in North America. From shiny new products to quiet value-driven conversations, this episode reveals what most dog parents don’t get to see: how brands pitch, what gets funded, and what you should look for as a conscious pet consumer.

In this episode:

• Hear how Em evaluates dog food, supplements, and enrichment tools for quality and alignment

• Learn why transparency and brand values matter more than influencer buzzwords

• Get inspired to be a more confident, educated consumer—without falling for the hype

Press play to step into the future of pet wellness and make smarter, more intentional choices for your dog’s nutrition, health, and happiness.

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.

Think your reactive dog is being “disobedient”? What if they’re just trying to communicate?

In this emotionally rich episode, Em is joined by her client-turned-friend Cobia to share the behind-the-scenes journey of Majic, a reactive dog who shifted everything Cobia thought she knew about training, progress, and parenting. This episode is a reminder that reactivity isn’t a problem to solve—it’s a relationship asking to be rebuilt.

In this episode:

• Learn why reactivity is often a communication breakdown, not a training failure

• Hear how regulation, enrichment, and slowing down created space for real healing

• Discover how Cobia transformed shame into confidence and connection

Press play for a grounded, hopeful reframe of the reactive dog journey—one that prioritizes trust, emotional wellness, and training that meets your dog where they are.

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.