The Dog Who Asked for More: Understanding Life With Your Dog Beyond Dog Training and Behavior

When your dog is struggling, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one falling apart.

You try the training.

You research the food.

You add enrichment.

You do everything you’re “supposed” to do.

And somehow… you’re still tired. Still overwhelmed. Still wondering if you’re failing them.

In this episode, Em sits down with licensed therapist and dog guardian Jess Adams, founder of Handlers & Humans, to talk about the part of life with dogs that almost no one addresses: the emotional toll on you.

Together, they explore what it really feels like to live with a sensitive, complicated, or hard dog — the guilt, the grief, the isolation, the tough decisions — and why caring for your own mental health isn’t selfish… it’s necessary.

This conversation isn’t about fixing your dog.

It’s about supporting the human behind the leash.

If you’ve ever felt alone, burned out, or quietly heartbroken while trying to do right by your dog, press play. You deserve support too.

Guest Info:

Learn more: handlersandhumans.com

Instagram: @handlersandhumans

Dog Body Language Quiz

Not sure what your dog’s behavior is communicating?

Take the free quiz and get a resource matched to your results.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/dogbodylanguagequiz

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs?

Book a short call, and we’ll talk through what’s going on.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Support gut health and daily wellness.

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

Email [email protected] to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Have you ever felt like you’re supposed to be doing more for your dog… but you’re already exhausted just getting through the day?

So much of the dog world makes enrichment look complicated or expensive. Fancy toys. Elaborate setups. Hours you don’t actually have. And when your dog is still bouncing off the walls or struggling to settle, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind.

In this episode, Em and Lauren from Sit. Stay. Stella. talk about what enrichment really means in real life. Not perfection. Not Pinterest. Just small, doable ways to meet your dog’s needs using what you already have. Together, they share how simple shifts can support focus, confidence, and calmer behavior—without adding more pressure to your plate.

Press play if you want enrichment to feel lighter, simpler, and finally sustainable for both you and your dog.

Guest Info

Explore Sit. Stay. Stella: sitstaystella.com/contact-us

Free Enrichment Guide: Paws, Brains, and Fun

Start here. This free guide introduces simple, low-pressure enrichment ideas to help your dog feel calmer, more fulfilled, and more connected in everyday life.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmenrichmentebook

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs?

We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together.👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness.

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

Email ⁠[email protected] to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Have you ever noticed that the work you love most… is also the thing that leaves you the most exhausted?

Rescue work can look beautiful from the outside. Saving dogs. Showing up. Doing good. But behind the scenes, it can feel heavy. The late nights. The hard decisions. The ones you couldn’t save. The quiet guilt that says you should always be doing more. Over time, that weight adds up—and a lot of dog lovers end up running on empty without even realizing it.

In this episode, Em and Bridget from Wild Wolfe Pack Treats talk honestly about the emotional side of rescue that rarely gets discussed. They share what burnout and compassion fatigue really feel like, how boundaries protect both people and dogs, and how staying connected to your purpose doesn’t have to mean sacrificing yourself.

Press play if you need a gentle reminder that caring for yourself is part of caring for them.

Sponsored By Wild Wolfe Pack Treats

Instagram: @wildwolfepacktreats

Shop Treats: wildwolfepacktreats.com

(Use code SUDT to save 10% and support dogs in need)

Dog Nutrition Quiz

Not sure if what you’re feeding is actually supporting your dog?

Take the free quiz and get access to the Mini Bowl Blueprint

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/feedingquiz

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together.

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow⁠

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness.

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm⁠

Email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Good — noted, you'll add it yourself.

Locked: Ep 58 — "He Got Asked to Leave a Store Because of the Dog He Was Walking" (pipe to be added by you)

Now the description, pulling from the transcript's real specifics (Rob, Thor, the Home Depot incident, the muzzle/tool stigma conversation):

He got asked to leave a store because of the dog he was walking.

Walking a blocky-headed dog, a bully breed, or any "misunderstood" breed can feel heavier than it should. The stares. The crossed streets. The quiet assumption that something must be wrong, before the dog has even done anything.

In this episode, Em sits down with Rob and Laurel of Mythological Dogs to talk about what breed bias actually looks like in everyday life, including a moment at a Home Depot where Rob was asked to leave simply for having Thor with him. They get into how those assumptions shape training choices, access to safe spaces, and even how tools like muzzles and e-collars get unfairly stigmatized right alongside the dogs themselves.

You'll hear:

• What it's actually like navigating public spaces with a breed people assume is dangerous
• How breed bias shapes real decisions about training tools and safety
• Why meeting the dog in front of you, not the stereotype, changes everything

Press play if you're tired of defending your dog and just want to feel seen, supported, and understood.

Guest Info:

Instagram: @mythologicaldogs

🐾 Help Us Hit the Road

We're raising money to take this podcast on the road — an RV, a microphone, and 20 years of experience coming to you.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/fuelthepodcast

Shop What Em Uses with Fitz & Toby

Enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — all in one place.

👉 thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com

Dog Body Language Quiz

Not sure what your dog's behavior is communicating? Take the free quiz and get a resource matched to your results.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/dogbodylanguagequiz

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? Book a short call, and we'll talk through what's going on.

👉 https://thedogwhoaskedformore.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b

Questions

📧 [email protected]

This podcast explores life with dogs — including dog behavior, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, dog training, and the relationship with your dog. It's for dog parents navigating overwhelm, chronic stress, burnout recovery, and the challenges of life with a dog who asks for more. Episodes cover dog nutrition, canine nutrition, pet nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, dog communication, emotional healing, healing with dogs, self-trust, personal growth, and building a deeper connection with your dog. Whether you're raising a reactive dog, feeling discouraged, or simply trying to better understand your dog and yourself, this podcast helps you create a calmer life together and strengthen the bond that changes both of you. We're now taking this conversation on the road, bringing honest support directly to dog parents across the country.

Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.

Have you ever stood in the supplement aisle for your dog and thought… I just want to know what actually helps?

When your dog is dealing with allergies, low energy, gut issues, or stress, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by powders, chews, and big promises. Everyone says their product is essential. But most pet parents are just looking for something gentle, safe, and truly supportive.

In this episode, Em sits down with Devin from Mush Buddies to talk about functional mushrooms and where they fit into real-life canine nutrition. Together, they explore how ingredients like lion’s mane, reishi, and turkey tail may support immune health, digestion, and overall wellness without adding pressure or complexity. You’ll hear what the research actually says, how to choose high-quality products, and how small, thoughtful additions can complement—not replace—the basics your dog already needs.

Press play if you’re craving clearer, calmer guidance around supplements and want to support your dog’s health with confidence, not guesswork.

Guest Info:

Shop Mush Buddies and More!

Enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — all in one place.

👉 thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com

Dog Nutrition Quiz

Not sure if what you’re feeding is actually supporting your dog?

Take the free quiz and get access to the Mini Bowl Blueprint

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/feedingquiz

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together.

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow⁠

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness.

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm⁠

Email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Have you ever wondered what happens when someone finally gets a real second chance—and a dog is part of it?

For many people inside the prison system, life can feel stuck. For many rescue dogs, the same is true. Both are carrying history. Both are learning how to trust again. And both deserve more than punishment or labels.

In this episode, Em sits down with Zach Skow, founder of Marley’s Mutts and the Pawsitive Change program, to talk about what happens when incarcerated individuals train rescue dogs inside prisons. They share how structure, enrichment, and daily care create responsibility, confidence, and connection—for the dogs and for the people working with them. Zach also opens up about his own journey through addiction, illness, and rebuilding a life with purpose. The result is a conversation about healing, dignity, and what rehabilitation can really look like.

Press play if you need a reminder that growth—and hope—can come from the most unexpected places.

Donate: marleysmutts.org/donate

Dog Body Language Quiz

Not sure what your dog’s behavior is communicating?

Take the free quiz and get a resource matched to your results.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/dogbodylanguagequiz

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs?

Book a short call, and we’ll talk through what’s going on.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Support gut health and daily wellness.

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

Email [email protected] to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

The missing piece in your dog training might not be a method at all.

You've tried the techniques, the tools, the advice from a dozen different places, and you're still second-guessing every choice, carrying guilt and hope and exhaustion all at once. Sometimes what's actually missing isn't a better method. It's someone steady beside you.

In this episode, Em sits down with her first mentor, Sailor Jerry, to reflect on the early days of learning, fumbling, and growing into the trainer she is today, including the time Fitz outsmarted every management fix they tried and Jerry's response was simply "Fitz gets a box with a lid." They talk about how mentorship, friendship, and emotional safety shaped their work far more than any tool or cue ever did.

You'll hear:

• Why the right mentor can matter more than the right method
• How mentorship and friendship shaped two trainers' actual approach to dogs
• Why supporting the human often changes everything for the dog

Press play if you're ready to feel less alone in your journey with your dog.

Guest Info:

Instagram: @tulsapack

Website: tulsapackathletics.com

Why Won't Your Dog Settle?

Not sure if it's overstimulation, boredom, or reactivity? Grab the free download and find out what's actually going on.

👉https://thedogwhoaskedformore.hbportal.co/public/6a83ba6887c0a7052346c6e3

Help Us Hit the Road

We're raising money to take this podcast on the road — an RV, a microphone, and 20 years of experience coming to you.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/fuelthepodcast

Shop What Em Uses with Fitz & Toby

Enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — all in one place.

👉 thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? Book a short call, and we'll talk through what's going on.

👉 https://thedogwhoaskedformore.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b

Questions

📧 [email protected]

This podcast explores life with dogs, dog behavior, dog behavior problems, dog obedience, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training. It's for the dog community navigating overwhelm, guilt, burnout, and self-doubt while struggling to keep up with a dog who asks for more. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, dog communication, emotional healing, self-trust, personal growth, and finding real relief in the connection you have with your dog. Whether you're raising a reactive dog, feeling discouraged, or simply trying to better understand your dog and yourself, this podcast helps you create a calmer life together and strengthen the bond that changes both of you. We're now building to take this conversation on the road, bringing honest support directly to dog parents around the world.

Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.

Have you ever stepped up to foster a dog… and quietly realized you were more alone than you expected to be?

Fostering is supposed to feel supported. Guided. Like someone has your back. But sometimes the system meant to protect these dogs—and the people caring for them—falls short. And when that happens, the emotional weight can feel heavier than anyone talks about.

In this episode, Em and Caitlin share Ruby’s story—a foster dog who needed stability, advocacy, and follow-through, just as the rescue meant to support her went silent. Through honest reflection, they talk about the messy middle of rescue work: the uncertainty, the boundaries, and the quiet courage it takes to keep showing up for a dog when things don’t go as planned. It’s not about blame—it’s about clarity, protection, and doing what’s truly right for the dog in front of you.

Press play if you’ve ever loved a foster deeply and wished someone understood how hard this part can be.

Why Won't Your Dog Settle?

Not sure if it's overstimulation, boredom, or reactivity? Grab the free download and find out what's actually going on.

👉https://thedogwhoaskedformore.hbportal.co/public/6a83ba6887c0a7052346c6e3

Help Us Hit the Road

We're raising money to take this podcast on the road — an RV, a microphone, and 20 years of experience coming to you.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/fuelthepodcast

Shop What Em Uses with Fitz & Toby

Enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — all in one place.

👉 thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? Book a short call, and we'll talk through what's going on.

👉 https://thedogwhoaskedformore.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b

Questions

📧 [email protected]

This podcast explores life with dogs, dog behavior, dog behavior problems, dog obedience, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training. It's for the dog community navigating overwhelm, guilt, burnout, and self-doubt while struggling to keep up with a dog who asks for more. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, dog communication, emotional healing, self-trust, personal growth, and finding real relief in the connection you have with your dog. Whether you're raising a reactive dog, feeling discouraged, or simply trying to better understand your dog and yourself, this podcast helps you create a calmer life together and strengthen the bond that changes both of you. We're now building to take this conversation on the road, bringing honest support directly to dog parents around the world.

Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Have you ever looked at those calm, focused dogs on TV and thought, “Why can’t my dog do that?”

Not because you want perfection—but because everyday life already feels chaotic enough. Walks feel overwhelming. Visitors feel stressful. And sometimes it seems like your dog just can’t handle the world around them.

In this episode, Em sits down with professional trainer Chrissy and her canine actors, The Joy Crew, to talk about what really happens behind the scenes on film sets. Not flashy tricks or rigid obedience—but thoughtful preparation, confidence-building, and enrichment that help dogs stay steady even when everything around them is loud, busy, and unpredictable. The same foundations that help a dog work under studio lights can help your dog feel safer at home, on walks, or out in the world with you.

Press play if you’re ready to see your dog through a new lens—and discover what they’re truly capable of when they feel supported, not pressured.

Guest Info:

Instagram: @thejoycrew

Learn: Tricks with Joy Course

Why Won't Your Dog Settle?

Not sure if it's overstimulation, boredom, or reactivity? Grab the free download and find out what's actually going on.

👉https://thedogwhoaskedformore.hbportal.co/public/6a83ba6887c0a7052346c6e3

Help Us Hit the Road

We're raising money to take this podcast on the road — an RV, a microphone, and 20 years of experience coming to you.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/fuelthepodcast

Shop What Em Uses with Fitz & Toby

Enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — all in one place.

👉 thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? Book a short call, and we'll talk through what's going on.

👉 https://thedogwhoaskedformore.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b

Questions

📧 [email protected]

This podcast explores life with dogs, dog behavior, dog behavior problems, dog obedience, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training. It's for the dog community navigating overwhelm, guilt, burnout, and self-doubt while struggling to keep up with a dog who asks for more. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, dog communication, emotional healing, self-trust, personal growth, and finding real relief in the connection you have with your dog. Whether you're raising a reactive dog, feeling discouraged, or simply trying to better understand your dog and yourself, this podcast helps you create a calmer life together and strengthen the bond that changes both of you. We're now building to take this conversation on the road, bringing honest support directly to dog parents around the world.

Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.

Have you ever thought about bringing a dog home… and felt quietly terrified of making the wrong choice?

You want to do the right thing. You care about rescue. You care about ethics. But the internet is loud, opinions are harsh, and every path seems to come with guilt attached. Adopt, don’t shop. Shop, but only responsibly. Trust this breeder. Don’t trust any breeder. It’s confusing—and when shelters are full while puppy ads are everywhere, it can feel impossible to know who to believe.

In this episode, Em sits down with Ashley from Flag the Breeders for a grounded, honest conversation about what’s really happening behind backyard breeding, puppy mills, and the shelter crisis. Together, they walk through how to recognize red flags, what ethical acquisition actually means, and how small, informed choices can protect both your future dog and the larger rescue community—without shame or pressure.

Press play if you want your decision to feel thoughtful, steady, and rooted in compassion—not fear.

Guest Info:

Instagram: @flagthebreeders

Dog Body Language Quiz

Not sure what your dog’s behavior is communicating?

Take the free quiz and get a resource matched to your results.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/dogbodylanguagequiz

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs?

Book a short call, and we’ll talk through what’s going on.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Support gut health and daily wellness.

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

Email [email protected] to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛