Think highly trained dogs are immune to stress and pressure? Think again.In this powerful behind-the-scenes conversation, Em sits down with Sara Carson, America’s Got Talent finalist and founder of The Super Collies, to explore the real emotional landscape behind trick training, performance, and spotlight success. From trust-building to emotional regulation, they unpack what happens when training gets tied to perfection—and how to build a more compassionate connection instead.In this episode:- Discover how high-pressure environments affect dog training and behavior- Learn why trust and emotional enrichment are key to long-term performance and wellbeing- Hear candid insights from a top-tier trainer about what really matters in a dog’s developmentPress play to go beyond the tricks and titles—and discover what it truly takes to train with joy, presence, and partnership.

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

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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.