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Press play to release outdated rules and start building a calmer, more connected life with your dog—one that works for both of you, not just what social media says.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

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Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em

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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.