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 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.