Is your dog still struggling with anxiety or reactivity—even after training, enrichment, or structured routines?
In this science-backed episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em talks with Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and founder of Insightful Animals, to explore the medical and emotional root causes of behavior challenges. If you’ve ever felt like you're doing everything “right” but your dog is still anxious, reactive, or overwhelmed, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• Learn what veterinary behaviorists do—and how they support dogs beyond traditional training

• Discover how nutrition, enrichment, and medication can work together to improve behavior

• Understand the emotional side of behavior and when to seek expert support for anxiety or trauma

Press play to gain compassionate, science-based tools to better support your dog’s reactivity, behavior, and emotional well-being—especially when training alone isn’t enough.

Guest Info:

Learn more about dog behavior: insightfulanimals.com

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

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This episode is sponsored by PetMatRx

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

This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.