What if your fully trained service dog—and your legal rights—still weren’t enough to protect you from public judgment or denial?
In this deeply honest episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by Haylee, a disabled handler who shares her journey of training her own service dog while navigating the emotional toll of public access discrimination. From invisible disability stigma to the realities of legal loopholes, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the work still needed to support the disability and service dog community.

You'll Learn:

• Learn what it’s really like to train a service dog from scratch—including task work and public access prep

• Understand why medical necessity letters and ADA protections don’t always prevent judgment or denial

• Hear how handlers can educate others, find community, and advocate for their rights while protecting their mental health

Press play to hear the story behind the leash—and gain a deeper understanding of what service dog handlers truly face every day.

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Use code FITZ20, and save! https://petmatrx.com/?ref=tdwafm

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 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.