Are you stuck in a cycle of reactivity, walk pressure, and training overwhelm?

You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong. In this vulnerable solo episode, Em shares the three most important things she wished she knew before training her own reactive dog, Fitz. This is about more than cues and commands—it’s about mindset, emotional regulation, and redefining progress on your own terms.

In this episode:

• Understand why daily walks and strict routines might be worsening your dog’s reactivity

• Learn how emotional regulation and enrichment create real, lasting change

• Find permission to let go of perfection and trust a slower, more compassionate training path

Press play to break the cycle of burnout—and discover what your reactive dog really needs from you to grow, regulate, and feel safe.

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 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.