Straight Up Dog Talk is a judgment-free podcast for dog lovers who want real talk about training, nutrition, behavior, grief, and the big feelings dogs bring. Hosted by Em—a retired vet tech, trainer, and canine nutritionist—each episode dives into raw, honest conversations you won’t find in a Google search. Walk away with tools, mindset shifts, and a deeper understanding of your dog—and yourself. Come for the insight, stay for the heart. Join the movement.
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Why I Started This Podcast A Story About Reactivity, Regret & Doing It Differently
10:42
10:42
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10:42This one’s personal. In 2019, I made a decision I thought would help my dog Fitz—something I believed would make his reactivity better. But instead, it changed both of our lives in ways I never saw coming. This episode isn’t about chaos. It’s about what came after—the guilt, the overwhelm, and the quiet belief that I had somehow failed my dog. That…
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Building a Kinder Dog Walking Community with Laura from Curious Snoots
42:34
42:34
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42:34🐾 What if your daily dog walk could help build a kinder, safer community? In this episode, Em chats with Laura—professional dog walker and creator behind Curious Snoots—about how thoughtful walking practices and mutual respect between pet guardians can transform neighborhoods. 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: Why how we show up on walks matters How…
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Exploring Dog Sports, Behavior & Enrichment with Katherine McGuire
1:00:32
1:00:32
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1:00:32🐾 Ever wondered what it takes to get started in dog sports—or how they benefit your dog’s mind and body? In this fun and educational episode, Em chats with @katherinek9trainer, a multi-certified trainer and behaviorist, about agility, rally, enrichment, behavior, and why doing things differently matters. 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: How dog s…
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Saying Goodbye with Grace – End-of-Life Care with Dr. Benson & Courtney from Paws Into Grace
42:40
42:40
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42:40💛 Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. In this deeply heartfelt episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Dr. Benson and Courtney from Paws Into Grace to explore how we can provide comfort, dignity, and love during our pets' final chapter. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: What in-home end-of-life care looks like and why it m…
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Trainer Life: Hilarious & Honest Moments with The Dreaded Trainer
54:27
54:27
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54:27🐶 Ever wondered what life as a dog trainer is really like? In this fun and unfiltered episode, Em hangs out with Zoë from The Dreaded Trainer to talk about the highs, lows, and downright hilarious moments of working in the dog world. 🎙️ What’s in this episode? ✔️ Relatable stories about their own dogs 🐾 ✔️ The unexpected (and often ridiculous) real…
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Small Rescue, Big Impact – Inside Dogs Forever with Crystal
43:53
43:53
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43:53🐶 What does it really take to run a rescue? In this episode, Em sits down with Crystal from Dogs Forever Rescue, a local organization doing BIG things for the community while raising awareness around responsible adoption and fostering. 💡 Em and Crystal talk through the realities of rescue work—from burnout and big wins to the heart behind every fos…
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Rescue, Black Dog Awareness & Lessons from a Sassy Pup with Kate and Rick Ross the Boss Dawg
58:03
58:03
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58:03🐾 Did you know black dogs are often overlooked in shelters? In this fun and heartfelt episode, Em chats with Kate—dog mom to Rick Ross the Boss Dawg—about Black Dog Syndrome, rescue life, training, and the many lessons sassy dogs can teach us. 💡 Kate shares the joys and challenges of working in rescue, how the work fills her cup, and why it’s so im…
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Seeing the World Differently – Charlie Gets Glasses with Elizabeth & Charlie
37:48
37:48
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37:48🐶👓 What if a tiny pair of glasses could change your dog’s life? In this episode, Em chats with Elizabeth, author of Charlie Gets Glasses, to share the incredible story of Charlie—a senior dog whose UV-protective glasses helped him navigate cataracts and see the world in a new way. 💡 What started as a playful idea turned into something much bigger. …
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Trick Training Made Fun & Safe with Krista from HeelerPoint
50:53
50:53
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50:53🐾 Want to teach your dog fun tricks at home? In this episode, Em is joined by Krista from HeelerPoint to talk all things trick training—from timing and reinforcement to safety and fun. Whether you’re working on basic skills or flashy moves, this episode is full of encouragement and actionable tips. 💡 Krista shares her experience training her dogs, …
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Know Your State’s Dog Laws with Lauren from Choose Wisely Training
36:19
36:19
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36:19⚖️ Do you actually know your state’s dog laws? Many pet parents don’t—and some of these laws are outdated, heartbreaking, or even dangerous for the dogs we love. In this must-listen episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by Lauren from Choose Wisely Training to unpack the legal landscape that affects dogs across the U.S. 💡 In this episode, y…
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The Truth About Carbs, Canine Obesity, and Nutrition with Daniel from Keto Natural Dog Food
1:10:08
1:10:08
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1:10:08🐶 Are carbs silently impacting your dog’s health? In this eye-opening episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Daniel Schulof—author of Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma and founder of Keto Natural Dog Food—to dig into the real science behind canine obesity and the role carbohydrates play in your dog’s diet. 💡 You’ll learn: How nutrition and meta…
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The Power of Reiki for Pets with Tatiana from Howling OM
42:42
42:42
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42:42✨ Curious about how Reiki can support your pet’s physical, emotional, and energetic well-being? In this calming and insightful episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em chats with Tatiana from Howling OM to explore the healing power of Reiki for both pets and their humans. 💛 Em and Tatiana—both Reiki Masters—share: How energy healing can support animals …
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Stylish Dog Gear & Small Business Love with Dainty Paws
38:20
38:20
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38:20🎀 Want to keep your pet stylish and support a small business? In this fun and inspiring episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em chats with Diana—the creative force behind Dainty Paws, a brand known for its playful and fashionable pet accessories. 💡 In this episode: How Dainty Paws got started and what makes it unique The ups and downs of running a smal…
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Anticipatory Loss & Navigating Pet Loss Grief with Beth Bigler (Part 2)
54:11
54:11
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54:11💛 How do you prepare your heart for the goodbye you know is coming? In this deeply moving follow-up episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Beth Bigler from Honoring Our Animals to talk about anticipatory loss, pet grief, and the emotional journey of loving a pet through their final chapter. 💡 In this episode: What anticipatory grief loo…
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Dog Nutrition and The Cocoa Mega Effect with Jaron Lukas, Founder of YumWoof
37:40
37:40
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37:40🐾 Curious about optimizing your dog’s health through better nutrition? In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Jaron Lukas, founder of YumWoof and author of The Cocoa Mega Effect, to explore the science behind canine nutrition and wellness. 💡 You’ll learn: Why fresh, minimally processed food matters Key takeaways from Jaron’s boo…
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Canine Nutrition Essentials with Nelly from The Combine Dog
1:10:11
1:10:11
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1:10:11🍴 Curious about how your dog’s diet and supplements impact their health? In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by certified canine nutritionist Nelly from The Combine Dog to break down the essentials of canine nutrition. 💡 You’ll learn: How to build a more balanced bowl Key tips for selecting supplements What to look for in your dog…
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Turning Passion Into Profit – Social Media Tips with Sarah from Zero Highway
39:54
39:54
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39:54🐾 Ever wondered how to turn your pet’s Instagram account into a profitable platform? This week on Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Sarah from Zero Highway to talk content creation, strategy, and what it really takes to grow your pet’s online presence. Whether you're just starting out or ready to level up, Sarah shares: How she turned her lov…
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Training a Service Dog – Haylee’s Journey and Lessons Learned
44:55
44:55
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44:55🐕🦺 Ever wondered what it’s really like to train your own service dog? This week on Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by Haylee, who shares the highs and lows of training her service dog from puppyhood. In this open and honest conversation, Haylee breaks down: The biggest challenges of training a service dog solo Misconceptions about service anima…
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The Human Side of the Dog-Human Bond with Jess from Handlers & Humans
54:55
54:55
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54:55🐾 Ever felt alone navigating life with a complex dog? You’re not. This episode dives deep into the emotional toll and powerful growth that comes from the human-canine connection. This week on Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by Jess from Handlers & Humans to discuss the human side of training—mental health, emotional capacity, and what it really …
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Everyday Enrichment Made Simple with Lauren from Sit. Stay. Stella
47:22
47:22
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47:22🐾 Looking for easy, affordable, and space-friendly ways to enrich your dog’s daily life? This week on Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by Lauren from Sit. Stay. Stella to share realistic enrichment tips for everyday pet parents. Whether you live in a small space or have a tight budget, this conversation proves that enrichment doesn’t have to be e…
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Rescues, Realities, and Self-Care with Bridget from Wild Wolfe Pack Treats
50:50
50:50
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50:50🐾 The rescue world can be as heartbreaking as it is rewarding. This week on Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Bridget from Wild Wolfe Pack Treats to talk about the raw truths behind rescue work—overpopulation, tough decisions, and the emotional cost of caring deeply. ✨ In this episode, we explore: What no one tells you about animal rescue Why…
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Kindness Over Judgment – Tackling Breed Discrimination and Breaking Stigmas with Rob and Laurel
41:58
41:58
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41:58🐾 Ever felt judged for the dog you love—or for who you are? This week on Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by Rob and Laurel for a raw and meaningful conversation about breed discrimination, human judgment, and the deep-rooted stigmas in the dog world. ✨ In this episode, we unpack: The reality of living with misunderstood breeds How human stereoty…
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Unlocking the Power of Mushrooms for Your Dog’s Health with Devin from Mush Buddies
38:31
38:31
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38:31🍄 Ever wondered if mushrooms could help your dog thrive? In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Devin, the founder of Mush Buddies—a small business on a big mission to improve canine wellness with functional mushroom supplements. From immune support to anti-inflammatory benefits, Devin shares how specific mushroom blends can tra…
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Second Chances with Zach Skow of Marley's Mutts and the Pawsitive Change Program
39:20
39:20
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39:20🌟 What if second chances could save lives—on both ends of the leash? In this powerful episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Zach Skow, founder of Marley’s Mutts and the transformative Pawsitive Change Program. From surviving end-stage liver disease to building one of the most impactful prison dog programs in the country, Zach shares ho…
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From Mentor to Friend — A Journey with Sailor Jerri
1:07:24
1:07:24
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1:07:24🌟 What happens when your first dog training mentor becomes your closest friend? In this deeply personal episode, Em reconnects with Sailor Jerri, the trainer who helped her find her footing—and her voice—in the dog world. 🎧 Inside this episode: How Em and Jerri’s relationship evolved from mentor-mentee to friends The hard but honest lessons they’ve…
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