Straight Up Dog Talk: Support for Reactivity, Dog Food & Burnout — Training, Nutrition & Enrichment

Emily Breslin | Dog Training, Behavior, and Nutrition Coach
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Is your dog’s reactivity, barking, or behavior struggles running your life? Straight Up Dog Talk helps overwhelmed dog parents turn chaos into calm, support anxious and reactive dogs, and finally enjoy life together—through training, dog nutrition, enrichment & real wellness. 🎧 Learn how to: • Turn your chaotic dog into a calm companion • Use simple, proven tips to ease reactivity & barking • Build trust & a stronger bond Hosted by Em—a dog trainer & canine nutritionist who turned her own struggles with a reactive dog into a mission to help others. You & your dog deserve this. Hit play.

  1. 22 HR AGO

    Stop Bathing Your Dog So Much—Here’s What to Do Instead for Skin & Gut Health

    Does your dog still itch, stink, or seem irritated—even though you’re giving them regular baths?You’re not alone. Many dog parents are unknowingly overbathing their dogs, disrupting the natural skin barrier—and triggering everything from chronic odor and itching to anxiety, behavioral shifts, and even gut health issues. You'll learn: Learn to identify early skin imbalance signs that often get mistaken for disobedience or bad behavior Discover a vet-backed, holistic dog skin care approach designed to reduce stress and support your dog’s overall wellness Find out which products actually work for sensitive, reactive, or anxious dogs—and how to use them without overwhelming your routineTune in now to discover how a smarter skin care routine can help your dog feel better inside and out—without adding stress for either of you. Special Offer:Use code EMILY15 to save 15% on your order at DOG by Dr. Lisa — Em’s go-to for gentle, effective skin care products. https://us.dogbydrlisa.com/pages/dog-suppplies Straight Up Dog Talk Extras: Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Dog https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/the-messy-middle-getting-unstuck-with-your-big-feeling-dog Book FREE 15-minute call with Em https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em Join the Community https://join.slack.com/t/thedogwhoaskedformore/shared_invite/zt-305kdyab7-y6eTWjbAeSwHItNmloLQUA 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. Affiliate Disclosure:This episode includes affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Em may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Supporting partner brands helps keep this podcast free and accessible.

    46 min

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    7 Indoor Dog Enrichment Games for When Walks Aren’t an Option

    Struggling to get your dog to calm down—especially on rainy days, during chaotic holidays, or in seasons of burnout?In this relatable solo episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em shares 7 real-life indoor enrichment games that support your dog’s behavior, nervous system, and emotional needs—without relying on long walks, fancy tools, or high energy from you. These tools are especially powerful if you're living with a reactive, overwhelmed, or high-energy dog who doesn’t always thrive on traditional structure.You’ll learn:• How to shift from overstimulation (like fetch) to regulation-based enrichment• Simple, practical games that build calm, confidence, and connection• Why stillness—not movement—is sometimes exactly what your dog needsTune in for grounded, gentle strategies that help both you and your dog reset—especially when walks aren’t realistic or helpful.These activities are made for real life. The messy middle. The burnout days. The dogs who feel like too much—and the humans who love them. Straight Up Dog Talk Extras: Get a free copy of Paws, Brains, and Fun Enrichment ebook https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/paws-brains-and-fun-the-ultimate-canine-enrichment-guide Book FREE 15-minute call with Em https://straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/68cdb369ba20a30034591cd9 Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em Looking to BOOST your pet’s daily meal? Try PetMatRx supplements, use code SUDT20 and save! https://petmatrx.com/?ref=straightupdogtalk 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.

    7 min

  3. 8 OCT

    Stop Telling People to Move On After Losing a Pet

    There’s so much pressure to “move on” after losing a pet.But real grief doesn’t follow a timeline—and it doesn’t need to be fixed. In this heart-centered episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by Anne-Marie Farage-Smith, grief educator and author of Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss. Together, they explore the complex and often misunderstood world of pet loss grief—including anticipatory, disenfranchised, and complicated grief. If you’ve ever felt like your sadness was “too much” or unsupported, this conversation will validate your pain and offer a more compassionate path forward. You’ll learn:• Why pet loss grief is so intense—and why society often misses the mark• How to identify the type of grief you’re experiencing• Small but powerful ways to honor your pet’s memory without “moving on” This episode is a safe space for anyone in the thick of pet loss—or walking alongside someone who is.Press play for grounded, gentle insight—and learn how to move forward with your pet’s memory, not away from it. Guest Info: Website: farage-smith.comBook: Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss Straight Up Dog Talk Extras: Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Dog https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/the-messy-middle-getting-unstuck-with-your-big-feeling-dog Book FREE 15-minute call with Em https://straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/68cdb369ba20a30034591cd9 Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em Join the Community https://join.slack.com/t/straightupdogtalk/shared_invite/zt-305kdyab7-y6eTWjbAeSwHItNmloLQUA 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.

    37 min

  4. 6 OCT

    10 Dog Training Myths That Could Be Sabotaging Your Progress (And What to Do Instead)

    You’ve followed the rules, tried the tools, and still feel stuck with your dog. Sound familiar?In this myth-busting episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em unpacks 10 outdated dog training “truths” that may be doing more harm than good. From dominance-based techniques to rigid obedience expectations, you’ll learn why some of the most common advice might be keeping both you and your dog from real progress. You'll Learn: Identify which dog training myths are stalling your growth and confidence Learn why obedience ≠ regulation or trust—and what actually creates calm, connected behavior Discover how to rebuild your training approach so it works for your dog, not someone else’s rulebook Press play to shift your mindset, drop the myths, and start making training progress rooted in clarity, compassion, and real connection. Straight Up Dog Talk Extras: Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear Book FREE 15-minute call with Em https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com 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.

    10 min

  5. 1 OCT

    Stop Doing Enrichment Wrong—Here’s What Your Dog Actually Needs

    Is your dog still bouncing off the walls after walks—or ripping through puzzle toys with zero chill?Most enrichment toys are marketed as magic solutions—but for many dogs, they’re either too simple, too repetitive, or used in isolation. In this episode, Em teams up with Aina from Pawzler to unpack a smarter approach: enrichment stacking—a way to combine different activities to help dogs regulate their energy and behavior more effectively. You'll Learn: Understand why modular puzzles outperform traditional toys in engagement and mental stimulation Learn how to scale enrichment difficulty to reduce boredom and frustration Discover a real-world enrichment stacking sequence (play → puzzle → chew) that helps calm overstimulated or anxious dogsPress play to stop guessing and start building a daily enrichment routine that leaves your dog calm, confident, and fully satisfied—without relying on endless walks or toy clutter. Explore Pawzler puzzles: https://us.pawzler.com (Use code SUDT10 for 10% off) Straight Up Dog Talk Extras: Get a free copy of Paws, Brains, and Fun Enrichment ebook https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/paws-brains-and-fun-the-ultimate-canine-enrichment-guide Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em Looking to BOOST your pet’s daily meal? Try PetMatRx supplements, use code SUDT20 and save! https://petmatrx.com/?ref=straightupdogtalk 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.

    38 min

  6. 29 SEPT

    Why Dog Training Burnout Hits So Hard—And What It Really Looks Like Behind the Scenes

    Feel like you're doing everything right but still burning out behind the scenes? In this raw, solo episode, Em shares the emotional truth most dog trainers and pet parents never talk about: the exhaustion, the overwhelm, and the pressure to keep showing up when everything feels too heavy. From the dream of RV life to the real struggles behind the mic, this isn’t a highlight reel—it’s a lifeline for anyone feeling emotionally stretched. You'll Learn: Hear what burnout really looked like behind the growth of Straight Up Dog Talk Learn why the RV story became a metaphor for belief, loss, and starting over Get validation if you're in the “messy middle” of dog training, parenting, or building something that matters Press play for a grounded, honest conversation that reminds you—you’re not behind, you’re just human. And your dog (and your vision) are still worth it. Straight Up Dog Talk Extras: Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Dog https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/the-messy-middle-getting-unstuck-with-your-big-feeling-dog Book FREE 15-minute call with Em https://straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/68cdb369ba20a30034591cd9 Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com to get in touch with Em Join the Community https://join.slack.com/t/straightupdogtalk/shared_invite/zt-305kdyab7-y6eTWjbAeSwHItNmloLQUA 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.

    6 min

  7. 24 SEPT

    Until the Law Changes, Pets Will Keep Dying—Even in “Good” Shelters

    Did you know that—legally—your pet is still considered property?That outdated legal status isn’t just offensive—it’s dangerous. It affects everything from shelter euthanasia policies to divorce custody disputes and rehoming decisions. In this powerful episode, Em sits down with animal law expert Suzana Gartner to uncover the root legal issue holding back progress—and what her A-CAP framework offers as a new path forward. You'll Learn: Learn how “property” status directly impacts shelter outcomes and animal welfare policy Hear how Suzana’s A-CAP philosophy is building legal models based on compassion, agency, and protection Discover real ways everyday dog parents can contribute to meaningful change—from education to advocacy Press play to understand the hidden legal systems affecting the animals you love—and how to help shift the status quo from property to partnership. Learn more and take action: suzanagartner.com Straight Up Dog Talk Extras: Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear Book FREE 15-minute call with Em https://tinyurl.com/booknowsudt Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com 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.

    44 min

  8. 22 SEPT

    Why Daily Walks Might Be Sabotaging Your Dog’s Training Progress

    What if the one thing you’re told every dog needs—daily walks—is actually keeping your dog stuck?If your reactive, anxious, or overstimulated dog seems worse after walks—not better—you’re not failing them. You might just be following a model that doesn’t fit their nervous system. In this honest solo episode, Em shares why she stopped forcing daily walks with Fitz—and how that shift finally created the calm, connected progress she’d been chasing for years. You'll Learn: Learn how to tell the difference between dysregulation and true high energy Discover practical, sustainable walk-free enrichment alternatives Understand how to regulate your dog’s nervous system—and your own—without guilt or pressure Press play to release outdated rules and start building a calmer, more connected life with your dog—one that works for both of you, not just what social media says. Straight Up Dog Talk Extras: Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear Book FREE 15-minute call with Em https://tinyurl.com/booknowsudt Email straightupdogtalk@gmail.com 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.

    7 min
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Is your dog’s reactivity, barking, or behavior struggles running your life? Straight Up Dog Talk helps overwhelmed dog parents turn chaos into calm, support anxious and reactive dogs, and finally enjoy life together—through training, dog nutrition, enrichment & real wellness. 🎧 Learn how to: • Turn your chaotic dog into a calm companion • Use simple, proven tips to ease reactivity & barking • Build trust & a stronger bond Hosted by Em—a dog trainer & canine nutritionist who turned her own struggles with a reactive dog into a mission to help others. You & your dog deserve this. Hit play.

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