The Dog Who Asked for More: Turning Dog Training Frustration Into a Deeper Relationship With Your Dog

Emily "Em" Breslin
  • 4.9 (42)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated Semiweekly

Some dogs change your life while they're here. Others keep changing it long after they're gone. The Dog Who Asked for More® is for anyone whose relationship with their dog asked more of them and changed them in the process. For the dog parent who feels emotionally overwhelmed, burned out, or like they're running on empty and somehow their dog is the one thing holding them together. Hosted by Em, a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist, dog trainer, and retired Licensed Veterinary Technician with over 20 years of experience, this show covers the full reality of life with dogs. Dog training, behavior, reactivity, enrichment, nutrition, grief, healing, and the quiet ways dogs reshape who we become. Built around Fitz, an 8-year-old reactive velcro dog and former service dog training washout who became the origin story behind everything here, and Toby, a 15-year-old senior dog who shows up in almost every conversation about love, loyalty, and letting go. This isn't a show about perfect dogs or perfect training. It's about co-regulation, nervous system healing, and the dogs who pushed us further than we planned to go. The heart dogs. The soul dogs. The ones who somehow knew we needed rebuilding before we did. Named Sniffspot's #1 Dog Training Podcast 2026. Ranked in the Top 3% globally. Hit play. Your dog has been waiting for you to find this. 🎥 Full video episodes from July 2025 forward are available on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/@thedogwhoaskedformore

  1. 14h ago

    Why Your Dog Stops Listening During Training

    Have you ever felt like your dog understands something one day… and completely falls apart the next? You practice.You repeat things.You try to stay patient and consistent. And still your dog seems overwhelmed, reactive, distracted, or unable to settle once real life gets involved. In this episode of The Dog Who Asked for More, Em shares the turning point she experienced with Fitz after realizing that more pressure, more corrections, and more training intensity weren’t helping him feel safer in the world — they were pushing him further into survival mode. Because sometimes the issue isn’t that your dog “won’t listen.” Sometimes their nervous system is too overwhelmed to learn. This conversation explores why regulation matters so deeply in dog behavior, why reactive and anxious dogs often struggle to retain training, and what changes when we stop asking dogs to perform before they feel emotionally safe enough to process what’s happening around them. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why your dog may stop responding during training — especially in overwhelming or emotionally charged situations.How stress and survival states affect learning, memory, and dog behavior in ways many people never realize.Why nervous system regulation creates the foundation for successful dog training — particularly for sensitive, reactive, or easily overwhelmed dogs. Because training can only land when the nervous system is actually available to receive it. Hit play for a compassionate conversation about dog training, overwhelm, and the hidden reason some dogs struggle even when their people are trying so hard to help them. Free Resources & Support 🐾 Help Us Hit the Road We're raising money to take this podcast on the road — an RV, a microphone, and 20 years of experience coming to you. 👉⁠https://tinyurl.com/fuelthepodcast⁠ Shop What Em Uses with Fitz & Toby Enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — all in one place. 👉 ⁠thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com⁠ Dog Body Language Quiz Not sure what your dog's behavior is communicating? Take the free quiz and get a resource matched to your results. 👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/dogbodylanguagequiz⁠ Free 15-Minute Clarity Call Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? Book a short call, and we'll talk through what's going on. 👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow⁠ 📧 em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training problems. It's for dog parents who feel overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog and a calmer daily life together. Episodes also cover dog nutrition, canine nutrition, pet nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, and dog communication — connecting behavior, health, and daily routines to help you better understand your dog and reduce stress. We're now taking this conversation on the road, bringing honest support directly to dog parents across the country. Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.

    7 min
  2. The Real Reason Losing Your Dog Feels Like Losing Part Of Yourself | Life With Dogs

    2d ago

    The Real Reason Losing Your Dog Feels Like Losing Part Of Yourself | Life With Dogs

    Losing your dog is hard. But losing the dog who changed you feels like losing part of yourself. In this episode of The Dog Who Asked for More, we’re talking about the kind of grief people don’t always understand — the grief that comes after a dog who shaped your routines, your identity, your healing, and the version of yourself you became because they were here. Because when you’ve loved a dog who needed more from you, those relationships often become woven into everything: your schedule, your decisions, your sense of safety, your daily life, and sometimes even your reason for continuing through hard seasons of your life. And when they’re gone, it’s not just about missing your dog. It’s about figuring out who you are without them here. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why losing certain dogs feels different — especially when they changed the course of your life in ways other people may never fully understand.Why grief after losing a dog can feel so disorienting and identity-shifting — even long after the loss itself.Why “moving on” often feels impossible after losing a soul-level relationship with a dog — and what it means to carry that love forward instead. Because some dogs don’t just become part of your life. They become part of who you are. Hit play to feel less alone in the kind of grief that happens when losing your dog feels like losing part of yourself too. Free Resources & Support Shop What I Use with Fitz & Toby Everything I talk about — enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — is in one place. 👉 thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com Dog Body Language Quiz Not sure what your dog’s behavior is communicating? Take the free quiz and get a resource matched to your results. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/dogbodylanguagequiz Free 15-Minute Clarity Call Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? Book a short call, and we’ll talk through what’s going on. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow PetMatRx Supplements We Trust Support gut health and daily wellness.  Use code FITZ20 to save. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm Email em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com to get in touch with Em This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training problems. It’s for dog parents who feel overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog and a calmer daily life together. Episodes also cover dog nutrition, canine nutrition, pet nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, dog communication, and life with dogs — connecting behavior, health, and daily routines to help you better understand your dog and reduce stress. Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.

    34 min
  3. Why Your Dog Still Seems Anxious After All The Training You’ve Done | Dog Training

    4d ago

    Why Your Dog Still Seems Anxious After All The Training You’ve Done | Dog Training

    You’ve done the training. The walks.The management.The routines.The enrichment. And while some of it helps… your dog still seems anxious, reactive, unsettled, or unable to fully relax. In this episode of The Dog Who Asked for More, we’re talking about the connection between dog behavior and what may be happening inside the body — especially in the gut. Because many dogs labeled as “anxious,” “sensitive,” “reactive,” or “difficult” may actually be struggling with underlying physical discomfort that training alone can’t fully resolve. This conversation explores why progress can feel inconsistent even when you’re doing everything “right,” how food sensitivities and gut health affect the nervous system, and why regulation starts deeper than behavior alone. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why your dog’s anxiety may not be just a training issue — and how physical discomfort can change behavior, tolerance, and recovery.How gut health and food sensitivities affect the nervous system in ways many dog parents never realize.Why your dog’s progress may feel inconsistent — and how nutrition helps create the foundation for learning, regulation, and emotional stability. Because sometimes behavior isn’t the whole story. And your dog may be struggling with something they don’t know how to communicate any other way. Hit play to better understand the connection between your dog’s body, behavior, and anxiety — and why training alone may not be addressing the full picture. Free Resources & Support 🐾 Help Us Hit the Road We're raising money to take this podcast on the road — an RV, a microphone, and 20 years of experience coming to you. 👉https://gofund.me/8a7d1cbea  Shop What Em Uses with Fitz & Toby Enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — all in one place. 👉 thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com Is your dog's food actually working for them? A two-minute check-in for dog parents who are doing their best and still not sure if it's enough. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/dogfoodstress Free 15-Minute Clarity Call Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? We'll talk through what's going on and find the next step together. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow 📧 em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training problems. It's for dog parents who feel overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog and a calmer daily life together. Episodes also cover dog nutrition, canine nutrition, pet nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, and dog communication — connecting behavior, health, and daily routines to help you better understand your dog and reduce stress. We're now taking this conversation on the road, bringing honest support directly to dog parents across the country. Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.

    7 min
  4. The Hidden Mental Load Behind The “Dog Math” You Do Every Day | Life With Dogs

    May 29

    The Hidden Mental Load Behind The “Dog Math” You Do Every Day | Life With Dogs

    Do you ever feel like your brain is constantly running calculations about your dog? Is this walk too much?Did they get enough rest?Should we leave now?Will this trigger a reaction?Did I make the wrong call again? In this episode of The Dog Who Asked for More, we’re talking about the invisible mental load behind life with a dog who needs more from you than most people realize. Because when your dog struggles with regulation, reactivity, health issues, anxiety, or unpredictability, your brain never fully turns off. You’re constantly adjusting, planning, monitoring, and trying to stay one step ahead — and after a while, it becomes exhausting in a way most people around you never see. But what if that constant awareness isn’t failure? What if it’s actually part of learning how to truly understand your dog? In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why the “standard dog formula” doesn’t work for every dog — and why forcing your dog into it can leave both of you overwhelmed.How to build routines and environments that actually support your specific dog instead of constantly chasing what works for everyone else.Why the mental load you carry as a dog parent is real — and how understanding your dog more deeply can help you feel more confident and less stuck. Because sometimes the problem isn’t that you’re overthinking your dog. Sometimes it’s that nobody prepared you for what it actually means to care for one who needs more. Hit play to feel less alone in the invisible “dog math” you do every day — and learn why understanding your dog more deeply changes everything. Free Resources & Support 🐾 Help Us Hit the Road We're raising money to take this podcast on the road — an RV, a microphone, and 20 years of experience coming to you. 👉https://gofund.me/8a7d1cbea  Shop What Em Uses with Fitz & Toby Enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — all in one place. 👉 thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com Dog Body Language Quiz Not sure what your dog's behavior is communicating? Take the free quiz and get a resource matched to your results. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/dogbodylanguagequiz Free 15-Minute Clarity Call Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? Book a short call, and we'll talk through what's going on. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow 📧 em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training problems. It's for dog parents who feel overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog and a calmer daily life together. Episodes also cover dog nutrition, canine nutrition, pet nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, and dog communication — connecting behavior, health, and daily routines to help you better understand your dog and reduce stress. We're now taking this conversation on the road, bringing honest support directly to dog parents across the country. Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.

    8 min
  5. The Uncomfortable Truth About Why Modern Dogs Are Getting Sicker Younger | Dog Health

    May 27

    The Uncomfortable Truth About Why Modern Dogs Are Getting Sicker Younger | Dog Health

    You’ve changed the food. Added the supplements. Tried to do everything right for your dog. And somehow… they still don’t seem fully well. In this episode of The Dog Who Asked for More, we’re talking about a piece of dog health that almost nobody discusses: light. Joined by animal bodyworker and Animal Soul founder Jackie Jolie, we explore how modern indoor living may be affecting our dogs in ways most people never consider — from stress and inflammation to energy, healing, recovery, and long-term health. This conversation goes far beyond red light therapy. It’s about what happens when dogs become disconnected from the natural rhythms their bodies were designed around, and why so many modern dogs seem to be getting sicker younger despite how hard people are trying to help them. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why modern dogs may be struggling more with inflammation, illness, and chronic health issues — even when owners are doing “everything right.”How light, environment, and circadian rhythms affect dog health in ways most people have never been taught to think about.Why slowing down and paying attention to your dog’s patterns matters more than constantly chasing new fixes — and how small lifestyle shifts may support better long-term health. Because sometimes the thing your dog needs most isn’t another supplement. Sometimes it’s the things modern life quietly took away. Hit play to better understand the overlooked connection between light, regulation, and dog health — and why your dog may be communicating more than you realize. Free Resources & Support 🐾 Help Us Hit the Road We're raising money to take this podcast on the road — an RV, a microphone, and 20 years of experience coming to you. 👉https://gofund.me/8a7d1cbea  Grab your AnimaSol Blanket or Pet Jacket: 👉https://www.animasol.life/fitzsol Free 15-Minute Clarity Call Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? Book a short call and we'll talk through what's going on. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow 📧 em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training problems. It's for dog parents who feel overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog and a calmer daily life together. Episodes also cover dog nutrition, canine nutrition, pet nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, and dog communication — connecting behavior, health, and daily routines to help you better understand your dog and reduce stress. We're now taking this conversation on the road, bringing honest support directly to dog parents across the country. Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.

    31 min
  6. The Service Dog Boundary Most People Don’t Realize They’re Crossing — And Why It Matters More Than They Think | Service Dog Education

    May 25

    The Service Dog Boundary Most People Don’t Realize They’re Crossing — And Why It Matters More Than They Think | Service Dog Education

    Have you ever seen a dog in public wearing a service vest… and immediately felt like something wasn’t right? Maybe the dog was barking nonstop. Lunging. Unable to settle. And even if you didn’t say anything out loud, part of you kept thinking: “That dog doesn’t look okay.” In this episode of The Dog Who Asked for More, we’re talking about the service dog boundary most people don’t realize they’re crossing — and why this issue affects far more than just public etiquette. This conversation explores the difference between a well-behaved pet and a truly task-trained service dog, what public access work actually asks of dogs, and why bringing an untrained dog into those spaces can create real consequences for both working teams and the dogs themselves. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What actually qualifies a dog as a service dog — and why a vest alone doesn’t make a dog prepared for public access work.How untrained dogs in service spaces affect real working teams — including the hidden stress and safety risks most people never consider.Why loving your dog sometimes means leaving them at home — and how understanding your dog’s limits is part of advocating for them well. Because this conversation isn’t really about judgment. It’s about responsibility. And understanding that sometimes what we want for our dogs and what’s actually fair to them are not always the same thing. Hit play to better understand the real responsibility behind service dogs, public access, and what your dog may actually be communicating in those environments. Free Resources & Support 🐾 Help Us Hit the Road We're raising money to take this podcast on the road — an RV, a microphone, and 20 years of experience coming to you. 👉https://tinyurl.com/fuelthepodcast Shop What Em Uses with Fitz & Toby Enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — all in one place. 👉 thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com Dog Body Language Quiz Not sure what your dog's behavior is communicating? Take the free quiz and get a resource matched to your results. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/dogbodylanguagequiz Free 15-Minute Clarity Call Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? Book a short call, and we'll talk through what's going on. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow 📧 em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training problems. It's for dog parents who feel overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog and a calmer daily life together. Episodes also cover dog nutrition, canine nutrition, pet nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, and dog communication — connecting behavior, health, and daily routines to help you better understand your dog and reduce stress. We're now taking this conversation on the road, bringing honest support directly to dog parents across the country. Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.

    7 min
  7. You’ve Been Focusing So Hard On Training And Your Dog Still Feels Unpredictable — Here’s What You May Be Missing

    May 22

    You’ve Been Focusing So Hard On Training And Your Dog Still Feels Unpredictable — Here’s What You May Be Missing

    Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right with your dog… and things still feel unpredictable anyway? You’re training. You’re paying attention. You’re trying to stay consistent. But some days your dog feels more reactive, more sensitive, more unable to settle — and no matter how hard you try to figure it out, nothing fully explains why. In this episode of The Dog Who Asked for More, we’re talking about the emotional exhaustion that comes from trying so hard to help your dog while secretly feeling like you’re losing confidence in your own decisions. Because sometimes the issue isn’t what’s happening in the moment. Sometimes it’s what’s happening underneath everything else. This conversation explores why behavior doesn’t exist in isolation, how stress and internal regulation affect your dog day-to-day, and why “off days” are often signals instead of random setbacks. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why your dog can seem unpredictable even when your routine hasn’t changed — and why inconsistency can start messing with your confidence.How food, stress, and what’s happening internally can affect behavior in ways most dog parents never realize.Why focusing only on training may keep you stuck — and how looking at patterns instead of single moments changes the way you understand your dog. Because your dog’s behavior is not happening in a vacuum. And neither is your life with them. Hit play to better understand what your dog’s hard days may actually be communicating — and why this probably goes deeper than training alone. Free Resources & Support Dog Food Label Decoder Quiz Understand what actually matters on pet food labels — and where to start. Take the quiz  👉https://tinyurl.com/dogfoodlabel Free 15-Minute Clarity Call Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together. 👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow⁠ PetMatRx Supplements We Trust Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness.  Use code FITZ20 to save. 👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm⁠ Email ⁠⁠em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com⁠⁠ to get in touch with Em This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training problems. It’s for dog parents who feel overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog and a calmer daily life together. Episodes also cover dog nutrition, canine nutrition, pet nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, dog communication, and life with dogs — connecting behavior, health, and daily routines to help you better understand your dog and reduce stress. Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

    6 min
  8. You Don’t Realize Your Dog Is Aging Until Something Starts Changing — Here’s What Actually Matters for Dog Health Before It’s Too Late

    May 20

    You Don’t Realize Your Dog Is Aging Until Something Starts Changing — Here’s What Actually Matters for Dog Health Before It’s Too Late

    Have you ever looked at your dog and realized something felt different… and suddenly started wondering how much time you really have left together? In this episode of The Dog Who Asked for More, we’re talking about the quiet reality of dogs getting older — the small changes most people don’t notice until they become impossible to ignore. A hesitation on the stairs. Sleeping a little more. Not jumping onto the couch the same way they used to. Joined by longevity veterinarian Dr. Kevin, we unpack the difference between lifespan and health span, what actually impacts dog health over time, and the small lifestyle changes that can help your dog feel better during the years you still have together. This conversation isn’t about perfection or fear. It’s about learning to pay attention earlier, understanding what your dog’s body may be trying to communicate, and supporting them in ways that genuinely improve their quality of life. The subtle signs your dog may be aging before you fully realize it — and why many dog parents miss them at first.How inflammation, dog nutrition, movement, and environment affect long-term dog health — including the hidden impact of everyday habits.What actually helps dogs live better as they age — from practical home adjustments to proactive conversations about health span and quality of life. Because the goal isn’t just more years with our dogs. It’s more good years. Hit play to learn how small changes now can help your dog feel healthier, happier, and more comfortable for the years you still have together. Consult with Dr. Kevin - www.freevetcall.com Free Resources & Support Dog Food Label Decoder Quiz Understand what actually matters on pet food labels — and where to start. Take the quiz  👉https://tinyurl.com/dogfoodlabel Free 15-Minute Clarity Call Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together. 👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow⁠ PetMatRx Supplements We Trust Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness.  Use code FITZ20 to save. 👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm⁠ Email ⁠⁠em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com⁠⁠ to get in touch with Em This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training problems. It’s for dog parents who feel overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog and a calmer daily life together. Episodes also cover dog nutrition, canine nutrition, pet nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, dog communication, and life with dogs — connecting behavior, health, and daily routines to help you better understand your dog and reduce stress. Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

    26 min
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4.9
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

Some dogs change your life while they're here. Others keep changing it long after they're gone. The Dog Who Asked for More® is for anyone whose relationship with their dog asked more of them and changed them in the process. For the dog parent who feels emotionally overwhelmed, burned out, or like they're running on empty and somehow their dog is the one thing holding them together. Hosted by Em, a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist, dog trainer, and retired Licensed Veterinary Technician with over 20 years of experience, this show covers the full reality of life with dogs. Dog training, behavior, reactivity, enrichment, nutrition, grief, healing, and the quiet ways dogs reshape who we become. Built around Fitz, an 8-year-old reactive velcro dog and former service dog training washout who became the origin story behind everything here, and Toby, a 15-year-old senior dog who shows up in almost every conversation about love, loyalty, and letting go. This isn't a show about perfect dogs or perfect training. It's about co-regulation, nervous system healing, and the dogs who pushed us further than we planned to go. The heart dogs. The soul dogs. The ones who somehow knew we needed rebuilding before we did. Named Sniffspot's #1 Dog Training Podcast 2026. Ranked in the Top 3% globally. Hit play. Your dog has been waiting for you to find this. 🎥 Full video episodes from July 2025 forward are available on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/@thedogwhoaskedformore

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