The Dog Who Asked for More: For Dog Parents Learning to Live Differently Because of Their Dog

Emily Breslin | Dog Training, Behavior, & Nutrition | Retired Vet Tech
  • 4.9 (42)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Does your dog ask more of you than you expected? The Dog Who Asked for More® is for dog parents whose lives look different because of their dog — and who are done pretending that’s simple. Hosted by Em, you’ll hear honest conversations about dog training, reactivity, behavior, enrichment, nutrition and stories about life with dogs, that help you understand your dog, trust your decisions again, and stop feeling so alone in this. Named Sniffspot’s #1 Dog Training Podcast 2026. Top 3% globally. Hit play. Your dog has been waiting for you to find this.

  1. 2D AGO

    What If Dog Food Was Never Designed for Health?

    What if your dog isn’t actually picky at all? What if skipping meals, inconsistent eating, or “weird” food habits are telling you something deeper? A lot of dog parents quietly second guess themselves here. Maybe they’ll eat when they’re hungry.Maybe it’s just a phase.Maybe you’re overthinking it. But something still feels… off. This episode looks at the subtle patterns that are easy to miss — the skipped meals, the inconsistent appetite, the small digestive shifts that don’t seem big enough to matter… until they keep happening. Because sometimes it’s not about preference.It’s not about stubbornness.And it’s not random. It’s how your dog feels. Em shares what this looked like with Fitz and Toby, and how two very different patterns — not eating at all, and sudden digestive issues — pointed to the same underlying truth: food wasn’t working for their bodies the way it seemed on the surface. Because what looks like “picky eating” is often something else entirely. Something quieter.Something easier to miss. If your dog’s eating habits have felt inconsistent, confusing, or hard to explain, this conversation will help you start seeing what might actually be going on. 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 💛

    5 min

  2. 4D AGO

    The Dog Food Problem Most Owners Don’t See Until Their Dog Gets Sick

    What if what you’re feeding your dog isn’t as simple as it seems? What if something in their food is quietly affecting how they feel—and how they behave? For most dog parents, feeding feels straightforward. You choose a food.You follow the guidelines.You trust that it’s enough. And for a while, it is. Until something changes. Digestive issues.Allergies.Energy shifts.Behavior that doesn’t quite make sense. And suddenly, you’re questioning everything. This episode looks at how most people end up feeding their dogs the way they do—and why dog food and nutrition often don’t get questioned until there’s a problem. Because it’s not about doing anything wrong. It’s about what you haven’t been shown. Em and Jessica explore what starts to shift when you begin looking at your dog’s food differently—not just as something that fills a bowl, but as something that directly impacts your dog’s health, gut, and behavior. Because behavior doesn’t exist on its own. And sometimes the root of what you’re seeing starts long before it becomes obvious. If your dog’s behavior, digestion, or overall health has felt inconsistent—or hard to explain, press play and start connecting the dots. 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

  3. 6D AGO

    The Dog Enrichment Mistake Most Owners Don’t Realize They’re Making

    What if your dog isn’t struggling because they need more… but because they’ve had too much? You’re doing everything. More walks. More play. More enrichment. Trying to tire them out so they can finally settle. But it’s not working. They’re still restless. Still reactive. Still unable to calm down. And that’s the part that doesn’t make sense. Because a tired dog is supposed to be a calm dog… right? This episode looks at what’s actually happening in your dog’s behavior when they can’t settle—and why more exercise and enrichment can sometimes make things worse instead of better. Because there’s a difference between a dog being tired… and a dog being able to regulate. Em shares what this looked like with Fitz, and how pushing past that “goofy,” overstimulated energy led to bigger reactions, lower tolerance, and a dog who couldn’t come back down. Because sometimes it’s not about doing more.It’s about noticing what happens after. Does your dog actually settle? Or do they stay elevated? If your dog won’t settle no matter how much you do—and you’re starting to feel frustrated, confused, or burned out—this conversation will help you understand what might actually be going on. Free Resources & Support Free Enrichment Guide: Paws, Brains, and Fun Start here. This free guide introduces simple, low-pressure enrichment ideas to help your dog feel calmer, more fulfilled, and more connected in everyday life. 👉⁠ ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmenrichmentebook⁠ 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

  4. MAY 1

    The Dog Parent Thought Nobody Feels Safe Saying Out Loud

    You can love your dog deeply… and still feel like living with them is breaking you. There are moments most people don’t talk about.Not the training. Not the good days. The ones where you feel exhausted.Where everything feels hard.Where you sit there and wonder if you can keep doing this. You go on the walks.You manage the triggers.You plan everything out. And over time… it starts to wear on you. You find yourself constantly thinking ahead.Watching everything.Bracing for what might happen next. And it’s not just your dog that feels it, it’s your whole nervous system. This is where so many dog parents quietly struggle. Not because they don’t love their dog, but because living with a dog who needs more support asks more from you than most people realize. In this episode, Em talks about the emotional weight of living with a struggling dog—and why feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Because this isn’t just about behavior. It’s about the pressure.The responsibility.And the constant awareness that builds over time. And when that starts to feel heavy… it doesn’t mean the bond is broken. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, discouraged, or alone in this experience—this episode will help you feel understood and remind you that you’re not the only one going through it… Press play. Free Resources & Support 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. Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

    6 min

  5. APR 29

    Why Dog Food Gets More Confusing the More You Research

    You tried to figure out what your dog needs… and somehow ended up more confused than when you started. You read the labels.You compare the ingredients.You try to make the “right” choice. And the more you look… the less clear it all feels. One product says it’s healthy.Another says it’s better.Everyone has an opinion. And now you’re stuck wondering if you’re getting it wrong. This is where so many dog parents end up. Not because they don’t care, but because they care so much—and the information in front of them doesn’t actually give them clarity. In this episode, Em and Jodi, Founder and CEO of Holistic Pet Hub, break down why dog nutrition feels so overwhelming—and what starts to shift when you stop trying to do everything and start understanding what actually matters. Because it’s not just about picking the “best” product. It’s about knowing what you’re looking at. What your dog actually needs and how to make decisions that make sense for your dog. And when that starts to click… things finally feel clearer. If you’ve ever stood in the pet store or scrolled online feeling more confused the longer you look—this episode will help you make sense of it and feel more confident in your choices… Press play. Learn More about Holistic Pet Hub https://www.holisticpethub.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 💛

    25 min

  6. APR 27

    The Dog Training Mistake That Keeps Some Dogs Stuck

    Why does it still feel like nothing’s working—even after all the training you’ve put in? You bring treats.You practice focus.You try to stay consistent. And sometimes it works… until it doesn’t. One walk goes well—and the next feels even harder.The reactions come back.The pulling returns.And suddenly, it feels like you’re right back where you started. This is where so many dog parents get stuck. Not because they’re doing something wrong, but because their dog’s behavior isn’t just about training. It’s about what your dog can handle in that moment. In this episode, Em breaks down why progress with reactive and sensitive dogs doesn’t happen in a straight line—and what’s actually happening when things seem to fall apart. Because your dog isn’t ignoring the training. And you’re not failing. There’s just something deeper influencing those moments. If walks have been feeling inconsistent, frustrating, or confusing lately—this episode will help you see what’s really going on... Press play. Free Resources & Support 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. Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

    6 min

  7. APR 24

    Why Every Dog Food Choice Starts Feeling Wrong

    You tried to figure out dog food… so why does it feel more confusing than ever? You read the labels.You look at the ingredients.You try to do what’s best. And somehow… you end up feeling worse about what you’re feeding your dog. Feeding your dog should feel simple. But once you start hearing different opinions, comparing raw vs kibble, seeing grain-free warnings, and reading confident marketing claims… it stops feeling simple. It starts to feel like a decision you could get wrong. In this episode, Em breaks down why dog food feels so confusing—and what’s actually creating that pressure. Because it’s not just about ingredients. It’s about conflicting information, unclear labels, and trying to make the “right” choice without a clear way to measure it. And over time, that creates doubt.Not clarity. If dog nutrition has been leaving you second-guessing yourself, this episode will help you finally make sense of it... Press play. 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. APR 22

    The Lifestyle Mismatch Behind So Many Dog Behavior Problems

    Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything for your dog—more training, more enrichment, more effort—and it still feels off? Like something isn’t quite clicking… even though you’re trying. Sometimes behavior isn’t about effort. It’s about fit. The rhythm of your life. Your dog’s temperament. The expectations you didn’t realize you were carrying. In this episode, Em and The Canine Detective explore the difference between a dog who needs clearer communication—and a dog whose needs don’t fully align with the life they’re living in. They talk about compatibility, lifestyle adjustments, human burnout, and why curiosity matters more than blame when progress feels stuck. Because sometimes the problem isn’t what you’re doing. It’s that something underneath doesn’t match. If you’ve been trying hard, feeling exhausted, and quietly wondering if something deeper is going on… press play. Guest Info: https://www.instagram.com/thecaninedetective/ Free Resources & Support 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. Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream

    35 min
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4.9
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

Does your dog ask more of you than you expected? The Dog Who Asked for More® is for dog parents whose lives look different because of their dog — and who are done pretending that’s simple. Hosted by Em, you’ll hear honest conversations about dog training, reactivity, behavior, enrichment, nutrition and stories about life with dogs, that help you understand your dog, trust your decisions again, and stop feeling so alone in this. Named Sniffspot’s #1 Dog Training Podcast 2026. Top 3% globally. Hit play. Your dog has been waiting for you to find this.

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