What would you do if your dog ran off… And you couldn’t call them back? Couldn’t see where they were? Couldn’t even track them? For most of us, GPS collars only work if we have cell service. But what if you’re hiking, off-grid, or in panic mode with no way to connect? In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, I’m joined by David from SATELLAI, creators of one of the smartest, most innovative GPS collars on the market—offering real-time tracking, health alerts, and satellite-connected safety (even...
Aug 20, 2025•48 min•Season 12Ep. 96
✨ I thought I had to be perfect to help my reactive dog. Turns out, I just had to be present. Five and a half years ago, I was standing in a quiet parking lot, holding the leash of a barking, overwhelmed dog—using an E-collar, doing everything I was told—and still, it wasn’t working. That was the moment I realized: Maybe the problem wasn’t my dog. Maybe it was the pressure I was putting on both of us. That moment changed everything. It was the beginning of a new way of thinking… and the first st...
Aug 18, 2025•6 min•Season 12Ep. 95
Ever wondered what really happens at the biggest pet industry trade show in North America? In this special live episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, I’m coming to you from SuperZoo in Las Vegas — the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at where the pet industry comes to launch, connect, and showcase what’s next. Here’s what we’ll cover: 💛 What trade shows like SuperZoo are actually like — the energy, the products, the behind-the-scenes buzz 💛 Why I’m here and how it ties into the upcoming Straight Up ...
Aug 17, 2025•6 min
🐾 What happens when your dog’s reactivity forces you to rethink everything you thought you knew about being a “good” pet parent? In this raw and relatable episode, Em sits down with her client Cobia to talk about Majic—a big-feeling, reactive dog who’s completely transformed her life. From breakdowns to breakthroughs, this is a powerful look at what it really takes to show up for your dog when the world doesn’t always understand. 🎧 You’ll hear: • Why reactivity isn’t “bad behavior”—it’s commun...
Aug 13, 2025•40 min•Season 12Ep. 92
🐾 What if your dog doesn’t need a walk today? In this gentle, judgment-free solo episode, Em shares the emotional moment she realized daily walks were making Fitz’s behavior worse—and the alternatives that finally helped him feel safe, calm, and connected. If you’ve ever skipped a walk and felt guilty, or cried your way through one that left you both dysregulated, this one’s for you. Because it’s not about the perfect routine. It’s about what actually supports your dog. 🎧 You’ll learn: • Why “...
Aug 11, 2025•12 min•Season 12Ep. 93
What if the dogs we struggle with most… are the ones meant to wake us up? In this powerful episode, Em sits down with renowned dog behaviorist Matt Beisner ( Dog: Impossible , The Zen Dog) to talk about the emotional truths behind reactive dogs, the failure of dominant training models, and how our relationships with animals are mirrors of our healing journeys. Whether you're working through reactivity, trauma, or the desire to show up better for your dog, this conversation will shift how you see...
Aug 06, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 12Ep. 92
I used to trust kibble—until my dog got sick, and no one could give me real answers. That’s when everything changed. In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the pet food industry and sharing what I wish someone had told me sooner. 🎙️ You’ll learn: • The truth about kibble, AAFCO, and outdated pet food standards • How my senior dog’s illness led me to raw feeding • What bioavailability actually means—and why it matters • Easy, affordable ways to upgrade your dog’s meals • What your...
Aug 04, 2025•12 min•Season 12Ep. 91
What if the problem wasn’t your dog—it was the products we’ve all been told to trust? In this no-BS conversation, Em sits down with Lindsay Joyce, CEO, and Julia Sigal, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Pet Life Unlimited, to talk about why so many “standard” pet products are outdated, overcomplicated, or just plain ineffective—and what pet parents actually need instead. From the pee pad aisle to paw balm hype, we break down how to stop wasting money, avoid overwhelm, and choose products t...
Jul 30, 2025•57 min•Season 12Ep. 89
What do you do when your dog is still here—but you’ve already started grieving? In this raw and emotional solo episode, Em opens up about the quiet heartbreak of loving an aging dog. From midnight walks to medication changes and the slow shifts of daily life, she shares what it really feels like to live with anticipatory grief—before the goodbye comes. You’ll hear:• What anticipatory loss feels like as a devoted pet parent• How Toby’s heart murmur and age changed everything• The neuroscience beh...
Jul 28, 2025•6 min•Season 12Ep. 89
Tired of lingering smells and potty training setbacks? This week, Em sits down with Glenn, co-creator of NoPee —a new, patented product designed to help pet parents tackle indoor accidents, odor issues, and house training struggles with science-backed support. 🎙 In this episode: The surprising truth about how dogs’ noses work Why scent removal is critical to potty training success Em’s honest thoughts after trying NoPee herself How this product is already earning awards in the pet world Whether...
Jul 23, 2025•33 min•Season 11Ep. 88
I almost didn’t become a dog trainer… because I was afraid no one would understand Fitz. In this deeply personal episode, Em opens up about the guilt and hesitation that followed years of trying everything—from dog parks and daily walks to strategies that didn’t sit right. After realizing she’d been pushing Fitz through a world he wasn’t ready for, Em made the hardest—and most important—choice: to start over. You’ll hear: • Why starting over isn’t a failure—it’s a turning point • The emotional c...
Jul 21, 2025•6 min•Season 11Ep. 87
🎤 What does it really take to train a trick dog who can perform on a global stage—and still be your best friend at home? In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk , Em sits down with the incredible Sara Carson—America’s Got Talent finalist, top dog trainer, and creator of The Super Collies—for a raw and inspiring look at what life is really like behind the spotlight. You’ll learn:• What most people don’t see about the emotional side of performing with dogs• How Sara builds unbreakable trust to te...
Jul 16, 2025•40 min•Season 11Ep. 86
What if the thing you thought was saving you… was also holding you back? When Em broke her foot earlier this year, she was forced to slow down, and what she found in the stillness changed everything. In this deeply personal solo episode, she shares the moment that made her reevaluate what she was chasing, why she chose to stop taking Xanax after 15 years, and how her dogs helped her redefine peace in a way that finally feels like home. 🎧 In this episode:– How Em’s injury created the space for a...
Jul 14, 2025•7 min•Season 11Ep. 85
Your Dog Is Smarter Than You Think—Here’s the Proof 🐶 What if your dog is more intelligent, intuitive, and emotionally aware than most people realize? In this heart-expanding episode, Em sits down with Jennifer Holland —journalist and author of Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence —for a beautiful and eye-opening conversation about how dogs think, feel, and communicate. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why your dog is communicating, even in silence • How canine senses and ...
Jul 09, 2025•48 min•Season 11Ep. 84
This 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’s where this podcast was born. Because I couldn’t find a judgment-free space when I needed one—so I created it. You’ll hear: The decision I made for ...
Jul 03, 2025•11 min•Season 10Ep. 79
🐾 Ever wondered how to turn your backyard into a mental + physical enrichment paradise? In this fun and insightful episode, Em chats with Meghan Wolfgram , CEO and founder of SwiftPaws , to talk all things structured play, enrichment, and how chasing can be the key to calm. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: How SwiftPaws got its start (and what Shark Tank was really like!) Why structured movement matters for dogs of all ages and energy levels What makes a tired dog a truly fulfilled dog How Swi...
Jul 02, 2025•57 min•Season 11Ep. 83
I thought I was doing everything right—until I realized I was pushing my dog through a world he wasn’t ready for. In this solo episode, Em shares the emotional turning point with Fitz: how dog parks and daily walks made things worse, how guilt and confusion clouded her decisions, and what finally shifted when she started listening instead of forcing. You’ll hear: The early signs of reactivity Em missed (and what they looked like) Why “doing more” wasn’t the answer—and what made things worse How ...
Jun 30, 2025•13 min•Season 11Ep. 82
🐕 What does it really mean when a dog is labeled “aggressive”? In this powerful episode, Em sits down with internationally recognized aggression expert Michael Shikashio to explore the nuance behind canine aggression—what it is, what it isn’t, and how to approach it with clarity and compassion. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: What aggression really means in dogs Why labels can oversimplify complex behavior How environment, history, and context shape aggression What to consider when approachin...
Jun 25, 2025•51 min•Season 11Ep. 81
🧬 What’s really in your dog’s supplements—and how do you know they’re working? In this episode, Em sits down with Will, CEO of PetMatRx , to break down the science, transparency, and impact behind quality pet nutrition. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: How to read supplement labels and what to avoid The mission behind PetMatRx’s science-backed products Why proactive wellness matters in a dog’s longevity What makes a supplement truly effective 🐾 Em and Will also get real about the pet industry...
Jun 18, 2025•51 min•Season 10Ep. 80
🐾 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 to handle off-leash dogs and boundary-pushing situations Tips for navigating awkward encounters with other pet parents The power of kindness, cons...
Jun 11, 2025•43 min•Season 10Ep. 78
🐾 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 sports build confidence, trust, and focus Why enrichment is more than just puzzle toys How behavior and training are connected Tips for getting start...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 10Ep. 77
💛 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 matters How to prepare emotionally and logistically for your pet’s passing What options exist for aftercare and honoring your pet’s life How Dr. Ben...
May 28, 2025•43 min•Season 10Ep. 76
🐶 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) realities of trainer life ✔️ A lighthearted, laughter-filled conversation you won’t want to miss This shop talk-style episode is packed with humor, rea...
May 21, 2025•54 min•Season 10Ep. 75
🐶 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 foster placement. They share what potential adopters and volunteers need to know, and why small rescues can have a huge impact when people show up an...
May 14, 2025•44 min•Season 10Ep. 74
🐾 No one wanted him—just because he was black. Now? He’s living his best life with a sassy streak and a mom who sees him for exactly who he is. In this heartwarming episode, Em chats with Kate—guardian of Rick Ross the Boss Dawg —about the heartbreaking reality of Black Dog Syndrome , the power of rescue, and the joy of giving overlooked dogs a second chance. 💛 You’ll hear:• Why black dogs are so often ignored in shelters• Rick Ross’s transformation from forgotten to fabulous• The emotional hi...
May 07, 2025•58 min•Season 10Ep. 73
🐶👓 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. Elizabeth uses her book to educate and normalize wearing glasses—for both dogs and humans—and spark important conversations about senior dog care,...
Apr 30, 2025•38 min•Season 9Ep. 72
🐾 Yes, Trick Training Can Be Fun (Even If You’re Just Getting Started) In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk , Em is joined by Krista from HeelerPoint to break down how to make trick training feel less like pressure—and more like play. From timing and reinforcement to safety, enrichment, and connection, you’ll walk away with simple, doable ways to bring more fun and confidence into your training routine. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:• How Krista teaches tricks to Han Solo and Carly Rae (a...
Apr 23, 2025•51 min•Season 9Ep. 71
⚖️ 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, you’ll learn: How dog laws differ wildly from state to state Why breed-specific legislation (BSL) is so harmful The truth about leash laws, ownership...
Apr 16, 2025•36 min•Season 9Ep. 70
🐶 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 metabolism affect your dog’s long-term health The truth about carbohydrates in commercial dog food Why canine obesity is on the rise—and how to fight i...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 9Ep. 69
✨ Yes—Reiki really can support your dog’s emotional and physical healing. In this calming and insightful episode of Straight Up Dog Talk , Em sits down with Tatiana from Howling OM to explore the power of Reiki for pets —and why energy healing is a beautiful tool for both animals and their humans. 💛 Em and Tatiana—both Reiki Masters—share:• How Reiki helps animals release stress, fear, and stored tension• Ways to use Reiki in everyday life (not just during illness or injury)• How energy work st...
Apr 02, 2025•43 min•Season 9Ep. 68
