Straight Up Dog Talk

Raising a reactive or anxious dog can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Hosted by Em, a trainer, nutritionist, and lifelong advocate for big-feeling dogs, this podcast brings you expert insights, raw stories, and real-world strategies to ease stress, deepen trust, and move past the quick fixes that never last. Here, you’ll find a judgment-free space to feel seen, supported, and encouraged as you create the bond you’ve been dreaming of—on your own terms.

Last refreshed: August 21st, 2025 at 9:08 PM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Getting Started with Dog Sports: Agility, Rally & Tricks with Kathleen

🐕‍🦺 Curious about dog agility, rally, or competitive trick training? This is the episode for you! In this fun and informative episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Kathleen, an experienced dog sport enthusiast and dog mom to Sparky, Layla, and Harry. From scoring AKC titles to staying active and enriched, Kathleen shares how dog sports became a rewarding part of her life—and how you can get started, no matter your dog’s breed or energy level. 💛 In this episode, you’ll learn: • Wh...

Jan 31, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 7

What Fostering Really Looks Like: From Rescue to Forever with Cydne & Gene Gene

🐾 What happens when a foster dog changes your life forever? In this heartfelt episode of Straight Up Dog Talk , Em chats with Cydne about the emotional, messy, and beautiful reality of fostering dogs—and what it means to “foster fail” in the best way possible. Through her journey with Gene Gene, Cydne shares the highs, the challenges, and the moment she realized her foster pup wasn’t going anywhere. 💛 In this episode, you'll hear: • What fostering is really like (beyond the cute photos) • The ...

Jan 24, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Adventuring with Dogs: Rafting, Fishing & Hiking with Halie from The Fishing Mutts

🌲 Ever wonder what it’s like to raft, fish, or hike alongside your dogs—safely and confidently? In this adventurous episode of Straight Up Dog Talk , Em chats with Halie from @thefishingmutts about outdoor life with dogs Teddy and Lennie. From trail tips to water safety, Halie shares what it takes to include your dogs on big adventures while prioritizing their wellbeing and yours. 💛 In this episode, you'll learn: • What to know before taking your dog on rafting or fishing trips • How to resear...

Jan 17, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Shelter Crisis: Why So Many Dogs Are Being Euthanized & How You Can Help

📉 Did you know over 2,200 dogs were euthanized at just one California shelter this year due to overcrowding? In this heartbreaking but important episode, Em sits down with Mattison from Freed By Training to discuss the growing shelter overpopulation crisis. From behind-the-scenes rescue realities to what’s happening with backyard breeding and hoarding cases—you’ll get the raw truth about why shelters are full and what’s costing dogs their lives. 💛 Mattison shares powerful insight into: • How a...

Jan 10, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 4

How Outdated Training Advice Could Be Damaging Your Dog

🚫 Still hearing advice like “be the alpha” or “show your dog who’s boss?” It’s time we talk about where that comes from—and why it’s outdated, harmful, and holding you and your dog back. In this episode, Em sits down with Lauren from Sit Stay Stella (@sitstaystella_) , a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), to break down the dominance-based myths still floating around in dog training—and what truly helps dogs thrive. 💬 In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why “alpha” and “pack leader” lang...

Jan 03, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Meet Em: Why This Dog Podcast Had to Be Made

🐾 What happens when a lifelong dog lover, trainer, nutritionist, and former vet tech realizes there’s no podcast that tells the whole truth about living and learning with dogs? You get Straight Up Dog Talk. In this very first episode, meet your host Emily Breslin (LVT, CPCN, FDM) and producer Josh as they share the story behind the show—why it started, who it’s for, and how it’s grown into a safe space for pet parents and professionals alike. 💛 If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your dog’s beh...

Jan 03, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 1

From Fear to Advocacy: Living Through the UK’s XL Bully Ban

🐾 They offered her money to euthanize her dog. Just because of how he looked. That’s the reality many families in the UK are facing as the XL Bully ban takes effect—and Charleigh and her mom Nichola are living it every day. In this episode, you’ll hear: • What it’s really like to live under the threat of breed-based legislation• How Charleigh and Nichola are advocating for Enzo’s life and fighting for justice• Why the government’s vague definition puts safe dogs in danger• Emotional, legal, and...

Jan 03, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Final Teaser: A Big Announcement with unPACKed Podcast

🎉 Straight Up Dog Talk is almost here—and in this final teaser, we’ve got a BIG announcement! Em sits down with Mattison and Jerri from the unPACKed Podcast to share what’s coming in Season 1 , launching January 3rd, 2024 . Whether you’ve been following along or just found us, this episode gives you a sneak peek of the conversations, community, and stories you can expect from Straight Up Dog Talk . 💛 In this teaser, you’ll hear: • A major behind-the-scenes update • What Em’s been working on wi...

Dec 06, 2023•7 min

Straight Up Dog Talk: A Safe Space for Real Conversations (Promo)

🐾 Straight Up Dog Talk is more than just a podcast—it’s a safe space for dog lovers, pet parents, and professionals to have the honest, unfiltered conversations the dog world needs . We’re tackling the tough stuff—behavior, grief, training, nutrition, and everything in between—with compassion, curiosity, and community. 💛 Whether you're navigating life with a big-feeling dog or just want support from people who truly get it, Straight Up Dog Talk is here for you. 🎧 Season 1 premieres January 3r...

Oct 30, 2023•2 min

← Prev

Hosted on Spotify for Creators (Anchor)

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android