Ever followed all the “right” dog training steps—only to feel more stuck, overwhelmed, and defeated than before?

In this raw and honest solo episode, Em revisits a pivotal 2019 moment when her training journey with her reactive dog, Fitz, took an unexpected and heartbreaking turn. What was meant to create calm turned into guilt, grief, and a deep rethinking of what dog training really requires—emotionally, mentally, and relationally.

You'll Learn:

• Hear how training decisions can trigger guilt and self-doubt—and why you’re not alone

• Learn why grief and shame often walk hand-in-hand with reactivity and behavior challenges

• • Discover how embracing imperfection and emotional honesty helped Em rebuild trust—with Fitz and herself
    

  Press play for a story of training that didn’t go as planned—and the unexpected growth, healing, and connection that came from it.

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

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Book a FREE 15-minute call with Em

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Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training through the lens of a canine nutritionist, dog coach, and retired vet tech—diving into reactivity, dog obedience, dog health, dog food, dog habits, dog lifestyle, canine enrichment, pet enrichment, dog myths, and what it actually takes to support reactive dogs safely and calmly. Whether you’re a dog mom navigating reactivity, building the human–dog bond, choosing dog products, or just trying to create a calmer dog life with your canine, you’ll find grounded strategies to build trust, improve dog behavior, and help your dog feel safe, understood, and supported.