You’re doing everything right—enrichment, daily walks, puzzle toys—and your dog is still reacting. Still barking. Still melting down. Why?

In this honest and validating solo episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em shares the moment she realized daily walks weren’t helping her reactive dog Fitz—they were hurting him.
He wasn’t under-exercised. He was overstimulated. And the more they walked, the more dysregulated he became.

This episode breaks down one of the most common (and well-meaning) mistakes pet parents make—and what to do instead.

You’ll learn:

• How to spot dysregulation vs “high energy”

• Why walk-based advice doesn’t work for every dog

• What Em did (step by step) to rebuild calm from the inside out

• Sustainable, walk-free alternatives to support nervous system regulation

• How to release guilt and redefine “good dog parenting” on your own terms

This episode isn’t anti-walk. It’s pro-safety, pro-regulation, and pro-doing-what-actually-works for your unique dog.

If your dog struggles with reactivity and you’re burning yourself out trying to keep up with mainstream advice—pause here. There’s a better way forward.

✨ Free Resource
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