Straight Up Dog Talk
Straight Up Dog Talk is a judgment-free podcast for anyone who loves dogs—pet parents, professionals, and dog lovers alike. From misunderstood behavior and controversial training advice to nutrition myths, reactivity, grief, and the industry gaps no one else is talking about, we dive into the topics that matter—especially the ones you won’t find in a Google search. You’ll hear raw, honest conversations with trainers, nutritionists, pet professionals, and everyday people navigating life with dogs. Whether you’re just starting out or knee-deep in the dog world, this podcast offers real stories, expert insight, and no fluff—just a space to learn, reflect, and feel supported. Tune in and be part of a community that truly gets it—and a growing movement that’s taking dog care conversations beyond the screen and out into the world.
Episodes
🐾 Want to teach your dog fun tricks at home?
In this episode, Em is joined by Krista from HeelerPoint to talk all things trick training—from timing and reinforcement to safety and fun. Whether you’re working on basic skills or flashy moves, this episode is full of encouragement and actionable tips.
💡 Krista shares her experience training her dogs, Han Solo and Carly Rae, while Em adds her own insight into how to make trick training...
⚖️ Do you know your state’s laws when it comes to dogs? Many pet parents don’t—and some of these laws are surprising, heartbreaking, and even dangerous for our furry companions.
In this eye-opening episode, Em sits down with Lauren from Choose Wisely Training to discuss the huge differences in dog laws across the U.S. Some protect our pets, while others… not so much. From breed-specific legislation to leash laws and legal loopholes...
🐶 Are carbs making our dogs unhealthy? In this episode, Em sits down with Daniel Schulof, author of Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma and founder of Keto Natural Dog Food, to break down the impact of carbohydrates on canine health and obesity.
💡 They dive deep into the role of nutrition in our dogs’ overall well-being, discussing the science behind diet, metabolism, and how certain foods affect long-term health. Plus, Em shares her perso...
✨ Have you ever wondered how Reiki can support your pet’s well-being? In this episode, Em sits down with Tatiana from Howling OM to explore the benefits of Reiki for both pets and their humans.
💡 As Reiki Masters, Em and Tatiana share their experiences as practitioners, the ways energy healing can enhance a pet’s daily life, and how mindfulness and balance play a role in strengthening the human-animal bond. Whether you're new to R...
🐾 Want to keep your pet stylish while supporting a small business? In this episode, Em chats with Diana, the owner, creator, and designer behind Dainty Paws, a brand known for its colorful, fun, and stylish pet necklaces, collars, and leashes.
💡 Em and Diana dive into the realities of small business ownership, the inspiration behind Dainty Paws, and the importance of community in the pet space. Whether you’re looking to add a lit...
💛 How do you prepare for the loss of a beloved pet? In this powerful follow-up episode, Em sits down with Beth Bigler from Honoring Our Animals to discuss anticipatory loss, normalizing pet grief, and finding support during one of the hardest transitions as a pet parent.
💡 Em shares her personal experience with Beth’s community and how small group sessions have helped her process anticipatory loss with Toby and Fitz. Beth offers ...
🐾 Curious about optimizing your dog’s health through better nutrition? In this episode, Em chats with Jaron Lukas, the founder of YumWoof, to explore a variety of topics related to canine health, nutrition, and his innovative approach to dog food.
💡 Jaron shares insights from his book, The Cocoa Mega Effect, diving into the science of nutrition and how it can improve your dog’s overall wellness. You’ll also hear about his journey...
🍴 Curious about how diet and supplements impact your dog’s health? In this episode, Em chats with Nelly from The Combine Dog, a certified canine nutritionist, who shares a wealth of knowledge on creating a balanced diet and supporting your dog’s overall well-being.
💡 From practical tips on choosing the right supplements to insights about optimizing your dog’s diet, this episode is packed with information to help your pup thrive. ...
🐾 Ever wondered how to monetize your pet's Instagram account? In this episode, Em sits down with Sarah from Zero Highway to talk all things content creation, marketing, and navigating social media algorithms.
💡 Sarah shares invaluable insights into how she turned her love for pets into a successful online presence and gives practical advice for growing and monetizing your account. From understanding how the algorithm works to cre...
This episode is brought to you by our partnership with PetMatRx
Follow PetMatRx on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petmatrx/
Purchase your PetMatRx Products: https://petmatrx.com/?ref=straightupdogtalk
Use Straight Up Dog Talk's Code to save 20% off your PetMatRx purchase: SUDT20
🐕🦺 Have you ever wondered what it’s like to train your own service dog? In this episode, Em chats with Haylee, who shares her experiences training...
This episode is brought to you by our partnership with Handlers & Humans
Learn More about Handlers & Humans: https://www.handlersandhumans.com/
Free Month Membership with code:
🐾 The relationship between dogs and their humans goes far beyond training—it’s deeply emotional and, at times, incredibly challenging. In this episode, Em is joined by Jess from Handlers & Humans to discuss the often-overlooked human side of men...
🐾 Looking for easy, cost-efficient, and space-saving ways to enrich your dog’s life? In this episode, Em is joined by Lauren from Sit Stay Stella to break down how you can incorporate enrichment into your daily routine without breaking the bank or cluttering your space.
💡 Learn practical tips to keep your dog mentally engaged and fulfilled, using items you already have at home! Whether you're new to enrichment or want to simplify...
The rescue world can be as heartbreaking as it is rewarding. In this episode, Em is joined by Bridget from Wild Wolfe Pack Treats to dive into the realities of animal rescue—overpopulation, heartbreaking losses, and the emotional toll that comes with volunteering in such challenging conditions.
Bridget shares her personal experiences in the rescue world and opens up about how self-care and mental health are crucial for anyone navig...
Have you ever felt judged because of the dog you love—or even for the person you are? In this episode, Em sits down with Rob and Laurel to have an open and honest conversation about the harsh realities of breed discrimination, human discrimination, and the damaging stigmas in the dog community. Together, they explore why kindness, advocacy, and understanding are essential for creating change.
You’ll hear real stories, learn why cer...
This episode is brought to you by our partnership with Mush Buddies!
Shop Mush Buddies here: https://mushbuddies.dog/
Use code SUDT15 to save 15% today!
In this episode, I sit down with Devin, the founder of Mush Buddies, a new small business dedicated to enhancing dog health through the power of mushroom supplements. Devin shares the inspiration behind Mush Buddies, the unique benefits mushrooms offer for dogs, and how incorporati...
In this compelling episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Zach Skow, the visionary founder of Marley's Mutts and the Pawsitive Change Program. Zach shares his inspiring journey from battling end-stage liver disease to establishing a groundbreaking initiative that pairs rescue dogs with incarcerated individuals for mutual rehabilitation.
Discover how the Pawsitive Change Program not only saves d...
This episode is sponsored by our partnership with Tulsa Pack Athletics
Follow Tulsa Pack Athletics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulsapack/
Learn more about Tulsa Pack Athletics: https://www.tulsapackathletics.com/
Join Em on Straight Up Dog Talk as she reconnects with her first dog training mentor, Sailor Jerri! In this episode, Em and Jerri reflect on their journey together—from colleagues to mentor-student, to client-t...
🐾 Thinking about fostering a dog? You need to hear this! 🐾
In this powerful episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Caitlin shares her tough experience fostering Ruby, where she was left completely unsupported by the rescue. 💔 She paid for all of Ruby’s care out of her own pocket and was solely responsible for finding Ruby a home. This story highlights the importance of doing your research before fostering.
📢 Learn how to protect your...
In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Chrissy, the driving force behind The Joy Crew—five talented dogs who work as actor/set dogs in the entertainment industry. 🐾🎬
Ever wonder how dogs land roles on TV or movie sets? Chrissy shares her unexpected journey into this fascinating career path, giving us a glimpse into the world of set dogs and the unique training process that goes into preparing her crew for the ...
Ashley from Flag the Breeders joins us to discuss the shelter overpopulation crisis, red flags in backyard breeders, and how to make informed decisions when choosing a dog. Whether you’re involved in animal rescue, a shelter volunteer, or simply passionate about dogs, this episode is full of insights for making a positive difference!
Stay Connected:
- Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and ...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.