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 behaviors and controversial training advice to nutrition myths, reactivity, grief, and industry gaps no one talks about, we dig into the real stuff you won’t always 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 deep in the dog world, this podcast gives you a place to learn, reflect, and feel supported—with real stories, expert insight, and no fluff. Listen in and be part of a community that truly gets it.

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Episodes

7 hours ago

✨ 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 Reiki or already familiar with its healing properties, this episode is packed with insights into holistic wellness for you and your pets.
🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on energy, connection, and the power of healing with Reiki!
Stay Connected:💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.📲 Check out Howling OM to learn more about Tatiana’s work with Reiki and holistic pet wellness!
This episode is brought to you by our Partnership with Howling OM
Check out Howling OM’s Services: https://howlingom.com/
Buy 3 Sessions and Get 1 Free!
#reikiforpets #energyhealing #holisticpetcare #mindfuldogparenting #straightupdogtalk

Wednesday Mar 26, 2025

🐾 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 little flair to your pet’s accessories or love supporting creative entrepreneurs, this episode is full of insight and inspiration!
🎧 Tune in for a fun and inspiring conversation about pets, fashion, and the power of small businesses in the pet industry.
Stay Connected:💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.📲 Check out Dainty Paws for stylish pet accessories and to support Diana’s small business!
This episode is brought to you by our partnership with Dainty Paws
Shop Now https://www.daintypawsco.com/
Use Code SUDT10 to save 10% on your purchase!
#petfashion #smallbusinessowner #daintypaws #petaccessories #straightupdogtalk
 

Wednesday Mar 19, 2025

💛 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 compassionate guidance on preparing for loss, finding meaningful ways to honor your pet, and supporting yourself through grief.
🐾 If you’re facing the heartbreak of knowing you’ll one day have to say goodbye—or want to better understand how to support others—this episode is a must-listen. Beth is one of Em’s top-recommended practitioners for every pet parent navigating loss.
🎧 Tune in for a deeply meaningful conversation on love, loss, and honoring the bond we share with our animals.
✨ This episode is brought to you by our partnership with Honoring Our Animals.
Stay Connected: 💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. 📲 Learn more about Honoring Our Animals and how Beth’s work can support you through pet loss.
#petloss #anticipatorygrief #honoringouranimals #petparentcommunity #straightupdogtalk

Wednesday Mar 12, 2025

🐾 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 creating YumWoof, a fresh dog food brand focused on making healthy eating delicious and convenient for dogs everywhere.
🎧 Don’t miss this episode packed with practical tips, groundbreaking ideas, and expert advice for giving your dog the best possible care.
Stay Connected:💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.📲 Learn more about YumWoof and Jaron’s work by checking out YumWoof’s website and his book, The Cocoa Mega Effect!
Save 15% on your FIRST bag of YumWoof with code Emily15: https://yumwoof.com/collections/all
 
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
#dognutrition #yumwoof #doghealthtips #freshdogfood #straightupdogtalk

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025

🍴 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. And this is just the beginning—stay tuned for a future episode where Em and Nelly dive deeper into the world of raw feeding.
🎧 Don’t miss this insightful conversation, and be sure to check out Nelly’s Instagram and website for all your questions about canine health and nutrition.
Stay Connected:💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.📲 Learn more about The Combine Dog on Instagram or visit her website to take your dog’s health to the next level!
This episode is sponsored by our partnership with The Combine Dog.
Follow Nelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecombinedog/
Learn more about The Combine Dog: https://www.thecombinedog.com/
#caninenutrition #doghealthtips #caninewellness #rawfeeding #straightupdogtalk

Wednesday Feb 26, 2025

🐾 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 creating authentic, engaging content, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make their pet’s Instagram more than just a hobby.
🎧 Tune in to hear Em and Sarah’s take on how the love of pets can inspire creativity, build community, and even open doors to new opportunities.
Stay Connected:💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.📲 Check out Zero Highway on Instagram for more inspiration and social media tips!
This episode is proudly sponsored by Zero Highway.
Follow Sarah and Zero on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerohighway/
Learn from Sarah: https://stan.store/TheHighways/p/viral-hooks-checklist-4-pet-creators-to-10x-views?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaeJCTAjtp1qPlgDV17zLfAUnhR4G484aeHUvd_nkiGnZgALj91ydLvht0_aem_ujB5pq8_CtvHvCe-kIvz3w
#petinfluencer #contentcreationtips #monetizinginstagram #socialmediamarketing #straightupdogtalk

Wednesday Feb 19, 2025

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 her service dog from puppyhood. From navigating common challenges to tackling misconceptions about service animals, Haylee offers a candid look into the ups and downs of this deeply personal journey.
💡 She also discusses dealing with people (and even employees!) who don’t understand service animal laws, as well as her experience with the letter of medical necessity. Whether you're training your own service dog or simply want to learn more about what this journey entails, Haylee’s story is an eye-opener!
🎧 Don’t miss this episode packed with insights, advocacy tips, and personal stories that highlight the importance of education and understanding in the service dog community.
Stay Connected:💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
#servicedogtraining #advocacy #servicedoglaws #servicedogjourney #straightupdogtalk

Wednesday Feb 12, 2025

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 mental health in the dog-human bond, especially for those navigating life with more complex dogs.
💡 Jess opens up about her personal struggles with her dog, Dio, and shares how these experiences inspired her to create Handlers & Humans, a community dedicated to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of pet guardians. As a member of the community, Em also shares her own journey, reflecting on how focusing on her mental health has strengthened her bond with her dogs.
🎧 Whether you’re working through challenges with a complex dog or simply want to better understand the emotional connection we share with our canine companions, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired.
Stay Connected:💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.📲 Check out Handlers & Humans on Instagram for more on Jess’s work: Handlers & Humans on Instagram
#mentalhealthmatters #doghumanbond #complexdogs #handlersandhumans #straightupdogtalk

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025

🐾 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 your current approach, this episode is full of actionable advice to make it easier than ever to enhance your dog's well-being.
🎧 Tune in to discover how small changes can lead to big improvements in your dog's happiness and behavior!
Stay Connected:💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.📲 Check out Sit Stay Stella for more creative enrichment ideas!
This episode is sponsored by our partnership with Sit Stay Stella. 
Learn More About Sit Stay Stella: https://www.sitstaystella.com/contact-us
#dogenrichment #simplifydogcare #costefficienttips #happydogs #straightupdogtalk

Wednesday Jan 29, 2025

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 navigating this emotionally heavy space. Whether you're a volunteer, foster, or advocate, this episode is a must-listen for finding balance while making a difference.
🎧 Join us for an honest conversation about compassion, resilience, and the importance of prioritizing your own well-being in the face of tough challenges.
Stay Connected: Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
#animalrescue #selfcarematters #mentalhealthawareness #rescuedogs #straightupdogtalk

A new kind of dog podcast



What is Straight Up Dog Talk? A safe space for dog owners and experts to talk about tough topics.

You know... the ones you're Googling late at night because you don't know who to ask or how to bring them up. These are the conversations we SHOULD be having as a dog community, hosted in a forum like never before. 

You won't get one perspective here. You'll get them all. While we may not always agree, we'll disagree with empathy and respect. And that's what makes Straight Up Dog Talk a new kind of podcast.

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