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.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • YouTube
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
  • TuneIn + Alexa
  • iHeartRadio
  • PlayerFM
  • Listen Notes
  • Podchaser
  • BoomPlay

Episodes

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025

⚖️ 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 that put dogs at risk, this conversation is a must-listen for every responsible pet parent.
💡 Why this matters:✔️ Understanding your state’s laws can help you protect your dog✔️ Some laws are outdated and harmful to pets✔️ Awareness is the first step to advocating for change
🐾 Don’t wait until it’s too late—know your pet’s rights and how to keep them safe. Tune in for an important discussion that every pet guardian needs to hear.
Stay Connected:
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.📲 Connect with Lauren from Choose Wisely Training on Instagram for more educational content on pet laws and responsible training.
#knowyourpetlaws #dogrights #responsiblepetparenting #petadvocacy #straightupdogtalk

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025

🐶 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 personal experience feeding the Keto Natural Diet to her picky eater, Fitz, and what she learned along the way.
🎧 If you’re looking for real, science-backed insights on canine nutrition and practical tips to support your dog’s health, this episode is a must-listen!
Stay Connected:💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.📲 Check out Keto Natural Dog Food and Daniel’s book Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma to learn more!
#caninenutrition #doghealth #lowcarbdietfordogs #dogobesity #straightupdogtalk

Wednesday Apr 02, 2025

✨ 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

🚐 A New Kind of Dog Podcast—Rooted in Honesty, Headed for the Road

Straight Up Dog Talk isn’t just a podcast—it’s a safe, judgment-free space for pet parents, professionals, and passionate dog lovers to talk about the real stuff.

You know... the anxious late-night questions, the hard-to-ask topics, the things you’ve been Googling at 2 AM because you’re overwhelmed and don’t know who to trust. This is where we bring those conversations into the light—with compassion, clarity, and curiosity.

We cover reactivity, grief, burnout, enrichment, behavior struggles, nutrition, training methods, and everything in between. These are the conversations we should be having as a dog community—raw, real, and rooted in respect.

Here, you won’t get just one perspective. You’ll hear from a variety of voices—trainers, nutritionists, behaviorists, pet parents, and more. We don’t all agree, and that’s okay. Disagreements are welcome—as long as they come with empathy and an open mind.

And now, Straight Up Dog Talk is getting ready to hit the road.

We’re building toward a cross-country RV tour to bring this podcast to life in new ways:

🎙 In-person interviews with pet professionals & rescues

🐾 Meetups with dog lovers & community members

💛 Events designed to educate, support, and connect

⚙️ Featuring innovative tools, industry tech, and trusted pet brands that are changing the game

Because the dog world deserves honest conversations—and so do the people in it.

Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Version: 20241125