Straight Up Dog Talk – Details, episodes & analysis

I used to trust kibble—until my dog got sick, and no one could give me real answers. That’s when everything changed.

In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the pet food industry and sharing what I wish someone had told me sooner.

🎙️ You’ll learn:

• The truth about kibble, AAFCO, and outdated pet food standards

• How my senior dog’s illness led me to raw feeding

• What bioavailability actually means—and why it matters

• Easy, affordable ways to upgrade your dog’s meals

• What your dog’s body really needs (and what it doesn’t)

🐾 Whether you’re just starting to question what’s in your dog’s bowl or you’re already feeding raw, this episode gives you a judgment-free breakdown of the science, the options, and the peace of mind that comes from understanding what’s really fueling your dog.

Em’s Daily Go-To Products
• PetMatRx Thrive Pack — Use code SUDT20 to save 20%
• Feed Real Dog Box — My go-to for hard-to-find chews & dehydrated raw items

✨ Need support?
Schedule a nutrition & enrichment consultation to get custom recipes and real-life help tailored to your dog.

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Stay Connected
Follow Straight Up Dog Talk on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for more insights and updates.

🎧 Love this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more pet parents find this space.

#dognutrition #rawfeeding #caninenutrition #doghealthtips #straightupdogtalk

This episode includes affiliate links. When you use them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this space and helping fuel the RV dream 💛

What if the problem wasn’t your dog—it was the products we’ve all been told to trust?

In this no-BS conversation, Em sits down with Lindsay Ruggles, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at Pet Life Unlimited, to talk about why so many “standard” pet products are outdated, overcomplicated, or just plain ineffective—and what pet parents actually need instead.

From the pee pad aisle to paw balm hype, we break down how to stop wasting money, avoid overwhelm, and choose products that actually work for your dog’s lifestyle and health.

🎙️ You’ll hear:

• Why so many pet care products are created without your dog in mind
• The problem with traditional pee pads (and what to use instead)
• How Pet Life Unlimited is rewriting the pet product playbook
• What to look for in paw balms, dry shampoo brushes, and daily care
• The shift toward transparency, science, and respect in dog care

🐶 Want a FREE sample of Pet Life Unlimited products?

Email woof@petlife.co with the subject line Straight Up Dog Talk to request yours.

Please note: Submitting a sample request will sign you up for Pet Life Unlimited’s marketing emails.

I thought I was doing everything right—until I realized I was pushing my dog through a world he wasn’t ready for.

In this solo episode, Em shares the emotional turning point with Fitz: how dog parks and daily walks made things worse, how guilt and confusion clouded her decisions, and what finally shifted when she started listening instead of forcing.

You’ll hear:

• The early signs of reactivity Em missed (and what they looked like)
• Why “doing more” wasn’t the answer—and what made things worse
• How the decision to stop pushing created space for real healing
• What you can do instead when your dog is overwhelmed

This episode isn’t about giving up—it’s about pausing, listening, and meeting your dog where they are.

🎙️ Solo episodes drop every other Monday

🎧 Guest video episodes launch July 23

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Stay Connected:

Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.

💛 If this episode resonated, please share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more pet parents find support that actually feels good.

#reactivedog #dogpodcast #dogbehavior #bigfeelingdogs #dogparentlife

🐕 What does it really mean when a dog is labeled “aggressive”? In this powerful episode, Em sits down with internationally recognized aggression expert Michael Shikashio to explore the nuance behind canine aggression—what it is, what it isn’t, and how to approach it with clarity and compassion.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What aggression really means in dogs

• Why labels can oversimplify complex behavior

• How environment, history, and context shape aggression

• What to consider when approaching a new aggression case

  
  

🐾 Em and Mike talk about the realities of working with dogs who struggle, why every dog is different, and how both pet parents and professionals can move beyond fear into understanding.

🎧 Whether you're feeling stuck, judged, or unsure where to turn—this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and better equipped to help your dog.

Guest Info:📲 Learn more about Michael’s work and courses: aggressivedog.com📸 Follow Michael on Instagram: @michaelshikashio

Stay Connected:
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

#dogaggression #michaelshikashio #caninebehavior #dogtrainingeducation #straightupdogtalk

🧬 What’s really in your dog’s supplements—and how do you know they’re working? In this episode, Em sits down with Will, CEO of PetMatRx, to break down the science, transparency, and impact behind quality pet nutrition.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to read supplement labels and what to avoid

• The mission behind PetMatRx’s science-backed products

• Why proactive wellness matters in a dog’s longevity

• What makes a supplement truly effective

  
  

🐾 Em and Will also get real about the pet industry, the challenges of building trust with consumers, and how education is at the heart of lasting health for our dogs.

🎧 Whether you're new to supplements or ready to upgrade your dog’s wellness routine, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest insights.

Guest Info:📲 Follow Will on Instagram: @will_leaddog📲 Learn more about PetMatRx: @petmatrx🛍️ Explore science-backed supplements: petmatrx.com

Stay Connected:
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

#petnutrition #dogsupplements #petmatrx #healthydogs #straightupdogtalk

This episode is proudly sponsored by our partnership with PetMatRx.
Use code SUDT20 to save 20% on your first order: petmatrx.com
Affiliate purchases through this link help fuel Em’s RV journey to bring the Straight Up Dog Talk podcast on the road—sharing real stories and connecting with dog lovers nationwide. 🚌💛

🐾 What if your daily dog walk could help build a kinder, safer community? In this episode, Em chats with Laura—professional dog walker and creator behind Curious Snoots—about how thoughtful walking practices and mutual respect between pet guardians can transform neighborhoods.

💡 In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why how we show up on walks matters

• How to handle off-leash dogs and boundary-pushing situations

• Tips for navigating awkward encounters with other pet parents

• The power of kindness, consistency, and communication

🌎 Laura shares how her work in dog walking fosters connection, safety, and compassion in the pet space—and how you can be part of that shift too.

🎧 Tune in for an honest, heartfelt conversation about responsibility, advocacy, and building stronger communities through everyday actions.

Guest Info:📲 Learn more about Curious Snoots and follow Laura's mission: @curioussnoots

Stay Connected:
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

#dogwalkingetiquette #offleashdogs #communitykindness #responsibledogparenting #straightupdogtalk

🐾 Ever wondered what it takes to get started in dog sports—or how they benefit your dog’s mind and body? In this fun and educational episode, Em chats with ⁠@katherinek9trainer⁠, a multi-certified trainer and behaviorist, about agility, rally, enrichment, behavior, and why doing things differently matters.

💡 In this episode, you'll learn:

• How dog sports build confidence, trust, and focus

• Why enrichment is more than just puzzle toys

• How behavior and training are connected

• Tips for getting started in sports like rally and agility

🎧 Whether you're brand new to dog sports or a seasoned handler, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and joy.

Guest Info:📲 Follow Katherine on Instagram: @katherinek9trainer

Stay Connected:
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

#dogsports #agilitydogs #dogtrainingtips #enrichmentideas #straightupdogtalk

✨ This episode is proudly sponsored by our partnership with PetMatRx.
Use code SUDT20 to save 20% at petmatrx.com
Follow PetMatRx on Instagram: @petmatrx

Affiliate links may provide a small commission at no extra cost to you. Every partnership helps support our RV journey to bring real conversations and resources to pet parents across the country.

💛 Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. In this deeply heartfelt episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Dr. Benson and Courtney from Paws Into Grace to explore how we can provide comfort, dignity, and love during our pets' final chapter.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What in-home end-of-life care looks like and why it matters

• How to prepare emotionally and logistically for your pet’s passing

• What options exist for aftercare and honoring your pet’s life

• How Dr. Benson is changing the narrative around pet loss with grace and compassion

This episode offers support, insight, and reassurance to any pet parent navigating grief or anticipating a goodbye.

Guest Info:
📲 Follow Paws Into Grace on Instagram: @pawsintograce🌐 Learn more about their compassionate services: https://pawsintograce.com

Stay Connected:
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

#petloss #endoflifecare #pawsintograce #petparentcommunity #straightupdogtalk

🐶 Ever wondered what life as a dog trainer is really like? In this fun and unfiltered episode, Em hangs out with Zoë from The Dreaded Trainer to talk about the highs, lows, and downright hilarious moments of working in the dog world.

🎙️ What’s in this episode?
✔️ Relatable stories about their own dogs 🐾
✔️ The unexpected (and often ridiculous) realities of trainer life
✔️ A lighthearted, laughter-filled conversation you won’t want to miss

This shop talk-style episode is packed with humor, real talk, and moments every dog lover or pet professional can relate to. Whether you're in the field or just obsessed with dogs, you’ll feel right at home.

🎧 Grab your headphones and get ready to laugh!

Stay Connected:
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
📲 Follow Zoë from The Dreaded Trainer for more dog training tips and behind-the-scenes fun: @thedreadedtrainer

#dogtrainerlife #funnydogstories #petprofessionals #shoptalk #straightupdogtalk

🐶 What does it really take to run a rescue? In this episode, Em sits down with Crystal from Dogs Forever Rescue, a local organization doing BIG things for the community while raising awareness around responsible adoption and fostering.

💡 Em and Crystal talk through the realities of rescue work—from burnout and big wins to the heart behind every foster placement. They share what potential adopters and volunteers need to know, and why small rescues can have a huge impact when people show up and support.

🎧 Whether you're thinking about fostering, adopting, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at how rescues operate, this episode is full of honest insight and heartwarming moments.

Stay Connected:
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
📲 Learn more about Dogs Forever Rescue and support their mission: @dogsforeverrescue

#dogrescue #adoptdontshop #rescuevolunteer #fosterdogs #straightupdogtalk