The Dog Who Asked for More: Dog Training for a Better Relationship With Your Dog – Details, episodes & analysis

Have you ever stared at your dog’s food bag and realized… you don’t actually know what’s inside?

A lot of loving dog parents assume they’re doing everything right. You buy the trusted brand. You follow the label. You trust the words “complete and balanced.” And then something changes — a health scare, a flare-up, a picky eater — and suddenly you start asking questions no one can clearly answer.

In this solo episode, Em shares how Toby’s pancreatitis sent her down a deep dive into dog nutrition, what she uncovered about kibble, processing, and ingredients, and how small, intentional changes slowly shifted the way she builds her dogs’ bowls. Not from fear or guilt — but from curiosity and care. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of your options, a calmer way to think about food, and permission to start where you are.

Press play if you’re ready to feel more confident about what goes into your dog’s bowl

My Daily Go-To Products:
PetMatRx Thrive Pack — Use code FITZ20 to save 20% at: https://petmatrx.com/?ref=tdwafm

Feed Real Dog Box — For dehydrated raw chews + varietyhttps://www.feedreal.com/?aff=straightupdogtalk 

Free Resources & Support

Dog Nutrition Quiz

Not sure if what you’re feeding is actually supporting your dog?Take the free quiz and get access to the Mini Bowl Blueprint

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/feedingquiz

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together.

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow⁠

Email ⁠⁠em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com⁠⁠ to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

The everyday parts of life with a dog don’t always get talked about.

The middle-of-the-night accidents.
The muddy paws.
The bath your dog absolutely hates.
The pee pads that leak anyway.

The small, unglamorous stuff that somehow takes the most energy.

And sometimes it feels harder than it should.

In this episode, Em sits down with the team behind Pet Life Unlimited to talk about why so many dog care products feel outdated, frustrating, or low quality — and what changes when companies actually listen to real dog parents first. From sturdier pee pads and gentler grooming solutions to tools that help you spot health issues earlier, this conversation is all about making everyday care easier, cleaner, and a little less stressful for both ends of the leash.

If you’ve ever thought, “there has to be a better way to do this,” this one’s for you.

Press play and let’s talk about the stuff nobody posts about — but everyone deals with.

🎁 Want to try Pet Life Unlimited for yourself?
Email woof@petlife.co with the subject line Straight Up Dog Talk to claim your free sample.

Free Resources & Support

Dog Nutrition Quiz

Not sure if what you’re feeding is actually supporting your dog?Take the free quiz and get access to the Mini Bowl Blueprint

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/feedingquiz

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together.

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow⁠

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness. 

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm⁠

Email ⁠⁠em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com⁠⁠ to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything you’re supposed to… and your dog still seems overwhelmed, anxious, or reactive?

Walks get harder.
Outings feel stressful.
And somewhere along the way, you start wondering if you’re failing them.

In this honest solo episode, Em shares the story of Fitz — and the four years she spent trying to “fix” behavior that was actually fear. From dog parks and walks that made things worse to the guilt of realizing she’d been pushing him past his limits, this conversation gently reframes what reactivity really means. Not stubborn. Not defiant. Just a dog asking to feel safe.

You’ll walk away with more compassion, a clearer lens for reading your dog’s needs, and permission to slow down and take smaller steps that actually build trust.

Press play if you need a reminder that you’re not behind — you’re learning, and that’s enough.

Free Resources & Support

Free Enrichment Guide: Paws, Brains, and Fun

Start here. This free guide introduces simple, low-pressure enrichment ideas to help your dog feel calmer, more fulfilled, and more connected in everyday life.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmenrichmentebook

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs?

We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together.👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness.

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

Email ⁠em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Have you ever felt your stomach drop when your dog suddenly barked, lunged, or snapped… and you thought, Where did that come from?

Living with a dog who seems reactive or “aggressive” can feel confusing, embarrassing, and heavy. One moment they’re fine. The next, everything feels tense. And when you don’t understand why it’s happening, it’s easy to blame yourself — or your dog.

In this conversation, Em sits down with aggression specialist Michael Shikashio to slow things down and look at dog behavior through a different lens. Together, they unpack what aggression really means, how stress, fear, pain, and body language play a role, and why many dogs aren’t being difficult — they’re simply trying to feel safe.

You’ll walk away with more clarity, more compassion, and a steadier way to support both your dog and yourself.

Press play if you’re ready to understand your dog — not fight them.

Free Resources & Support

Free Enrichment Guide: Paws, Brains, and Fun

Start here. This free guide introduces simple, low-pressure enrichment ideas to help your dog feel calmer, more fulfilled, and more connected in everyday life.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmenrichmentebook

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs?

We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together.👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness.

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

Email ⁠em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Have you ever stood in the pet store staring at a wall of supplements… wondering if any of them actually do anything for your dog?

The labels all sound the same. The promises sound big. And somehow you still leave feeling unsure — hoping you picked the “right” one.

In this episode, Em sits down with Will, co-founder of Pet Matrix, for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what really happens inside the pet supplement industry. They talk about marketing vs. real science, why most supplements never properly absorb, how bioavailability changes everything, and what actually helped Toby’s pancreatitis and mobility in real life.

This isn’t about buying more products. It’s about learning how to think differently about your dog’s health, ask better questions, and make choices that truly support their body — not just your cart.

Press play if you want to feel more informed, less overwhelmed, and more confident about what you’re putting in your dog’s bowl.

Guest Info: Follow Will on Instagram: @will_leaddog

Explore science-backed supplements: petmatrx.com

This episode is POWERED by PetMatRx

Free Resources & Support

Dog Nutrition Quiz

Not sure if what you’re feeding is actually supporting your dog?

Take the free quiz and get access to the Mini Bowl Blueprint

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/feedingquiz

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together.

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow⁠

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness. 

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm⁠

Email ⁠⁠em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com⁠⁠ to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Have you ever gone on a walk with your dog and somehow come home more stressed than when you left?

The pulling. The scanning for other dogs. The off-leash “don’t worry, they’re friendly” moments. Trying to enjoy fresh air while secretly bracing for the next problem.

Walks are supposed to feel simple. But for a lot of pet parents, they feel exhausting.

In this episode, Em sits down with professional dog walker Laura Garcia from Curious Snoots to talk about what walks really look like behind the scenes. Not perfect training drills — real life. Reactive dogs. Tight sidewalks. Missed cues. And the small, thoughtful choices that can completely change the experience for both you and your dog.

This conversation is about slowing down, paying attention, advocating kindly, and remembering that walks aren’t about distance or steps — they’re about connection.

Press play if you want your walks to feel calmer, safer, and a whole lot lighter for both ends of the leash.

Guest Info:

Follow Laura on Instagram: @curioussnoots

Free Resources & Support

Free Enrichment Guide: Paws, Brains, and Fun

Start here. This free guide introduces simple, low-pressure enrichment ideas to help your dog feel calmer, more fulfilled, and more connected in everyday life.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmenrichmentebook

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs?

We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together.👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness.

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

Email ⁠em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Here’s your description written in your exact structure and tone:

Have you ever felt like your dog has endless energy… no matter how many walks or play sessions you add?

So many pet parents think the answer is more exercise. Longer walks. More fetch. More movement. But sometimes all that does is create an even more wired, overstimulated dog.

In this episode, Em sits down with certified trainer and dog sport competitor Catherine McGuire to talk about what dogs actually need: jobs, mental challenges, and outlets that work their brain as much as their body. From agility and rally to nose work and enrichment, they break down how dog sports build focus, confidence, and a deeper relationship — and why any breed can participate.

Press play if you want practical, fun ways to channel your dog’s energy without burning yourself out.

Guest Info: Follow Katherine on Instagram: @katherinek9trainer

This episode is proudly sponsored by our partnership with POWERED by PetMatRx

Free Resources & Support

Free Enrichment Guide: Paws, Brains, and Fun

Start here. This free guide introduces simple, low-pressure enrichment ideas to help your dog feel calmer, more fulfilled, and more connected in everyday life.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmenrichmentebook

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs?

We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together.👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness.

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

Email ⁠em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Have you ever worried about what your dog’s last day might actually look like… and felt scared it would be rushed, cold, or clinical?

Most of us only know the veterinary office version. A small room. Bright lights. Paperwork. Not much time to breathe. And when you’re already heartbroken, the last thing you want is to feel hurried through goodbye.

In this episode, Em talks with Dr. Benson and Courtney from Paws Into Grace about what in-home euthanasia really looks like. From the first phone call to the final moments, they walk through how a calm, familiar environment, sedation, and unhurried time together can create a gentler, more peaceful experience—for both dogs and the people who love them.

Press play if you want to feel more informed, more prepared, and a little less afraid of one of the hardest days of dog parenting.

Guest Info:

Follow Paws Into Grace on Instagram: ⁠@pawsintograce⁠

Learn more about their compassionate services: ⁠pawsintograce.com⁠

Free Resources & Support

Dog Body Language Quiz

Not sure what your dog’s behavior is communicating?

Take the free quiz and get a resource matched to your results.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/dogbodylanguagequiz

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs?

Book a short call, and we’ll talk through what’s going on.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Support gut health and daily wellness. 

Use code FITZ20 to save.👉 https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

Email em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Here’s a version that aligns better with the actual conversation — less emotional therapy, more real-life trainer talk:

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” with training… but your dog still feels like a lot?

Like you’re trying to follow all the rules, use the right tools, and be the “perfect” dog parent — and it’s still exhausting?

In this episode, Em sits down with trainer Zoe Holloway for a real, unfiltered conversation about what dog training actually looks like outside of social media and outdated “alpha” advice. From breed expectations and dog parks to prongs, e-collars, and behavior myths, they talk honestly about what works, what doesn’t, and why learning the dog in front of you matters more than controlling every behavior.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re overcomplicating things — this one’s for you.

Press play for a grounded, real-life take on training that feels a little less rigid and a lot more doable.

Follow Zoë from The Dreaded Trainer on Instagram: ⁠@thedreadedtrainer⁠

Free Resources & Support

Dog Nutrition Quiz

Not sure if what you’re feeding is actually supporting your dog?

Take the free quiz and get access to the Mini Bowl Blueprint

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/feedingquiz

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together.

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow⁠

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness. 

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm⁠

Email ⁠⁠em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com⁠⁠ to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛

Ever thought about volunteering with dogs… but wondered what it’s actually like behind the scenes?

It’s not just cuddling puppies.
It’s meds. Laundry. Snowstorms. Poop. Hard days. Big feelings. And a whole lot of love.

In this episode, Em sits down with Crystal from Dogs Forever Rescue to talk honestly about what rescue work really looks like — the responsibilities, the heartbreak, the small wins, and the deep community that forms when people show up for dogs who need a second chance.

Press play if you’ve ever wanted to help a shelter dog — and just didn’t know where to start.

Learn more about Dogs Forever Rescue and support their mission: @dogsforeverrescue

Free Resources & Support

Free Enrichment Guide: Paws, Brains, and Fun

Start here. This free guide introduces simple, low-pressure enrichment ideas to help your dog feel calmer, more fulfilled, and more connected in everyday life.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmenrichmentebook

Free 15-Minute Clarity Call

Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs?

We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together.👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

PetMatRx Supplements We Trust

Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness.

Use code FITZ20 to save.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

Email ⁠em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life.

Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛