From Burnout to Calm: Ditching Walk Pressure for Real Progress

Straight Up Dog Talk: Support for Reactivity, Dog Food, Barking and Burnout.

You’re following the rules—daily walks, enrichment, training cues—and your dog is still barking, reacting, or melting down. What gives?
In this vulnerable solo episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em shares the moment she realized daily walks weren’t calming her reactive dog Fitz—they were overloading him. Instead of helping, those structured walks were feeding dysregulation and emotional chaos.
You’ll learn:
• How to spot dysregulation vs “high energy” in your reactive dog
• Why traditional dog walk advice can backfire for anxious or sensitive dogs
• Em’s step-by-step approach to rebuilding calm—without relying on walks
• Sustainable, walk-free enrichment and nervous system regulation alternatives
• How to release guilt and redefine success as a dog parent (on your terms)
Press play to reframe what it means to meet your dog’s needs—and discover new ways to support calm, connection, and behavioral wellness.

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners

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Book FREE 15-minute call with Em

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Email [email protected] to get in touch with Em

This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.