Prison Dog Programs, Redemption, and the Power of Second Chances
Manage episode 506890440 series 3660518
What if the key to building trust with your dog could be found behind prison walls?
In this transformative episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Mattison Skoog-Simpson, founder of Freed By Training, to share the life-changing lessons she learned while training dogs inside a prison-based rehabilitation program. This isn’t just about obedience—it’s about emotional healing, second chances, and relationship-based dog training that meets both dogs and people with compassion.
You’ll learn:
• How prison dog programs build trust, structure, and redemption—for dogs and humans
• Why connection > control—and how that shifts your training approach
• What to do when your dog (or you) has been mislabeled as “too much”
• How to navigate shame, guilt, and reactive dog parenting with grace
• The power of going slow, listening more, and leading with empathy
Whether your dog’s behavior feels overwhelming, or you’re carrying guilt about the journey—you’ll find hope, clarity, and permission to start again.
🎧 Press play to explore the deep connection between dog behavior, emotional healing, and the power of second chances.
👉 Connect with Mattison + get free resources:
Instagram: @freedbytraining
Website: freedbytraining.co
Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:
Get a free copy of Feeding without Fear for mealtime manners
https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/feeding-without-fear
Book FREE 15-minute call with Em
https://tinyurl.com/booknowsudt
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.
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