What Prison Dog Programs Can Teach Us About Healing, Structure & Hope
What can prison dog programs teach us about healing, structure, and hope?In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Mattison Skook-Simpson (Freed By Training) shares how working with dogs inside prison helped her rebuild her life—and how compassion, communication, and second chances can transform both people and dogs.Most of us are told to “fix” behaviors fast. But as you’ll hear, efficiency isn’t everything—and real progress comes when we slow down, connect, and rebuild trust.How prison dog programs teach responsibility, connection, and self-worthWhy relationship matters more than results (and what that means for your dog)What to do when your dog is labeled “too much”How to turn shame into momentum and start fresh—no matter where you are✨ Connect with Mattison & grab free resources:Website: https://freedbytraining.coInstagram: https://instagram.com/freedbytraining💛 About Straight Up Dog TalkHelping dog parents who love their dog but feel lost—ditch the guilt, decode the behavior, and finally build the life you both deserve. Follow for judgment-free conversations about reactivity, nutrition, enrichment, and the messy middle of dog life.
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Burnt Out But Still Building: What Dog Moms Don’t Talk About
Burnt out, overwhelmed, and still chasing your dream? You’re not alone.In this raw solo episode, Em shares the unfiltered truth about what it really looks like to keep going when you’re exhausted, unsure, and still trying to make something meaningful happen.From scrubbing floors to podcasting through burnout, this is a behind-the-scenes look at what no one tells you about balancing your dreams, your dogs, and your sanity.💡 You’ll hear:• What people don’t see behind the podcast and progress• How Em juggles burnout while running multiple businesses• The emotional toll (and beauty) of pursuing something that matters• A gentle reminder that you’re not behind—you’re becomingIf you’ve ever felt stuck in the messy middle, wondering if it’s all worth it—this one’s for you. You’re not failing. You’re doing the work.✨ Want support while you build your next chapter?→ Grab the “Getting Unstuck” Digital Product→ Join the Slack Community for Pet Parents→ Or download the Start Here Survival Kit for Big-Feeling Dogs#straightupdogtalk #burnoutrecovery #dogmomlife #messymiddle #entrepreneurmindset #realandraw
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Can Dogs Really Talk? The Truth About Button Training
🐾 Can dogs really talk? Tilda’s button journey shows how communication can transform your bond—and change how we see canine intelligence.In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Molissa to share the incredible story of Tilda—a dog using buttons to “speak” her mind. From the first button press to emotional breakthroughs, you’ll hear how Tilda’s journey has inspired a global community of dog lovers.💡 You’ll learn: How Tilda started learning to use buttons Training methods that worked (and what didn’t) The most surprising things she’s ever “said” Tips for pet parents curious about button training Why this movement is reshaping how we view canine intelligence💛 Whether you’re new to button training or just curious about how dogs communicate, this episode will leave you inspired.Guest Info:@talkingmytildaUse code Tilda at FluentPet.com to save on your buttons!🐾 Sponsored by PetMatRxShop science-backed supplements: petmatrx.comUse code SUDT20 to save 20%✨ Stay Connected🌐 Free resources + more: straightupdogtalk.com🆓 Book your free training or nutrition consult: straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b📲 Follow on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube & Facebook: @em_lovesdogs | @straightupdogtalk#dogbuttons #caninedialogue #talkingdog #dogtraining #straightupdogtalkAffiliate Disclosure: This episode contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Straight Up Dog Talk and helping fuel the RV dream
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Reactive Dogs: Why Advocacy Matters More Than Excuses
In this dog training podcast episode, Em shares how to advocate for your reactive dog—setting boundaries, saying no, and protecting trust without guilt.Do you ever feel like you’re constantly justifying your dog’s behavior to others?In this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, I share the moment everything shifted—the first time I stopped explaining Fitz and started advocating for him. From awkward family events to pushy strangers, I’ve been there. And I know how hard it is to speak up when the world doesn’t get it.But here’s the truth: your dog doesn’t need your defense.They need your protection. Your leadership. Your trust.💡 You’ll walk away with:• Real-world examples of what advocacy looks like• Tips for saying “no” without guilt• Why advocating for your dog is one of the most powerful tools you have• A reminder that you don’t need to explain your way to respectIf you’re stuck between wanting to protect your dog and trying not to offend anyone—this one’s for you.✨ Free Resource👉 Grab the free enrichment guide: Paws, Brains, and Fun✨ Stay Connected🌐 Website + More Resources: straightupdogtalk.com🆓 Book your free training or nutrition consult: straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook💛 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more pet parents find support that actually feels good.#dogtrainingpodcast #reactivedogsupport #dogadvocacy #bigfeelingdogs #straightupdogtalk
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Does Clicker Training Actually Work Better for Dogs?
In this dog training podcast episode, Em and Annie Grossman share why positive reinforcement and science—not dominance—create lasting results.What if we could combine heart and behavioral science to train dogs—without relying on dominance or intimidation?In this inspiring conversation, Em sits down with Annie Grossman, founder of School for the Dogs and author of How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science, to talk about building connection through positive reinforcement and how our differing yet aligned methods shape learning in both canines and humans.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why Annie’s book advocates for "good training" above all—a science-based, humane approach that avoids punishment-based tools• How clicker training acts as a precise marker, bridging behaviors to rewards faster than traditional cues• Where our philosophies align—and where our styles diverge—especially in matching methods to the needs, emotions, and learning styles of each dog• Practical tips to make training joyful, effective, and rooted in science✨ Stay Connected🌐 Website + Free Resources: straightupdogtalk.com🆓 Book your free training or nutrition consult: straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook💛 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more pet parents find support that actually feels good.#dogtrainingpodcast #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #dogbehavior #straightupdogtalk
About Straight Up Dog Talk: Real Talk on Dog Training, Behavior, and Nutrition for Pet Parents
Struggling with your dog’s reactivity, anxiety, high energy, or behavior—even after trying everything? Welcome to Straight Up Dog Talk — the dog training, nutrition, and enrichment podcast helping mentally and emotionally burned-out pet parents finally release the guilt, learn to communicate clearly, and build the loving bond you’ve been searching for. Hosted by Em—trainer, canine nutritionist, retired vet tech, and reactive dog mom—each episode blends real stories, dog behavior insights, and judgment-free support with real-life solutions.
Listen to Straight Up Dog Talk: Real Talk on Dog Training, Behavior, and Nutrition for Pet Parents, How to Be a Better Human and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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