Straight Up Dog Talk

🐾 Want to teach your dog fun tricks at home?

In this episode, Em is joined by Krista from HeelerPoint to talk all things trick training—from timing and reinforcement to safety and fun. Whether you’re working on basic skills or flashy moves, this episode is full of encouragement and actionable tips.

💡 Krista shares her experience training her dogs, Han Solo and Carly Rae, while Em adds her own insight into how to make trick training both enriching and safe. They also dive into the value of understanding your dog’s needs, going at their pace, and using play to build connection.

🎧 Whether you're just getting started or want to add something new to your training routine, this episode will help you create more fun and confidence with your pup.

✨ This episode is brought to you by our partnership with PetMatRx.
Use code SUDT20 to save 20% on your first purchase: https://petmatrx.com/?ref=straightupdogtalk
Follow on Instagram: @petmatrx

Stay Connected:
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
📲 Explore more from HeelerPoint on Instagram: @heelerpoint

#tricktraining #positivereinforcement #dogtrainingfun #dogbonding #straightupdogtalk

In this compelling episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em sits down with Zach Skow, the visionary founder of Marley's Mutts and the Pawsitive Change Program. Zach shares his inspiring journey from battling end-stage liver disease to establishing a groundbreaking initiative that pairs rescue dogs with incarcerated individuals for mutual rehabilitation.

Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue

Discover how the Pawsitive Change Program not only saves dogs from high-kill shelters but also provides inmates with vocational training and emotional healing through canine companionship.

Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue

Zach's story is a testament to the transformative power of second chances and the profound impact of the human-animal bond.

Tune in to learn about the challenges and triumphs of this innovative program and how it's creating hope and opportunity for both people and pets.

Stay Connected: @straightupdogtalk for more insights and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Donate to Marley’s Mutts: https://www.marleysmutts.org/donate/

#pawsitivechange #marleysmutts #dogrehabilitation #prisonprogram #secondchances

🐶👓 What if a tiny pair of glasses could change your dog’s life?

In this episode, Em chats with Elizabeth, author of Charlie Gets Glasses, to share the incredible story of Charlie—a senior dog whose UV-protective glasses helped him navigate cataracts and see the world in a new way.

💡 What started as a playful idea turned into something much bigger. Elizabeth uses her book to educate and normalize wearing glasses—for both dogs and humans—and spark important conversations about senior dog care, aging with dignity, and creating safer, more supportive homes for aging pets.

🎧 Whether you're caring for a senior pup or just love a heartwarming story, this episode is full of inspiration, insight, and tail wags.

📘 Grab your copy of Charlie Gets Glasses on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3S4DrdP

Stay Connected:
💛 Follow Straight Up Dog Talk for more insights and updates on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
📲 Follow Charlie and his journey on Instagram: @charlie.the.shorkie

#seniordogcare #dogglasses #charliegetsglasses #lifewithseniordogs #straightupdogtalk

TRIGGER WARNING - This episode contains graphic details and emotions regarding euthanizing a pet due to severe aggression. Both Em and Lana, get very real and very emotional. This is not an episode for children and maybe not one to listen to at work, at least not without headphones.

Being a dog guardian comes with a lot of responsibility and a lot of tough decisions. From start to finish the dog’s life and well-being is in YOUR hands. This includes having to make the very difficult decision to let your pet go when things start to go very wrong.

On this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Lana, and Em both share personal stories about having a dog with idiopathic aggression, also known as rage syndrome. This condition is NOT treatable and is in the best interest of all parties to take action to make sure that everyone remains safe.

Unfortunately due to the lack of education and information available on this topic people don’t know what to do in these situations. We are here to tell you that you are NOT alone and you have support. If you are experiencing situations like the ones in this episode, please do not hesitate to ask for help if needed. Our mission is to educate on this topic so that other people are not suffering in silence.

Follow Lana and Ares on TikTok: salg.loki.themaligator & Instagram: loki.the.maligator_

On this episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em’s “planty” friend from Instagram Felicia. Discovering a mutual love for plants and dogs made the pair instant friends! Felicia shares her story about her life with dogs and plants, as well as some more personal stories about being a dog owner. If you want help with your plants or your dogs, Felicia is the person to follow!

Follow Felicia, Larry & Daryl on TikTok: pothosiblyaboutplants & Instagram: pothosiblyaboutplants & larrysndhisbrotherdaryl