Welcome to The Dog Who Asked for More formerly known as Straight Up Dog Talk
Welcome to The Dog Who Asked for More formerly known as Straight Up Dog Talk
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If your dog feels like a lot — and nothing you’ve tried has really helped — you’re not failing.
You just need clearer understanding.
Some dogs don’t fit into neat boxes.
They feel bigger. React harder. Need more support than generic advice can offer.
And most of the time, the people who love them are already trying incredibly hard.
If that’s you, you’re in the right place.
This work looks at the whole picture — behavior, nervous system, environment, enrichment, and what’s happening inside the body — because when a dog doesn’t feel okay physically or emotionally, “training harder” doesn’t solve the root issue.
This isn’t about fixing your dog.
It’s about understanding them — and building something that actually fits real life.
Most people begin here.
Not because you’re committing to anything —
but because talking it through calmly is often the fastest way to reduce confusion.
Free 15-Minute Clarity Call
A no-pressure conversation where we:
• Talk through what’s been feeling hard
• Look at patterns you may be missing
• Explore whether behavior, stress, nutrition, or unmet needs are involved
• Identify what kind of support (if any) would actually help
Nothing changes unless you want it to.
There’s no judgment. No obligation. No expectation to “do more.”
If you leave with clarity and nothing else, that still counts.

You won’t be pushed into drastic changes.
You won’t be told you’ve been doing it wrong.
You won’t be handed a rigid plan that doesn’t fit your life.
Instead, you’ll get:
• Clear explanations
• Thoughtful guidance
• Small, doable steps
• Space to ask questions without fear
Relief usually comes before action here — not after.

Programs & Self-Guided Support
Best for dog parents who:
• Prefer learning at their own pace
• Want structure without pressure
• Need flexibility

Most people who arrive here are already doing so much.
They’ve read the articles.
Tried the tips.
Bought the things.
Still, something feels off.
Dogs don’t exist in pieces.
Their bodies, brains, environments, and relationships are deeply connected.
When something isn’t working, it’s rarely just obedience.
I believe:
• Behavior is communication
• Nervous systems matter
• Food, rhythm, and safety shape everything
• Support should feel calm and compassionate
• There is no one-size-fits-all dog
This work is about clarity instead of confusion.
Support instead of shame.

Living with a sensitive, reactive dog changed how I see everything.
I began to notice how strongly food affects digestion, energy, mood, and a dog’s ability to settle.
Many dogs aren’t difficult — they’re uncomfortable.
When the body feels better, everything else becomes easier.
That’s why nutrition isn’t separate from this work.
For many dogs, it’s foundational.
Hi, I’m Em — someone who has spent her life trying to understand dogs who don’t fit into boxes.
Over 30+ years, I’ve worked as a vet tech, pet sitter, dog walker, trainer, and certified canine nutritionist.
But nothing shaped my work more than living with my own dogs — especially Fitz.
Traditional advice didn’t work for him.
“Just train harder” didn’t help.
That experience led me to build a different kind of support — one that considers stress, nervous system overwhelm, unmet needs, and what’s happening inside the body.
My work blends:
• Behavior support grounded in communication and trust
• Enrichment that supports regulation
• Nutrition as a foundation for wellbeing
• Practical strategies that work in real life
More than credentials, what matters is this:
I know how it feels to care deeply and still feel lost.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
If you’ve been feeling like everyone else has it figured out except you — you’re not alone.
Most people who arrive here are:
• Trying harder than anyone sees
• Carrying guilt they don’t deserve
• Afraid to admit how tired they are
None of that means you’ve failed your dog.
It usually means the advice you were given wasn’t built for your dog.
You don’t need to do more.
You don’t need to try harder.
You just need support that actually fits.
If things have felt heavier than they should, we can slow it down together.
Book a free 15-minute clarity call and we’ll look at what’s actually happening — calmly, realistically, and without pressure.
Please reach us at em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
We offer a variety of training programs, including virtual, hybrid, and in-person options. Our training focuses on enriching your dog's life through personalized care, play-based learning, and addressing behavioral challenges like reactivity, fear, anxiety, and high-energy behavior.
Our virtual training takes place on Slack, where you’ll submit videos of your dog’s training sessions daily. Em will review your videos and provide detailed feedback via video responses every day, giving you constructive guidance and next steps to implement for the following day’s session. This allows for personalized, consistent support throughout your program, with flexibility for your schedule.
No problem! Whether your dog is reactive, anxious, or just has a lot of energy, our training programs are tailored to fit your dog’s unique needs. We’ll assess your dog’s behavior and create a personalized plan using positive reinforcement and enrichment activities to help them thrive.
Yes! Our programs are fully customizable. You can combine obedience training, enrichment, and play-based learning to suit your dog’s specific needs. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and develop a comprehensive plan.
Yes, we offer a free initial consultation to help determine which program is best for you and your dog. During this consult, we’ll discuss your dog’s needs, challenges, and goals to ensure you choose the right training path. goals and develop a comprehensive plan.
Yes! We believe that every dog deserves access to quality training, so we offer free and low-cost programs, including our outdoor play course. These programs provide a great starting point to help you build a better relationship with your dog.
Our training programs are available in 4, 6, and 8-week durations for both virtual and hybrid options. If you need more time or continued support after completing a program, you can purchase additional weeks at the end of each program as needed to keep progressing with your dog.
You’ll need a smartphone or camera to record and upload daily videos of your dog’s progress to Slack, along with a stable internet connection. Em will review your videos and provide feedback videos daily. Any additional tools or training gear will be recommended based on your dog’s specific needs.
All sales are final, and we do not offer refunds on any training services or programs. However, if unforeseen circumstances arise, we may offer credit toward future training programs. Check our No Refunds Policy for more details.
With our Slack-based virtual program, training is flexible! You can submit videos at a time that works best for you, and Em will provide feedback within 24 hours. For in-person or hybrid sessions, we ask that you contact us 24 hours in advance if you need to reschedule.
It’s easy! Just book your free consultation, and we’ll guide you through selecting the best program for you and your dog. From there, you’ll gain access to our Slack channel to start your personalized training journey.
The Dog Who Asked for More is a podcast and educational space supporting dog parents navigating reactivity, anxiety, barking, big feelings, dog food confusion, enrichment needs, and canine nutrition.
Through real-life conversations and grounded guidance from a canine nutritionist, dog trainer, and retired vet tech, the show explores dog behavior, emotional wellbeing, gut health, enrichment, and the everyday realities of life with complex dogs.
This space exists to help dogs — and the humans who love them — feel safer, more understood, and more supported.
© 2026 The Dog Who Asked for More. All rights reserved.

Formerly know as Straight Up Dog Talk.
New Name. New Look. New Content!