In this reactive dog podcast episode, Em shares how letting go of perfection—and the E-collar—changed everything for her and Fitz.

✨ I thought I had to be perfect to help my reactive dog.
Turns out, I just had to be present.

Five and a half years ago, I was standing in a quiet parking lot, holding the leash of a barking, overwhelmed dog—using an E-collar, doing everything I was told—and still, it wasn’t working.

That was the moment I realized:
Maybe the problem wasn’t my dog.
Maybe it was the pressure I was putting on both of us.

That moment changed everything. It was the beginning of a new way of thinking… and the first step toward becoming a trainer, launching this podcast, and building the life we have now.

🎧 In this solo episode, I’m sharing:
• Why perfection was stealing my peace (and Fitz’s)• The moment I took the E-collar off for good• What helped us heal: safety, regulation, and connection• Why “doing everything right” still didn’t help• How Fitz made me question everything—and build something better

💛 This is your reminder:
You don’t need to be perfect to support your dog.
You just need to show up. Regulated. Honest. Willing.

Because your dog isn’t looking for perfection.
They’re looking for you.

🕒 Episode Breakdown:00:00 The Lie I Believed About Being a Good Pet Parent00:45 When Doing “Everything Right” Still Didn’t Help01:40 The E-Collar That Made Things Worse02:30 The Parking Lot Realization That Changed Everything03:30 From Obedience to Understanding04:25 What Helped Us Heal: Safety, Regulation, Connection05:10 You’re Not Failing—You’re Doing the Work

✨ Stay Connected:
🌐 Website + Free Resources: straightupdogtalk.com
🆓 Book your free training or nutrition consult: straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b
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👇 Tag a pet parent who needs this reminder today.
💛 Save this post for the days you feel like you’re falling short.
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