Strict - Firm. Are they interchangeable? What is the difference?

In my professional world I have learned to expect more so that I can receive more. I had a good coach. She forced me to see it her way. It worked. That's why she is a good coach. Now in my personal life, I have to make a decision. Do I expect more? If I do, then how do I communicate this? It might be easier if we were speaking the same language. My dogs though, do not speak my language. Lately, I'm not sure that we are even capable of coming close. The sad truth is that through lack of knowledge and experience, we've put ourselves in a bit of a pickle. We will put our hands and our wallets in the hands of professionals and hope for the best.