Enrichment for the Real World

#180 - 5 Things That Burn Out Pet Professionals

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0600

You didn’t get into animal care work because you wanted an easy career. You got in because you care about animals and the people who love them, well past the point of convenience and ease. In this episode, Emily and Ellen name five patterns we see (and have personally lived) that wear pet professionals down: no client boundaries, no safe space for hard conversations, no clear direction, skipping real self-care, and not believing in yourself.

We’re talking about what’s actually happening to good, committed people in a field with no real standards, no shared training path, and very little permission to talk about the hard things. This isn’t an easy episode, but addressing these challenges is what’s kept Pet Harmony and our mentees in this field for the long haul.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Boundaries can be systems, not willpower – Structural fixes (like an automated scheduler that just doesn't offer the hours you don't want) hold up better than having to say no over and over in the moment. And it still counts.

2️⃣ Isolation and shame feed each other in a loop – Guarding yourself out of fear of looking imperfect only deepens the isolation. The way out is finding people you can be honestly not-okay with.

3️⃣ Self-care is about protecting future you – Not spa days. It's completing your stress response cycle so today's choices don't become a debt your future self has to pay.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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Does your dog guard socks, space, people, or leaves on the ground? Emily doesn't usually take clients... except for this. Starting August 26th, she's opening a limited number of working spots for a 6-week live group course on resource guarding, specifically the kind that goes way beyond the food bowl. Personalized plans included. Auditor spots available. Grab yours at PetHarmonyTraining.com/RG before

#179 - My Dog Is Burning Me Out

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0600

“I did not sign up for this.”

It’s the one little sentence that flashes in your brain as you clean up another accident, watch your dog blow up over the sounds of a car door three blocks away, or spend yet another Friday night at home alone.

It’s one little sentence that sends you, and pet parents all over the world, into the pit of guilt, despair, and shame.

This week, Emily is joined by Valerie Bogie, Veterinary Social Worker, Pet Harmony team member, and overall empathetic badass. Valerie walks through what caregiver burden, burnout, and compassion fatigue actually are (versus normal stress), why "just push through it" makes things worse, and what to do instead.

If you’ve ever found yourself crying in the bathroom over your pet’s behavior, you’re not alone, and there is help out there.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ You’re not alone – New research found that among dog owners managing behavior challenges, 78% met criteria for elevated caregiver burden, 53% reported feeling alone, and 40% reported social isolation.

2️⃣ Pushing through doesn’t build resilience, for you, or your pet – Life is a rollercoaster, and you need the release at the top, not just to keep climbing… forever.

3️⃣ "Name it to tame it" is a real thing – One small thing at a time will lead to large lasting changes.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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Does your dog guard socks, space, people, or leaves on the ground? Emily doesn't usually take clients... except for this. For 6 weeks starting August 26th, she's opening a very limited number of working spots in a live group course on resource guarding, specifically the kind that goes way beyond the food bowl. Personalized plans included. Auditor spots also available. Grab yours at PetHarmonyTraining.com/RG before they

#178 - Amelia Nagoski: Burnout

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0600

You’re tired. You’re deep in your soul, day in and day out, exhausted. In a world where everything is hard, the stress keeps on coming, and pushing is applauded while resting is punished, may we introduce you to Dr. Amelia Nagoski, D.M.A., co-author, with her sister Emily, of the New York Times bestselling Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle and the Burnout workbook.

In this episode, we talk about: why “just relax” is useless advice, why burnout hits caregiving professions so hard, and what it really means to “do self-care” on a deep, functional level.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Drs. Amelia and Emily Nagoski changed our lives, the way we work with people, the way we view behavior consulting, and how we care for our pets. Wrapping up their impact on us in a short podcast description feels disingenuous, so instead, we’ll just say we hope this helps you too.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ The stressor and the stress are separate things – You need to deal with the stress in your body, not just get away from the stressor.

2️⃣ Change comes from groups, not heroes – Taking turns, sharing the labor, is how we effect lasting change.

3️⃣ You matter – That’s it. That’s the takeaway.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#177 - When You Can't Give Your Dog What They Want

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0600

We’ve all been there. The standoff where your dog is dancing and staring, waiting for you to do the thing, and you’re trying to negotiate a different plan. Maybe it’s 105 outside, and the heat has reached dangerous levels. Maybe wildfires have made the air unbreathable. Maybe it’s hurricane season, and you’re watching rocks fly through the sky. Or maybe it’s Monday, and you’re doing your Sunday routine.

While you know why it’s different, your dog is just staring, waiting for you to follow the rules, and has no interest in a different plan. This week, Emily and Allie talk about how to use enrichment, not reason, to help your dog meet their needs, even when their entire routine is knocked off kilter.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Match the need, not the activity – A walk could meet many needs at once: physical and mental exercise, social time, sniffing, agency. Once you know what your dog gets out of it, you can introduce alternatives much more successfully.

2️⃣ Frustration is valid – For both you and your dog. Instead of building it, redirect to something that works for both of you. It isn’t a bribe. It’s saying, “How about this instead?”

3️⃣ Make an enrichment menu – It makes it easier to remember what acceptable activity swaps are, like maybe walks can be interchanged with tug + snuffle mat.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

Pet Pros: relatable moments and support for your work with pets and their people
📸 Instagram & TikTok: @petharmonypro

📬 Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://petharmonytraining.com/join/

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#176 - My Dog's Barking Is Destroying Me

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0600

Does your dog barking make you jump out of your skin? Or send you down a shame spiral? Or have your dog’s triggers become your triggers? You are very much not alone. In this episode, we flip the script, and instead of asking, “How do I help my reactive dog?” we ask, “How can I help me, the reactive human?”

Join Emily and Ellen for a chat about when your dog’s (or bird’s, or donkey’s, or cat’s) noises don’t just annoy you, but send a startling jolt straight to your lizard brain. Because yes, vocalizations are normal, but finding harmony with your pet isn’t about suffering while they thrive.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Stop the bleeding first – Start with your right-now plan. What’s one thing you can do to make barking less painful for you?

2️⃣ Barking doesn’t automatically mean “over threshold” – We have to look at the whole picture and learn to observe body language with all our senses.

3️⃣ Find empathy for the reactivity – We can find tremendous empathy for reactive dogs. Let’s give ourselves the same grace.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#175 - Get Your Dog to Relax

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0600

If you’ve been struggling to help your dog rest or relax, despite following protocols and trying your dangest, it’s time to zoom out and look at the environment.

This week, Emily and Veronica dig into the three common ways the environment gets in the way, and why the classroom we’re teaching in matters just as much as what we’re teaching.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Environment is the classroom – Predictability, safe space, and routine are what make relaxation possible in the first place.

2️⃣ Your dog's body is part of their environment – Pain, allergies, and temperature sensitivity all affect their capacity to relax.

3️⃣ One thing at a time – Don’t overhaul everything at once.
For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#174 - How to Calm Down a Hyper Dog

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0600

Y’all, we gotta give a little warning with this one, it may get a little spicy. To prep for this episode, we turned to the internet to see what advice pet parents are likely to find, and boy, oh, boy… We don’t even know how to end this sentence.

In this episode, Emily and Tiffany are getting into why the things that come up when you search “How to calm down a hyper dog” aren’t bad, just… You know, overly simplistic, prescriptive management techniques that aren’t actually addressing the issue. We’re breaking down the small kernels of truth we can take away from this advice, why it isn’t working for you, and what it actually means to teach a lifelong skill, not shift the blame onto pet parents for not being “chill” enough.

Calm isn't a personality trait. It's not breed destiny. It's a skill that can be built through repetition, in the right conditions, with the right feedback. We promise, and if you don’t believe us, you can ask our clients.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Down-regulation is a skill – Skills can be taught through repetition, in the right conditions, with the right feedback.

2️⃣ Rest and relaxation aren't the same thing – A dog can rest while totally wound up, and be completely relaxed while wide awake. Conflating the two sends us chasing the wrong metric.

3️⃣ It’s not wrong, just incomplete – There’s a kernel of truth in the common advice, but there’s also a lot missing. If it hasn’t worked, it doesn’t mean it won’t; it means we need to tweak.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#173 - 5 Ways You’re F*cking Up Your Leash Reactivity Plan

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0600

Dealing with leash reactivity can really be a drag (only moderate pun intended 😂). Jokes aside, if you have a dog that does the whole barky, bitey, lungey thing on leash, to dogs, to people, or to the leaf that blew across the neighbor's roof, and you’ve been feeling like a failure, or are just really freaking tired of still working on this, grab a chair and join Ellen and Emily for today’s episode.

We’re talking about 5 ways we see leash reactivity plans get f*cked up, and no, it’s not because anyone is bad at this. It’s because we’re complex humans, with complex lives, complex pets, and complex environments. We help clients be human and help their pets every day, and today, we’re sharing what we’ve learned.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ You’re interrupting more than reinforcing – If you’re doing more interrupting of the eruption than reinforcing chill beforehand, you might be teaching your pet that exploding is part of the sequence.

2️⃣ Sessions need to be short – Probably even shorter than you expect. Triggers stacking IS happening, so keep it short, and use your escape routes liberally.

3️⃣ You don’t know how or when to get out – Before making things hard, get really skilled in easier environments, and that means practicing knowing how and when to get out of Dodge.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#172 - If Treats Fixed Reactivity, You'd Be Done By Now

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0600

You bought the “good” treats, you know, the all-natural, human-grade, $14-a-bag ones. You've got the *perfect* dedicated pouch after hours of research. You’ve studied your protocol. Shoot, at this point, you could probably coach your friends through it.

And you have followed it with the devotion of a formerly gifted child who has to do everything right the first time, or the world will come crashing down.

And your dog is still screaming at every dog, jogger, and suspicious mailbox on the block.

In this episode, Allie and Emily see your perfectionism and your frustration, and meet you with empathy, compassion, a little sass, and at least 2 rambling, but important soapboxes.

We’ll talk about why treats stall and walk you through some of the things we troubleshoot when things get stuck: threshold, treat value, timing, session length, and your own anxiety. Because addressing reactivity isn’t about a single moment; it’s about the whole picture.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Treats are only a part of the plan – If a pet is already too stressed, treats aren’t what they need; they need relief.

2️⃣ Go back to basics before you panic – Threshold, treat value, timing, session length, and your own anxiety are places to reflect on.

3️⃣ Reactivity is a symptom – Not a character flaw, or even the primary issue. Look deeper.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#171 - No, Not All Dogs Need Walks

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0600

You've been told your dog needs daily walks. We get it; everyone has.

When you were a kid and wanted a dog, your guardians probably said something like, “Okay, but you have to make sure to feed, water, and walk them…”

And that probably stuck with you until now. Maybe that routine has been great for all your past dogs, but your current dog, the one you love so deeply, is capital S Struggling, and you spend almost every walk trying not to cry.

In this episode, Emily and Ellen hope you feel a little relief, and even a little liberated when they make their case that, no, not all dogs need walks. Instead, they will help you think through your goals, your needs, and what is actually going to work for you and your beloved companion. Because there are a whole lot of ways to get your dog the movement they need that don’t require busy streets, a flood of stress, and a miserable time.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Movement can be joyful – Don’t stick with movement that leads to meltdowns; instead, find something that sparks joy.

2️⃣ Small things often – One more trip to the kitchen, lap around the dining room table, or stretch on the stairs will add up.

3️⃣ Screw “No Pain, No Gain” – Just because it is easy doesn’t mean it isn’t effective. Seriously.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#170 - Q&A: How to Multi-Pet Household

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0600

In this Q&A episode, Allie, Emily, and Ellen tackle the questions they hear most often from clients, mentees, and the internet: Should I get another pet? How do I treat my pets fairly when they all need different things? And how do I actually bring a new animal home in a way that sets everyone up for success?

Of course, in true Q&A fashion, we may meander a bit (look, we are who we are 😂), but we packed this episode full of real-life examples, how we guide clients through the process, and reflection questions to help you answer these questions for yourself.

Because while we are behavior consultants, we probably aren’t YOUR behavior consultant… at least not yet. 😉

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Caregiving isn’t additive; it’s exponential – Budget, bandwidth, physical space, and the needs of every current household member all compound in ways most people don't anticipate.

2️⃣ Different needs ≠ unfair treatment – Meeting each pet as an individual is equity. Use the enrichment framework to stay grounded.

3️⃣ Make your deal-breaker list before you meet the pet – Decide your non-negotiables before you're emotionally attached to a specific animal. Treat the first phase like a foster. It protects the animal, protects your existing pets, and protects you from shame-driven decisions later.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#169 - Kiki Yablon: Why Your Dog Won’t Settle When You’re Busy

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0600

This week we’re joined by Kiki Yablon, behavior analyst, dog trainer, KPA faculty member, and general bad a**. Kiki’s incredible skills of observation, communication, and implementation are honestly inspiring.

If you’ve found yourself running around in circles trying to figure out how to apply the science to your training, felt your eyes glaze over at jargon, or broken down trying to work while your dog yells at you, we promise, Kiki’s teaching brings a beautiful, practical, and applicable simplicity to behavior change. Tune in to hear Emily and Kiki talk about some real nerdy stuff, how “outside” skills help you as a dog trainer, and so much more (we get a little windy in this one 😂)

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Describe what you’re doing – Saying “I’m doing classical conditioning” leaves a lot open for interpretation. Instead, describe what you’re doing, and see how it opens you up to see other factors influencing your outcome.

2️⃣DRO is time-based, not behavior-based – If you're reinforcing a specific alternative, that's DRA. DRO is about the absence of a behavior for a set interval.

3️⃣ New behavior comes from old behavior – Learners don't start from scratch when something stops working. They pull from their history. A richer repertoire means more options before problem behaviors resurface.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

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#168 - Stop Waiting to Know the Right Thing. Here's How to Decide

Mon, 25 May 2026 07:00:00 -0600

You know that feeling where you're staring at what feels like a total dumpster fire, and you’re just… frozen? It’s not because you don't care or because you don't know anything. It’s because you're waiting to feel certain before taking action. You’re waiting to know you’re doing the right thing.

So, you gather one more resource, take one more course, do one more deep dive, and each bit shows you one more gap until certainty, starting the cycle all over again.

Here’s the problem, though. That certainty you're waiting for? It isn't coming.

In this episode, Allie and Emily give you a different approach to help you do, even when you don't feel ready. We talk about three main considerations, safety, functionality, and sustainability, to help you make a reasoned, reversible first pass. The best plans require troubleshooting, not perfection.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Paralysis is usually an imposter syndrome problem, not a knowledge problem — More education won't fix it. Getting started will.

2️⃣ Safe → Functional → Sustainable — Three questions to find a starting point that's thoughtful, realistic, and adaptable.

3️⃣ Complex animals don't need complex plans — The plan that gets done consistently beats the perfect plan that never starts.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#167 - Are You Designing Plans for Your Dog... or for Your Anxiety?

Mon, 18 May 2026 07:00:00 -0600

Hey, hi, hello. Do you also fall into the pet parent spiral? Worrying that you aren’t a good pet parent, that your dog is suffering, and that you aren’t doing enough. After a two-hour planning session, you have a color-coded, 14-item document that addresses every single thing your dog has ever done, might do, or could theoretically do on a Tuesday.

No? Just us?

In this episode, Emily and Ellen dig into a common trap we see people fall into, both pet parents and professionals alike: building plans driven by anxiety, fear of judgment, and the desperate need to feel covered... rather than what actually helps the animal in front of you.

Whether you're a pet parent trying to do right by your dog or a professional trying to prove yourself to a client, this episode will help you recognize when your plan is actually about you and give you ways to break out of the spiral.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Anxiety-driven plans exhaust everyone — when a plan is built to cover every possible problem and prove your competence, it collapses under its own weight. Overwhelm leads to inaction, not progress.

2️⃣ Ask the one audit question — "If I removed this, would the animal be meaningfully worse off? Or would I just feel less covered?" Anything in the second category is worth cutting.

3️⃣ Start with a sapling, not old growth — the minimum effective plan is the one you, or your client, can actually do. One consistent thing done well creates more change than twelve things never done.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

Pet Pros: relatable moments and support for your work with pets and their people
📸 Instagram & TikTok: @petharmonypro

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#166 - Your Dog is Not Symptom Spreadsheet

Mon, 11 May 2026 07:00:00 -0600

Do you ever feel like you and your dog are on the Hot Mess Express together? The challenges just keep coming: leash reactivity, resource guarding, body-handling sensitivities, gut issues, sleep disruption all at once, and that’s just the dog’s list. 🤣

Your first instinct may be to make a nice, neat list and start checking off boxes.

Leash reactivity = counterconditioning. Check.

Resource guarding = trades. Check.

But the list keeps growing, and growing, and growing, with no end or rest in sight.

In this episode, Emily and Tiffany break down why that one-to-one approach, playing whack-a-mole with symptoms, often leaves everyone on the team, pet, parent, and professional more overwhelmed and drained.

Emily and Tiffany walk through what it actually looks like to shift from playing the terribly unpleasant symptom whack-a-mole game to a systems-based approach that asks: “What do all these symptoms have in common?”

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Most co-occurring behavior problems share a root — They're symptoms of the same underlying issues, not separate emergencies requiring separate plans.

2️⃣ Overwhelm is a framing problem — When everything feels urgent, nothing gets done. A systems lens makes progress sustainable for everyone involved.

3️⃣ Do the foundational work first, then see what's left — Stress management, communication, and safe space skills often reduce multiple challenging behaviors without targeting them directly.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Find products we recommend at the Pet Harmony Amazon Storefront.

As an Amazon Associate, Pet Harmony earns from qualifying purchases.

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

Pet Pros: relatable moments and support for your work with pets and their people
📸 Instagram & TikTok: @petharmonypro

📬 Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://petharmonytraining.com/join/

Subscribe & Review

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to subscribe and review. It helps more pet parents and pros find us—and makes our tails wag every time. Thanks for being here! 💛

#165 - Juliana DeWillems: Set Your Dog Up to Succeed (Without Guilt)

Mon, 04 May 2026 07:00:00 -0600

Management is one of the most underused and misunderstood tools in dog training. KPA CTP and author Juliana DeWillems (she/her) joins Emily to reframe management (aka antecedent arrangement) not as a shortcut or bandaid, but as behavior science done proactively. They explore why good management increases a dog's options rather than restricting them, how it ties directly into enrichment, and why guilt around "not training" gets in the way of genuinely good outcomes. And for the professionals in the audience, they also get honest about building a sustainable dog training career, and it may look different than you think.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Management Isn't Cheating — It's antecedent arrangement, and when done thoughtfully, it improves welfare and the human-canine bond.

2️⃣ Management IS Enrichment — Arranging the environment to open up reinforcers and reduce conflict belongs in every enrichment plan.

3️⃣ There's No Single Right Career Path — Build toward your actual reinforcers. The "traditional" trajectory isn't necessary or always more lucrative.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#164 - When Management Turns into Micromanagement

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Is your dog’s management plan starting to feel more like a full-time job than a support system? In this episode, Emily and Tiffany break down the critical differences between strategic management and exhausting micromanagement. Whether you’re a pet parent feeling trapped in a plan that requires constant perfection, or a behavior professional wondering if your recommendations are actually building capacity, this episode is full of frameworks and real-world examples to help you think more clearly about what supportive management actually looks like.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Management vs. Micromanagement — Management is thoughtful antecedent arrangement that reduces risk and supports learning, while giving pets and people more options. Micromanagement is restriction-focused control that replaces skill-building, exhausts everyone involved, and keeps both humans and animals in survival mode.

2️⃣ Sustainable Plans Are Built, Not Defaulted Into — If a plan requires constant vigilance and zero mistakes, it’s not sustainable. Plus, it’s probably not actually management. Great plans include built-in breaks, “good enough” day protocols, and layered fail-safes that don’t rely on perfection to stay intact.

3️⃣ Freedom Is Designed, Not Earned — When freedom feels impossible, it’s usually a signal that the plan hasn’t been designed to accommodate it rather than evidence that the animal is too far gone. This reframe opens the door to building plans that increase choice, control, and autonomy rather than restricting them.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#163 - Fears from Pets Past

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Have you ever found yourself bracing for a repeat of everything that went wrong with a previous pet? In this episode, Emily and Veronica get real about how our experiences with past pets shape how we show up for the animals in our lives right now. From shame spirals to hypervigilance to carrying baggage from past cases, they break down why this happens, why it matters, and what you can actually do about it to meet the pet in front of you.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Your feelings are valid, but your premise might be flawed - Acknowledge your emotional responses without letting them make all your decisions.

2️⃣ Preparedness vs. hypervigilance - Past experiences can make you a better caregiver when you extract the lessons and leave the hair-trigger fear response behind.

3️⃣ You don't have to erase your past to show up in the present - Curiosity, community, and compassionate objectivity are your best tools.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#162 - Choice, Control, Agency, and Predictability

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0600

You've heard the buzzwords: agency, choice, control, predictability. But if you've ever tried to implement all of them at once and you know it can feel like trying to juggle 100 balls. Emily and Allie break down why agency isn't a pass/fail ethical litmus test, but rather a set of individual dials you can turn up or down depending on your learner, your context, and your real-life constraints.

Whether you're working with a rescue dog who's never seen an open door as an option, a senior pup navigating the stairs, or yourself trying to make it through a brutal work sprint, this conversation reframes how to think about autonomy, empowerment, and what it actually means to give someone more agency in the real world.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Agency Has More Dials Than You Think — Skill and bandwidth are missing from most conversations about agency, and leaving them out sets up both trainers and learners to struggle.

2️⃣ Dials, Not Checklists — You don't need to have all the dials turned up at once. Knowing which specific dial to adjust makes you more effective, more sustainable, and less overwhelmed.

3️⃣ Predictability Is Often the Most Accessible Place to Start — When choice and control aren't possible, a simple predictability cue can meaningfully restore a sense of agency for your learner.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#161 - The Difference Between Safety and Security

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0600

Have you ever watched your dog happily bolt toward a car, completely unbothered, while another dog trembles in a loving, calm home? Both dogs are caught in the gap between being safe and feeling safe, and it turns out that gap matters enormously. In this episode, Emily and Ellen unpack the critical distinction between safety (objective protection from harm) and security (the felt sense of being protected), and explain why mixing them up is one of the most common reasons behavior plans stall.

Whether you're a pet parent exhausted by a dog who barks at the neighbor for the 742nd time, or a behavior professional struggling to get traction on a difficult case, this episode gives you a concrete framework for digging in, figuring out what’s going on, and what to do about it.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#160 - The Skill No Protocol Can Replace

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Look. If memorizing protocols was the secret to being a great trainer, we'd all just hand out flashcards and call it a day. But that's not how this works, and deep down, you already know that.

Emily (she/they) and Ellen (she/her) are getting into the skills that actually make a difference, but aren’t found in any course catalog. It's what kicks in when the plan stops working, the client is struggling, and the dog just found a pine cone. Think of this as the protocol for when the protocols stop working. 😂

Whether you're a pet parent trying to figure out why something worked yesterday but not today, or a pro who's tired of spending money to realize you weren’t taught what to do in real life, with real pets, and real people, we made this one for you.

#159 - When Your Training Isn’t Showing Results in Real Life

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0600

You nail a training session. Your dog is locked in, responding beautifully, and you feel that rare rush of “we’ve got this.” Then real life shows up and your dog looks at you like you’ve never met. Sound familiar? Here’s the thing: that moment is not a failure. It’s not evidence that you’re doing it wrong or that your dog is broken. It’s just really good information.

In this episode, Allie and Emily unpack why training that looks solid in sessions doesn’t always transfer to real-world contexts. That gap is completely normal, even expected, and still incredibly frustrating. They talk about “Antecedent Pictures,” explain why dogs learn in sensory maps rather than abstract rules, and walk through what it actually looks like to troubleshoot when things fall apart in context. For behavior professionals navigating imposter syndrome when a client says “it didn’t work,” this episode offers both the framework and the permission to shift out of self-blame and into curious, compassionate problem-solving.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Dogs learn in sensory maps, not abstract rules — The Antecedent Picture explains why behavior that’s solid in one context can fall apart in another

2️⃣ Generalization must be taught, not assumed — Transfer across contexts is a learnable skill, and practicing it in more places makes it easier, not harder

3️⃣ “It didn’t work” is data, not a verdict — For pet parents and pros alike, real-world feedback is an invitation to troubleshoot, not evidence of failure

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#158 - Why Dogs Need Skills, Not Just Feelings

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0600

There’s a quiet assumption that runs through a lot of behavior work: if we can just change how an animal feels about something, the problem will resolve. Counterconditioning is a powerful tool, and Emily and Allie aren’t here to take it away from you. But in this episode, we’re talking about limitations. What happens when the feelings improve, and the behavior doesn’t? What happens when the emotions shift back? What happens when the world throws something at your learner that you never had a chance to train for?

This episode is about completeness. It’s about understanding that emotional safety tools and behavioral skills are partners. And it’s about building learners (and training plans) that are actually robust enough to survive real life: crows dropping chicken bones in the park, paramedics banging down the door at 2am, and all the other things no one puts in a training protocol.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Feelings and skills are not the same thing — Changing emotional associations is necessary but not sufficient. Learners also need to know what to do.

2️⃣ Resilience is built on skill — Trading, disengaging, tolerating delayed reinforcement, predictable response patterns: these are the skills that let learners navigate an unscripted world.

3️⃣ When a plan isn’t working, that’s information, not indictment — Regression and spontaneous recovery aren’t failures of the dog, the handler, or the technique. They’re signals to expand the toolbox.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#157 - Haylee Heisel: Why Giving More Doesn’t Fix Resource Guarding

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Resource guarding is one of those behaviors that gets treated like it’s one simple problem with one simple fix.

Just add abundance.

Just countercondition it.

Just follow this protocol.

Except… it’s not that simple.

In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily is joined by Haylee Heisel to unpack why “guarding” is a label, and why treating it like a one-size-fits-all issue can make things worse.

We talk about:

Why dumping a trash bag of tennis balls into a yard is not the same thing as creating security
How pain, stress, attachment, hormones, neurochemistry, and environment all influence guarding behavior
Why prescriptive formulas fall apart in real life

And what it actually looks like to take a descriptive, needs-based approach instead
From sanctuary dogs guarding light switches and metal buckets… to puppies guarding during heat cycles… to cases where angry voices were the real trigger, this episode is a deep dive into the messy, nuanced reality of behavior.

Because treating guarding isn’t about “the thing”, it’s about the why. When we slow down enough to find the why, the path forward gets clearer.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ “Guarding” is a label, not a diagnosis - Many different behaviors get lumped under resource guarding, and they can happen for completely different reasons. If you treat them all the same, you’ll miss the actual unmet need driving the behavior.

2️⃣ Abundance is not the same thing as security - Meeting needs absolutely matters. But more stuff doesn’t automatically equal safety. Pain, stress, attachment history, hormones, environment, and neurochemistry can all fuel guarding in ways that extra resources won’t fix.

3️⃣ Prescriptive formulas break down while descriptive thinking holds up - Instead of “if guarding, then do X,” ask: What’s driving this? What changed? What does this individual need right now? When you treat the root cause, guarding often shifts.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

#156 - Q&A: All About Resource Guarding

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this Q&A episode, we’re answering your questions about resource guarding.

If you’ve ever lied awake at 2am thinking:

“Is this normal?”

“Am I overreacting?”

“Did I cause this?”

“Should I try that 30-second training hack I just saw on the internet?”

This one’s for you.

We don’t want you spiraling.
And we definitely don’t want you getting bitten.

So we’re breaking down what resource guarding actually is, when it’s a real concern, when it’s just… normal, and why timing and trust matter more than flashy hacks.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Resource guarding is normal - Across species. Including humans. The real questions are about safety, reasonability, and relationship impact.

2️⃣ From your dog’s perspective, you might be a thief - If you regularly take things without trading, you’re eroding trust. Establishing a baseline of “when I take, I give” changes everything.

3️⃣ This is not a “just follow this one tip” behavior - Timing matters. Order of events matters. Agency matters. DIYing this from a random post can make it worse faster than you think.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#155 - Try It: Engaging Indoor Games for Pets

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever feel like enrichment has turned into a second full-time job?

Hours of prep. Fancy toys. Amazon carts. Storage bins. Guilt.

In this episode, Emily walks you through three simple, adaptable foraging game categories that take under 10 minutes to set up and leverage things you already have (yes, including trash).

Because enrichment doesn’t have to be aesthetic to be effective.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Think in Categories, Not Products – When you understand the function of snuffle, scatter, and puzzle games, you can use what you already have instead of relying on specific (often expensive) toys. Concepts create flexibility.

2️⃣ Match the Challenge to the Learner – Adjust difficulty through texture, layering, obstacles, lighting, or containment so the activity fits your pet’s current skill level.

3️⃣ Sustainable Beats Elaborate – The best enrichment plan is the one you can repeat consistently. Small, low-effort setups done regularly are more effective than occasional Pinterest-worthy productions.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#154 - Dog Training Advice: Find What Works

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0600

You scroll.
One trainer says never let your dog look at the trigger.
Another says your dog has to look at the trigger.
Both sound confident. Both sound science-y. Now you’re more confused than when you started.

In this episode, Emily and Claire talk about why dog training advice feels like such a mess, and how “good” advice can still be the wrong advice when it’s ripped out of context and handed to every dog on the internet.

This is your reminder that there is no single right answer. The goal isn’t perfect protocol compliance. It’s figuring out what actually works for your dog, your brain, and your real life.

If dog training content has ever made you feel overwhelmed, guilty, or like you somehow missed the orientation… you’re not alone.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Confident delivery does not equal correct advice – Someone sounding sure on the internet tells you nothing about whether their advice fits your dog, your skills, or your situation.

2️⃣ Context matters more than the technique – The same strategy can help one dog, stress out another, and quietly blow up a third. That doesn’t mean the tool is magic or trash. It means context is doing the heavy lifting.

3️⃣ Content made for the masses misses you as an individual – You don’t need to push through discomfort just because the internet says a protocol “should” work.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#153 - Why Dogs React Suddenly: Trigger Stacking

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Ever have one of those days where your dog absolutely loses their mind over something they handled fine yesterday, and you're left standing there like, “Cool, cool, cool, love this for us, what just happened?”

That wasn’t random. And no, your training didn’t “stop working.”

In this episode, we’re talking about trigger stacking (aka death by a thousand paper cuts). The stuff everyone sort of mentions, but usually only in the context of obvious triggers, like “too many dogs on a walk”, while completely ignoring the itchy ears, the bad sleep, the construction noise, the pain flare, the weird vibe from earlier in the day, and the fact that your dog has been holding it together with duct tape and good intentions.

We break down why “zero to 60” isn’t actually a thing, how health and everyday stress quietly hijack your plans, and why you can’t train your way out of a body that’s overwhelmed. And because enrichment is for pets, their people, and the professionals that support them, we’re getting into how this applies to you. Because if you’ve ever snapped at an email, cried over “nothing”, or felt personally victimized by a minor inconvenience… congrats, you’ve experienced trigger stacking too.

This episode isn’t about finding the one trigger to fix. It’s about zooming out, trading frustration for curiosity, and building plans that give all the nervous systems room to breathe.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ The blow-up wasn’t random - Trigger stacking is what happens when small stressors quietly add up until coping collapses. It isn’t random; it is cumulative.

2️⃣ Behavior is information, not a failure - When your dog can’t cope, that’s data about unmet needs. Don’t panic that your training is “broken”.

3️⃣ Trigger stacking calls for curiosity, not control - Zooming out leads to better decisions, less guilt, and more sustainable support.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#152 - Advocating for Your Anxious Dog as an Anxious Human

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Advocating for your dog sounds simple, but it sure isn’t always easy. Your heart races, your brain goes blank, and a stranger (or family member 🙃) is giving you unsolicited advice while your dog is already at threshold.

In this episode, Emily and MaryKaye dive into why advocating for your anxious dog can feel so overwhelming, especially when you’re an anxious human too. We unpack the very real nervous system load behind these moments, why “just set a boundary” isn’t always accessible in the heat of the moment, and how scripting, rehearsal, and compassionate planning can make advocacy feel doable instead of devastating.

This isn’t about becoming fearless or perfectly confident. It’s about protecting your dog, your integrity, and your energy, and feeling good about it.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Advocacy is a nervous system event, not a confidence issue - If your brain blanks or your body panics, that’s not a personal failure, it’s physiology.

2️⃣ You don’t owe anyone an explanation to protect your dog - Ending an unhelpful conversation is allowed, even if it disappoints someone.

3️⃣ Preparation is the intervention - Scripts, rehearsal, and visual signals lower cognitive load and prevent stress for both you and your dog.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#151 - Labels: Helpful or Harmful?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Labels are everywhere: reactive dog, bad pet parent, confident trainer, resilient learner. They’re meant to simplify things, and while they can be helpful, sometimes they do the opposite.

In this episode, Emily and Ellen unpack how labels shape our expectations, our compassion, and our sense of what’s possible. They explore when labels can be useful shorthand, and when they turn into invisible cages that weigh us (and our pets) down.

This is a reflective, nuance‑forward conversation about identity, learning history, environment, and why describing what we see is often far more powerful than naming what we judge.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Labels are tools, not truths - Labels can help us communicate efficiently, but they become harmful when we mistake them for fixed identities or predictions about the future.

2️⃣ Descriptive language restores possibility - Shifting from labels to observable behaviors helps us see context, environment, and change pathways more clearly.

3️⃣ Even “positive” labels carry baggage - Compliments like resilient, easy, or smart can quietly create pressure, burnout, and unfair expectations.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#150 - If You Aren’t Doing It, It's Not Doable

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Hi, do you keep telling yourself, “I know what to do, I just need to actually do it?” Welcome.

In this episode, Emily and Tiffany unpack a hard (and oddly relieving) truth: when something isn’t happening, it’s usually a design problem, not a motivation problem. More effort, more discipline, or more information won’t fix a plan that doesn’t fit real life.

From nail trims and walks to client plans, business routines, and professional growth, Emily and Tiffany talk about why you shouldn’t be trying harder; instead, try different. The goal isn’t doing less because you care less. It’s designing systems that are actually doable, for real humans, real pets, and real lives.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ If you aren’t doing it, that’s data – It’s not a character flaw. Inconsistent follow-through usually means the plan doesn’t fit your reality. Shame won’t fix that, but redesigning might.

2️⃣ Fit your plans to life, not life to the plan – When we stop designing for an ideal world and start designing for the one we’re actually living in, progress gets a lot more accessible.

3️⃣ Doing less doesn’t mean you care less – Just because something is simple, smooth, and easy, doesn’t mean you care less, or aren’t doing enough.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#149 - The Dangers of “Enrichment”

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

When we say The Dangers of “Enrichment”, the air quotes are doing a lot of work.

In this episode, Emily and Ellen unpack how things labeled as enrichment can actually aggressively miss the mark. From the “more is better” mindset to breed-specific expectations and enrichment-as-micromanagement, we talk about how well-intended plans can quietly strip learners of agency, communication skills, and stress resilience.

This one comes straight from what we see in homes and sessions every day. Don’t worry, we’re also coming for ourselves! If enrichment has ever felt like something you have to get “right” instead of something that supports you and your pet, this episode is for you.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Communication is a need, not a bonus skill – When learners never get the chance to want something, they never get to practice asking for it. Letting needs show up is how communication develops.

2️⃣ Discomfort isn’t the enemy – Real enrichment helps learners build resilience and interoceptive skills so they can handle life’s challenges, not avoid them forever.

3️⃣ If it feels unsustainable, it probably is unsustainable – Burnout in the human is often a sign that the plan needs adjustment, not that you’re doing enrichment badly.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#148 - You’re Getting Enrichment Wrong

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

You’re getting enrichment wrong.
Yeah, we said it. (Lovingly.)

In this episode, Emily and Allie unpack why enrichment so often feels overwhelming, guilt-inducing, or impossible to “do right.” Spoiler alert: it’s not because you’re failing.

We talk about what enrichment actually is (and what it definitely isn’t), why novelty and fancy setups are optional, and how separating “training,” “management,” and “enrichment” can make behavior change harder than it needs to be. Allie and Emily share real stories from real animals and real clients to show how meeting needs creates an environment for learning, better outcomes, and way less pressure on everyone involved.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough for your pet (or your clients), this episode is your reminder that enrichment isn’t about doing more. Enrichment is about doing what matters.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Enrichment isn’t defined by novelty, toys, or aesthetics. – If it reduces harm, improves welfare, and helps an animal meet their needs, it’s enrichment. If it doesn’t work for the individual in front of you, it isn’t enrichment. No matter how “correct” it looks on paper or online.

2️⃣ Training works better in an enriched environment. – Enrichment isn’t an add-on or a bonus. When needs are met, training gets easier, clients follow through more, and behavior change becomes sustainable.

3️⃣ You don’t have to be perfect – Real-world enrichment happens within real-world constraints. Shifting from guilt and comparison to curiosity and problem-solving is often the most impactful change you can make.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#147 - Old Skill, New Scenario: Using What You Already Know

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

If your first response to a new behavior challenge is “I need to learn something new,” this episode is for you. Ellen and Emily talk about why “new” isn’t always the answer, and how to make the most of the skills already in your toolbox. From spooky sedation stories to “my perfect puppy isn’t perfect anymore” meltdowns, they’ll help you see that the solutions you need might already be sitting right there, waiting to be dusted off.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣Solid foundations beat shiny new tools - The basics, done well, solve more problems than you’d think.

2️⃣Generalization is underrated - The real magic happens when you and your pet can use familiar tools in new ways.

3️⃣ You’re not starting over. You’re leveling up - Every challenge is just another chance to practice what you already know.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#146 - Try It: Create Your Enrichment Menu

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Ever find yourself staring at your pet thinking, “What do we even do for enrichment again?” Same. Today we’re walking through how to build your pet’s Enrichment Menu: a simple, sanity-saving list of activities you already know help you and your pet.

We’ll chat through how to brain-dump everything you’ve ever tried, how to remember what actually worked, and how to sort it all out so Future You (the tired, overwhelmed, “I can’t handle one more thing” version) can grab the right option without thinking. Whether you’re prepping for a big life change or just trying to survive a Tuesday, your enrichment menu can make meeting your pet’s needs feel doable, even when you’re oh so tired.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Your brain isn’t broken – When life gets messy, it’s normal to forget all the good things you’ve done with your pet. Reduce your cognitive load and create a reference menu.

2️⃣ The magic is in knowing the outcome, not just the activity – Not all activities are enrichment, but most activities are effort. Tracking how each activity affects your pet helps you choose what they need right now.

3️⃣ Categorizing by effort + effectiveness = stress-saving clarity – Sorting activities into four buckets makes it easy to grab a high-effect, low-effort option when you’re exhausted, or proactively plan ahead when a big life change is coming.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#145 - Q&A: Dog Sociability

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

This week’s episode is built entirely from your questions! And honestly, we love that. Listener Q&As are some of our favorite conversations because they give us a window into what real pet parents and pros are navigating right now. And this batch? Chef’s kiss.

We’re diving into the big topics you sent in about dog sociability: the difference between sociability and affiliation, what’s actually going on when teeth meet skin, and why a dog who once lived for the dog park now wants nothing to do with it. Along the way, we unpack why those labels you’ve heard tossed around (“mouthing,” “intentional biting,” “exploratory biting”) don’t always tell us what we really need to know.

If you’ve ever stared at your dog thinking, “Is this normal?” or “Why did that change?” — you’re in the right place. Keep the questions coming; they make these episodes richer, more grounded, and way more fun.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Sociability is a pattern, affiliation is a moment – Affiliative behaviors happen in context, while sociability is about how often a dog seeks social interaction in general. One good interaction doesn’t mean a dog wants a playgroup, and that’s not a character flaw.

2️⃣ Instead of labeling the bite, look at the impact – Whether it’s “intentional,” “exploratory,” or “mouthing,” the questions that matter are: Is someone getting hurt? Is the human distressed? Is it developmentally appropriate? The labels are less important than the safety and support everyone needs.

3️⃣ Social needs change with age – It’s normal for dogs who used to love dog parks or daycare to outgrow them. Aging, physical changes, maturing social preferences, or simply “I’m over this” are all valid. Adjust your enrichment plan to the dog you have today, not the dog you had at 8 months old.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#144 - Learning Over Threshold?

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Ever try to teach your dog something new only to realize both of you are way too stressed to even remember your own names? Same. In this episode, Emily and our newest Pet Harmony team member, Veronica Garcia, dive into the “thinking and learning zone”. Learn what it looks like, why it matters, and why your dog suddenly forgets literally everything the minute stress walks into the room.

We talk about how bodies (yours and your pet’s) do weird things under stress, how foundational skills matter way more than they get credit for, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is skip the walk and grab a frozen lick mat. Veronica brings her vet-med and behavior background to the table with real-life examples, plus some “yep, been there” moments from her own pups.

If you’ve ever wondered why training feels so hard on “one of those days,” this episode will help you breathe, regroup, and get everyone back into the zone where learning actually sticks.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should – Learning during high levels of stress can happen, but it’s usually not the learning we want. If your dog (or you) is already over threshold, the goal shifts from “teach the thing” to “get everyone back to thinking/learning.”

2️⃣ Body language beats guessing every time – Understanding what you observe in your pet, their ears, eyes, tail, muscle tension, matters way more than the story in your head. When you know your dog’s actual ladder of escalation, you can step in early instead of trying to clean up a full-blown meltdown.

3️⃣ Support the human to support the pet – Clients (and pet parents in general) learn best when they are in the thinking and learning zone, too. If you’re a professional, things like open-ended questions, mirroring, and normalizing “life got lifey” helps people feel safe, supported, and actually able to do the work.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#143 - Enriching Your Pet When You Feel Like You’re Drowning

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Sometimes life hands you broken bones, cranky tendons, surprise vet trips, or a whole new set of limitations you definitely didn’t order. And meanwhile, your pet still needs… well, everything. In this episode, Emily and Allie talk about what happens when your needs and your pet’s needs feel impossibly misaligned.

They dig into emotional detachment (yep, it happens), guilt vs. grief, the fallacies our brains weaponize against us, and the surprisingly creative ways you can support your pet without sacrificing yourself. This one’s for anyone who has ever whispered, “I’m doing my best, I swear,” while tossing kibble across the yard from a lawn chair.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ You aren’t failing. Life is just happening. - Everyone hits moments when their needs and their pet’s needs don’t line up. It’s not a moral failing; it’s a normal part of being a human with a non-human roommate.

2️⃣Small, doable shifts beat “perfect” every time. - When circumstances get messy, creativity matters more than ideal routines. Adventure boxes, porch “find it” games, trusted helpers—tiny adjustments can carry you through big challenges.

3️⃣ You can’t problem-solve while beating yourself up. – Compassion leaves space for creativity. Remember to breathe.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#142 - Enrichment Guilt: When Enough Doesn't Feel Like It

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever feel like you’re not doing enough for your pet? Yeah… us too. But you know what? You’re probably doing way more than you give yourself credit for. In this episode, Allie and Ellen get real about “enrichment guilt,” that nagging voice that makes you feel like you’re failing, and why it’s mostly coming from… well, outside pressures (and capitalism, because of course).

We talk about why enrichment isn’t just about buying the latest toy or setting up complicated activities. Enrichment is the everyday stuff that really matters: feeding, cuddling, sniff sessions, or even just making sure the floors are vacuumed for your allergy-prone pup. Plus, we share tips for figuring out what you actually need to focus on and how to give yourself a break without feeling guilty.

By the end, you might just realize: your pets are fine, you’re fine, and it’s okay if you don’t do ALL the things.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Enrichment is the everyday stuff. Feeding, snuggling, and even vacuuming for your pet’s allergies is part of enrichment.

2️⃣ Guilt isn’t a measure of care. Feeling like you’re not doing enough doesn’t mean you’re failing; it’s often a sign you’re overwhelmed or reacting to outside pressure.

3️⃣ Do what works for you. Focus on what’s manageable and meaningful today instead of chasing perfection.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#141 - Gratitude, But Not The Toxic Kind

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Let’s be real: sometimes, being told to “just be grateful” when things are hard feels… gross. We get it. Gratitude can be helpful, but not when it’s used to slap a smiley face sticker over real pain.

In this episode, Allie and Ellen talk about what taking a descriptive approach to gratitude looks like. It’s the kind that helps you carry the hard stuff, not erase it. Allie shares what she’s learned while recovering from a serious fall (and yes, her therapist will be proud of this one), and Ellen dives into why “good vibes only” doesn’t help us or our clients.

Whether you’re a pet parent knee-deep in the messy middle or a pro helping others through it, this episode is your reminder that you can say “this sucks”… and still find the tiny glimmers along the way.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Gratitude isn’t pretending it’s all fine – You can acknowledge hardship and find small things to appreciate; both can be true.

2️⃣ Little glimmers matter – Whether it’s a client breakthrough, a funny pet moment, or a small win, collecting and revisiting these moments helps you stay grounded when things get tough.

3️⃣ Build your support system – Surround yourself with people who help you see the light when you’re ready and know when to just sit with you in the dark.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

More from Pet Harmony
Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#140 - Try it - Strategies for Frantic Feeders

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Does your dog lose their mind the second food appears? In this episode, Emily walks through a simple, science-based strategy to help “frantic feeders” relax around food. Learn how to use food to make food less exciting (yes, really), what common mistakes sabotage your progress, and how to tell when your dog’s excitement has shifted from over-the-top to just-right joy.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Use Food Casually – Stash food around the house and hand out small bits throughout the day, no big deal, no fanfare.

2️⃣ Mind Your Energy – Keep your own body language calm and neutral.

3️⃣ Measure Success by Calm, Not Silence – Look for less frantic energy, more focus, and safe, joyful engagement. Remember, behavior change happens in increments.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#139 - Plentiful Enrichment: Creating a Full Life

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

What does it really mean to give our pets an abundant life? Emily and Claire unpack common myths around enrichment and abundance, where well-intentioned positive reinforcement can slip into coercion, and where saying no can actually be part of a healthy, ethical relationship. From toy-bin epiphanies to dogs “earning their keep,” this episode dives into meeting needs, setting boundaries, and letting go of control without letting chaos reign.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re giving your pet too much (or not enough), this one’s for you.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways
1️⃣ Abundance isn’t indulgence – Meeting needs and providing agency doesn’t mean your pet gets everything they want all the time. It’s about long-term well-being, not short-term gratification.

2️⃣ Positive reinforcement alone isn’t the whole story – Even when using rewards, we can unintentionally slip into coercion. True enrichment prioritizes wellbeing, autonomy, and emotional health, not just behavior outcomes.

3️⃣ Boundaries build better relationships – Saying “no” (ethically and clearly) helps both humans and animals thrive. Agency grows when skills grow and when everyone’s needs are respected.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#138 - What Horror Films Teach Us About Behavior

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0600

What do horror movies and your pet’s sense of safety have in common? More than you’d think.

This week, Ellen and Emily get delightfully spooky as they unpack how elements that make horror films terrifying, like the lighting, sound, movement, and unpredictability, can actually teach us how to create safer, more predictable, and more empathetic environments for the animals (and humans!) in our care.

From jump scares to dryer growls, to “Don’t be Michael Myers,” this episode explores how understanding fear responses across species can help us support our pets’ well-being and strengthen our bond with them.

If you’ve ever wondered why your dog hesitates in the dark hallway or why your cat bolts at a strange noise, this episode will make you see your home through their eyes. Listen in to learn how to turn your pet’s horror movie moments into feelings of safety, security, and trust.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):
1️⃣ Lighting, Sound, and Movement Matter – Subtle environmental cues like dim lighting, rumbling sounds, or direct eye contact can evoke fear. Adjusting them can help your pet feel safer and more relaxed.

2️⃣ Predictability Builds Safety – Just like we find comfort in rewatching familiar movies, our pets thrive when they can anticipate what’s coming next. Predictable routines and clear communication create calm, confident learners.

3️⃣ Don’t Be Michael Myers – How we move, approach, and present ourselves affects how animals perceive us. Softening your body language and giving clear, consistent cues helps your pet know you’re safe to be around, even when you’re stressed.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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#137 - All Work And No Play Makes Everyone a Dull Critter

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0600

So many of us (pet parents and pros) get tangled up in “shoulds”.

My dog should behave better.

I should know how to fix this.

People shouldn’t think my dog is “bad.”

But what if some of the hardest parts of living with our pets aren’t really about their behavior… but about the pressure we put on ourselves?

In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily and Tiffany unpack how our beliefs about control and perfection can make the whole family miserable, and how giving our pets agency and ourselves grace can bring the joy back.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Let Go of Perfection – So much stress with our pets comes from our own expectations. When we stop trying to be the “perfect” pet parent and allow room for mistakes (theirs and ours), we create more joy and less shame for everyone involved.

2️⃣ Let Dog Be Dog – Dogs are beasty beasts. They are real animals with real emotions. They’re not little furry humans or obedience robots. Giving them agency, honoring their full range of feelings, and embracing their quirks helps build trust and connection.

3️⃣ Play, Curiosity, and Chaos Are Healthy – Enrichment isn’t just prescriptive, structured activities. Enrichment is curiosity, communication, and shared silliness. Lean into the chaos, celebrate the weird moments, and remember that play and joy are just as important as training plans.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#136 - Try It: New Cue, Same Trick (and Why It Matters)

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0600

What if you could teach your pet not just one way to understand a cue, but multiple ways — or even help them notice their own body as a signal? That’s the magic of cue transfers, and in this episode, Emily breaks down how to do it step by step.

From teaching a reliable sit with both verbal and hand cues, to empowering your pet to recognize when they need a safe space, cue transfers can make life easier, communication clearer, and your pet’s agency stronger. You’ll also learn common mistakes to avoid so you can set your learner up for success from the start.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Start with fluency. Make sure your learner really knows the behavior with one cue before you try to add another.

2️⃣ New cue first, old cue second. The new signal should predict the old one to create a strong, clear association.

3️⃣ Empower with environment & body cues. Cue transfers can help pets learn to self-regulate or respond to environmental triggers without needing you to step in.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

#135 - Trick or Treat? When Enrichment Isn't Enriching

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Sometimes enrichment doesn’t go the way we planned. Maybe the activity is too easy, too hard, too arousing, or just plain unsustainable. In this episode, Allie and Emily pull back the curtain on the common pitfalls that turn “enrichment” into air quotes enrichment (aka, not enrichment at all).

You’ll hear everything from professional confessions (yes, even experts have tantrums when their pets need more than expected) to client stories that remind us why individual needs matter more than breed stereotypes. Whether you’ve been tricked by enrichment guilt, overcomplicating your plan, or assuming “more is always better,” this episode will help you find that sweet spot where enrichment actually improves your pet’s quality of life.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Enrichment is about outcomes, not activities – If your pet’s welfare isn’t improving, it’s not enrichment (no matter how fancy the toy).

2️⃣ Find the Goldilocks zone – Too much, too little, too easy, or too hard all miss the mark. Matching challenge to skill level is key.

3️⃣ Sustainability matters – Enrichment should work for you too. Simple, DIY solutions often win over complicated, costly ones.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

#134 - Try It: Identify Your Home's Grumble & Growl Zones

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Ever notice your pet getting tense in certain spots around your house? Spaces like the hallway, under the table, or right next to you on the couch? Those tricky spaces might actually be grumble or growl zones.

In this episode, Pet Harmony behavior consultant MaryKaye walks you through what these zones are, how to spot them, and simple steps you can take to prevent conflict before it happens. Whether you share your home with dogs, cats, or even bunnies, you’ll learn how to identify areas that could spark tension, rearrange your space to reduce stress, and give your pets safe, comfortable places to relax.

You’ll leave this episode with practical strategies for management, creating pet-friendly safe zones, and reading your pet’s body language so you can keep everyone in the family safe and happy.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Grumble vs. Growl Zones – Grumble zones are crowded spaces without escape routes; growl zones are tight spaces, without an escape path and/or there is a valued resource nearby.

2️⃣ Management is Your Friend – Tools like baby gates and rearranging furniture aren’t failures—they’re simple, effective ways to keep pets and kids safe.

3️⃣ Read the Subtle Signs – Learning your pet’s ladder of escalation and body language helps you intervene early and prevent conflicts before they escalate.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#133 - How to Incorporate Kids Into Your Pet's Enrichment Plan

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Parenting is already a full-time job, and when you add pets into the mix, things can feel overwhelming. But what if your kids could actually help make pet care easier and more fun? In this episode, Emily is joined by fellow Pet Harmony consultant (and mom of two) Corinne to talk about the why and how of including kids in your pet’s enrichment plan.

You’ll hear real-life stories, practical strategies, and a whole lot of grace for parents who are just trying to juggle it all. From meal prep and foraging games to safe interactions, training tasks, and even gamifying management plans, this conversation will leave you with simple, actionable ways to help your kids and pets thrive together.

#132 - Are You Self-Sabotaging?

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0600

Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “Either I have to do X, or Y terrible thing will happen”? Welcome to dichotomous thinking, one of the sneakiest forms of self-sabotage we fall into. In this episode, Allie and Emily unpack how binary thinking shows up in our industry (and in life), why it’s such a trap, and how to start climbing out of it.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories about superheroes and supervillains, cleavers vs. paring knives, and a very personal example with Copper that shows just how limiting “either/or” thinking can be—even for seasoned professionals. By the end, you’ll have tools to notice when you’re stuck in false dichotomies and strategies to find more creative, compassionate options for you, your clients, and your pets.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Dichotomous Thinking = Sneaky Self-Sabotage – Believing you only have two options shuts down creativity, learning, and better solutions.

2️⃣ Spotting the Trap – Watch for “either/or” statements, zero-sum feelings, and the urge to prove someone 100% right or wrong.

3️⃣ Breaking Free – Get curious, ask better questions, bring in other perspectives, and remember: there are usually more than two ways forward.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#131 - Why Training Mechanics Aren't Enough

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0600

You can have the fanciest training plan in the world—but if you skip the “soft” skills, you’re building on shaky ground. This week, Allie and Emily dive into the four soft skills that make everything else work: observation, curiosity, flexibility, and empathy. Along the way, you’ll hear about Oso’s epic garden-bed heists, why boob pillows aren’t just for people, and the heartbreaking moment Miley met a bonsai. It’s equal parts practical advice and “oh-my-gosh-same” moments you’ll want to share with every pet person you know.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Observation – Go beyond surface-level body language and look for subtle environmental and behavioral patterns that tell a deeper story.

2️⃣ Curiosity – Ask “why” with openness, make hypotheses, and be okay with being wrong—it’s how you get to the real answers.

3️⃣ Flexibility & Empathy – Be willing to pivot, simplify, and view the situation from your learner’s perspective so everyone’s needs get met.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#130 - Mike Agruss: A Nuanced Approach to Dog Bite Advocacy

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Content Warning: This episode does include discussion of dog bites.

When a dog bite happens, emotions run high—fear, guilt, anger, confusion. In today’s episode, host Emily Strong is joined by Mark Agruss, a personal injury attorney out of Illinois. For over two decades, attorney Mike Agruss has stood beside clients navigating those stressful moments, advocating not just for their rights, but for a fair and nuanced approach that considers both people and dogs. In this conversation, Mike shares how his own dog bite experience shaped his empathetic yet effective legal work, why insurance is a critical but often overlooked safety net, and the simple steps that can prevent life-changing incidents.

We dig into dog bite statistics, what they do—and don’t—tell us, common misunderstandings about “dangerous breeds,” and the intersection of legal advocacy, prevention, and responsible pet guardianship. If you live with dogs, work with dogs, or love dogs, this episode will shift the way you think about safety, liability, and advocacy.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Insurance is non-negotiable – Whether you own or rent, make sure your policy covers dog bites. It’s an inexpensive safeguard that can prevent devastating financial fallout.

2️⃣ Prevention is powerful – Simple management strategies—like giving dogs a quiet space away from parties or teaching kids respectful interactions—can stop most bites before they happen.

3️⃣ Dog bite cases are about insurance, not revenge – Pursuing a claim doesn’t mean targeting the dog or its owner; it’s about accessing the coverage that exists to help everyone move forward.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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#129 - Q&A: All About Anxiety in Dogs

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Wondering if your dog will “grow out of” anxiety? Or if a sit-stay will solve their fear of strangers? This Q&A episode clears up the most common misunderstandings about anxiety in dogs and gives you the tools to actually help.

Allie, Emily, and Ellen break down the difference between anxiety, fear, and reactivity; why breed stereotypes don’t dictate destiny; and how to tell if your dog’s “happy” behavior might actually be stress in disguise. You’ll also hear why some well-meaning training advice can make things worse and what to do instead to set your dog (and yourself) up for calmer, more confident days.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Anxiety ≠ Fear ≠ Reactivity – Anxiety is anticipation, fear is reaction, and reactivity can be rooted in many things (including excitement). They look different, and they call for different kinds of support.

2️⃣ Play isn’t always “happy” – Species-typical behaviors can be fueled by stress, so look for tension and avoidance before assuming needs are met.

3️⃣ Training choices matter – Basic obedience or “just let them get over it” approaches rarely help. Instead, focus on meeting needs, building coping skills, and creating a safe, predictable environment.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic

🎧 Episode #120 - Why Your Pet Needs a Safe Space (and How to Make One)

📚 Gardening, Wasps, and Anxiety

✅ Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs

🎧 Episode #112 - Try It: Teach Your Dog "Find It" From Scratch

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

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#128 - Try it: How to Find Indoor Activities for Dogs on Hot Days

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0600

When the temperatures soar, it can feel like your only option is to survive summer with the AC cranked up and a bored dog staring at you, but we’ve got your back. In this "Try It" episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily shares practical, low-effort indoor activities that meet your dog’s enrichment needs when going outside just isn’t safe.

You’ll learn how to turn your dog’s favorite outdoor activities into equally fulfilling indoor options, how to tweak and test your ideas to find what actually works for your pup, and why chaos goblin play is a valid enrichment strategy. Keep it simple. Keep it fun. And keep your dog from climbing the walls this summer.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Adapt outdoor activities to indoor needs – Observe what your dog gets out of favorite outdoor pastimes (like physical exercise, sensory stimulation, or social interaction) and find creative ways to meet those same needs inside.

2️⃣ Test your ideas like a behavior scientist – Try new activities and watch how your dog responds. Did it meet their needs? Were they engaged? If not, tweak and try again.

3️⃣ Simplicity and sustainability win – You don’t need complicated setups or fancy gear. A few treats, a cardboard box, and a willingness to play like a chaos goblin can go a long way.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic

🎧 Episode #111 – Scent Work for Dogs: Enrichment That Supports the Whole Household (includes Anywhere But Here Protocol)

📚 Trash to Treasure: How We Use Recycled Enrichment to Support Natural Pet Behaviors

🎧 #86 – Q&A: Indoor Enrichment Activities Ideas

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

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#127 - Summer Enrichment Activities

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Summer heat getting in the way of your enrichment goals? You’re not alone. In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Allie and Emily break down their favorite summer enrichment activities into three easy categories: indoor alternatives, water-based outdoor options, and frozen fun. Whether you have a wrestling bulldozer or a scentwork-loving rule follower, there’s something here to help your pet stay safe, stimulated, and cool as a cucumber.

From ice trifles to hallway hide-and-seek, wrestling matches to misty romps through the sprinkler, this episode is packed with realistic, creative, and customizable ideas that embrace how enrichment really works when the weather is less-than-cooperative. Plus, a few pro tips on how not to end up in the ER this summer.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Indoor Swaps for Outdoor Fun – Activities like flirt pole, tug, scent work, and food puzzles can all be brought indoors with a little creativity and adaptation for your space and your dog.

2️⃣ Water is Your Summer Superpower – Whether it’s lakes, misters, sprinklers, or DIY cooling strategies, water can turn hot weather into a safe and satisfying enrichment experience.

3️⃣ Frozen Isn’t Just for Disney – Frozen enrichment, from simple broth cubes to elaborate “ice trifles,” gives pets long-lasting activities and serious cooling power.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic

🎧 Episode #111 – Scent Work for Dogs: Enrichment That Supports the Whole Household

📚 Trash to Treasure: How We Use Recycled Enrichment to Support Natural Pet Behaviors

✅ Stuffing a Pupcicle (video)

🎧 #86 – Q&A: Indoor Enrichment Activities Ideas

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

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#126 - Sarah van Herpt: Healing Bears, Changing Minds

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

What does it take to rehabilitate hundreds of bears and build an enrichment-forward sanctuary from scratch? In this episode, we dive into the world of moon bears, sun bears, shrimp paste, and cultural change with Sarah van Herpt, Director of Veterinary and Behavioral Husbandry Services for Animals Asia in Vietnam.

Sarah shares her incredible journey from zookeeper to director, the behavioral science behind their enrichment practices, and how Animals Asia is not only transforming animal lives but human perspectives, too. You’ll hear about cooperative care with bears (yes, bears!), why shrimp paste is an enrichment superstar, and what Vietnam is teaching the rest of us about compassionate progress.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Enrichment That Matters – Sarah emphasizes the importance of behavior-based enrichment with clear goals. For example, their bears receive seasonally tailored enrichment to support nesting, foraging, cooling, or hyperphagia. Shrimp paste, anyone?

2️⃣ Kindness in Action – Animals Asia approaches ending the bear bile trade not with blame, but with empathy and collaboration. Sarah explains how working with, not against, local communities creates lasting, meaningful change.

3️⃣ Cooperative Care for a Population – With over 140 bears trained using cooperative care methods, Sarah and her team demonstrate that medical procedures, weight checks, and nail trims can be stress-free—even for former bile farm bears.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

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#125 - Does Comforting My Pet Reinforce the Fear?

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600

You’ve heard it before: “Don’t comfort a scared dog, you’ll just reinforce the fear.” But… is that true? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Allie and Emily break down the science behind fear, behavior, and reinforcement and why that common advice just doesn’t hold up.

They’ll explore how fear functions differently than you may think, why your emotional state also matters, and how to tell if your pet actually wants your comfort. Plus, you’ll learn how to comfort your dog in a way that supports their wellbeing and builds resilience. Whether you're navigating thunderstorms, vet visits, or everyday stressors, this episode is packed with actionable advice for the pet parent who wants to help their pet.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Fear is not a behavior and can’t be reinforced like one

Fear is a physiological and emotional response, not a behavior that can be increased with rewards. However, behaviors associated with fear can be reinforced, which is where people often get confused.

2️⃣ Your emotional state matters just as much as your pet’s

“Your stress travels down the leash” isn’t just a cute saying. If you’re anxious, your pet likely will be too. Comforting your dog starts with regulating your own nervous system first.

3️⃣ Learn when and how to comfort your pet

Some pets want snuggles, others want space. Comforting isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Learn how to listen to your learner and become the safe space they need when they are ready for it.

For the full episode show notes, including additional resources, join us here.

#124 - Try It: How to Use Sound Enrichment Without Regretting It Immediately

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Sound enrichment is often touted as a magic solution for everything from masking triggers to helping pets chill out—but what happens when the “soothing” soundscape turns into sensory overload for you? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Ellen Yoakum, Pet Harmony co-owner, behavior consultant, and proud sound-sensitive human, gets candid about the not-so-talked-about side of enrichment: what to do when your pet’s needs and your own don’t match.

You’ll hear real-life stories, mistakes to avoid (spoiler: not all white noise is created equal), and a step-by-step approach to testing sound options that won’t make you want to throw your speakers out the window. Whether you’re neurodivergent, easily overstimulated, or just someone who really values a quiet house, this episode gives you practical ways to navigate the noise—without sacrificing your sanity or your pet’s wellbeing.

Because enrichment isn’t about trading your discomfort for your pet’s comfort. It’s about finding solutions that work for everyone.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Sound enrichment is personal – Don’t just copy what you see online; test what works for your ears and your pet’s comfort.

2️⃣ Start with what feels manageable – Consider your own sound preferences and experiment with those before trying anything new.

3️⃣ Find middle ground – When your needs and your pet’s don’t match, use creative solutions or professional guidance to make it work for both of you.

For the full episode show notes, including additional resources, join us here.

#123 - Pet Firework Safety & Security Tips

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0600

The Fourth of July might be a favorite for humans, but for many pets, it’s more like a horror movie. From hiding in bathtubs to bolting through doors, the fallout from fireworks can be intense and dangerous.

And hey, we know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t it a little late for firework advice?” Maybe. But let’s be honest. Most of us aren’t exactly winning awards for being proactive. So consider this your loving nudge: even if this year’s already gone boom, you’ve got a whole year to make next time better. Future-you (and your pet) will thank you.

In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily and Allie break down how to create a plan that helps your pet feel safe and secure when the fireworks start booming. With real-world examples of ways we keep our pets calm, simple tweaks that make a big difference, and how to prep ahead of time (because no one wants to be scrambling on July 3rd). If your pet’s fireworks motto is “nope, nope, NOPE,” this episode can help you prep for next year.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Prepping ahead matters – The sooner you start practicing safety and calm, the more options you have to support your pet.

2️⃣ Safe spaces are powerful – A thoughtfully crafted retreat can help your pet feel protected and in control during chaos.

3️⃣ It’s not just behavior—it could be pain – Noise sensitivities may be connected to underlying pain or discomfort. Don’t overlook what your pet might be trying to tell you.

For the full episode show notes, including additional resources, join us here.

#122 - Lili Chin: About Dog Breeds

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0600

How much can a dog’s breed really tell you? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, illustrator and author Lili Chin (she/her) returns to talk about her newest book, Dogs of the World: A Gallery of Pups from Purebreds to Mutts. You probably know Lili from her beloved body language infographics and viral artwork, and now she’s helping us better understand the complex, fluid, and very human world of breed identity.

Listen as Lili and Emily dive into why “solo dog” is a better term than “dog aggressive,” how breed traits reflect more about human ideals than actual dogs, and why terms like “pariah” and “primitive” might not mean what you think. Blending thoughtful art with a global perspective, this episode invites us to rethink breed labels and focus on what really matters: the individuality of every dog.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Breed ≠ Personality – A dog’s breed can’t predict everything about them. Breed ideals reflect human expectations more than canine realities, and every dog is an individual shaped by context, not just genetics.

2️⃣ Language Matters – Terms like “solo dog” instead of “aggressive,” and carefully choosing breed labels, can reduce harm and better reflect reality. Lili’s work challenges us to use language that is inclusive, accurate, and respectful.

3️⃣ A Broader View of Breeds – Lili breaks down the variety of dog types, like purebreds, landraces, and free-ranging dogs, and explains how understanding this spectrum can deepen our appreciation for dogs in all contexts.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic

🌐 Find the full episode show notes here

📖 Dogs of the World Book

✅ Dogs of the World Resources and Reference List

🎧 #48 - Lili Chin: Behind the Scenes with Doggie Drawings

✅ Pet Enrichment Poster

🎧 #60 - Kalyn Holl: Sled Dogs and Reindeer

🎧 #92 - Thea Harting: Rabbit Speed Dating

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

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#121 - Try it: Learn Your Pet's Ladder of De-Escalation

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0600

We talk a lot about recognizing when our pets are becoming more stressed. But what about when they’re calming down? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong walks you through a practical and insightful skill: identifying your pet’s ladder of de-escalation. It’s the crucial flip side to recognizing escalation, and it is just as important for supporting your pet’s full stress recovery.

Emily breaks down a six-step process to help you recognize when your pet is moving toward relaxation and how to tell the difference between “just coping” and “truly relaxed.” From self-soothing behaviors to the difference between “resting” and really resting, this episode is filled with tips, common mistakes to avoid, and why you should absolutely film your dog sometimes.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ The Ladder of De-Escalation Matters – Understanding how your pet moves down from stress is just as important as knowing how they go up.
2️⃣ Six-Step Observation Process – Learn six steps to better observe and interpret your pet’s body language.
3️⃣ Film and Repeat – Every animal is different, and context matters. Filming and revisiting behavior helps you learn about your pet and what’s consistent and what changes.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial l OpenDyslexic

🌐 Go here for the full episode show notes

🎧 #120 - Why Your Pet Needs a Safe Space (and How to Make One)

🎧 #118 - Amber Quann: Biofeedback, Beer, & Backpacks

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

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#120 - Why Your Pet Needs a Safe Space (and How to Make One)

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Whether your pet is overwhelmed by the doorbell, a new houseguest, or the invisible ghosts that apparently live in the laundry room, having a safe space can make a world of difference. In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily and Ellen break down why safe spaces aren’t just cozy corners—they’re essential tools for helping our pets (and us!) navigate stress in all its forms: tolerable, chronic, and toxic.

You'll learn what makes a safe space effective, why avoiding stress isn't the goal, and how breaking this concept down into smaller teachable skills can help your pet learn to self-soothe. Plus, you’ll get actionable tips on using your pet’s senses to create the ultimate comfort zone for them.

Join Ellen for a 5-week safe space deep dive! Learn how to implement all the skills in this episode and more in At Ease: Safe Spaces for Home and On-The-Go!

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):
1️⃣ Stress Happens, Let’s Plan for It
We can’t eliminate stress, but we can give our pets the tools to handle it better, starting with a safe space.

2️⃣ Safe Spaces = A Combo of Skills
An effective safe space is more than a dog bed in a quiet room—it’s the result of layered training, observation, and support.

3️⃣ Customize It to Your Pet
From preferred relaxation spots to sound and texture preferences, your pet’s unique needs should shape their sanctuary.

Links & Resources from the Episode
🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial l OpenDyslexic

✅ At Ease: Safe Spaces for Home and On-The-Go - Join Ellen for a 5-week safe space deep dive! Learn how to implement all the skills in this episode and more!

🌐 Find the full episode show notes here

🎧 #42 - Dr. Kristina Spaulding: The Stress Factor in Dogs

🎧 #5 - Creating a Restful Environment for Our Animals

🎧 #106 - Dr. Kelly Ballantyne: Combating Caregiver Burden

🎧 #81 - How to do a Sound Preference Test

📚 14 Categories of Enrichment Poster

More from Pet Harmony
Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

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#119 - Try it: Teach "Go To A Safe Space" From Behind a Barrier

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong shares two ways to teach your dog to go to a safe space from behind a barrier—a skill that supports emotional regulation and improves outcomes for both aggressive and behaviorally healthy animals.

You'll learn when and why Pet Harmony uses this technique (spoiler alert: a lot!), how it supports protected contact and training distance, and what you need to get started. This episode is all about creating safe, achievable wins, no matter where you’re starting from!

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen):

1️⃣ Protected Contact Isn’t Just for Aggression – Teaching behind a barrier can help you stay safe and build trust and success, even with behaviorally healthy pets.

2️⃣ There’s More Than One Way to Train a Skill – Emily shares two foundational strategies, but remember: this is just the beginning. You’ve got options!

3️⃣ Focus on Foundations First – Big progress starts with small steps. Build your “go to a spot” behavior thoughtfully to ensure long-term success.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic

🎧 Episode #117 – Training an Aggressive Dog Safely: The Ins and Outs of Protected Contact

📖 Canine Enrichment for the Real World

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

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#118 - Amber Quann: Biofeedback, Beer, & Backpacks

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0600

What do biofeedback, brewery manners, and doggy backpacks have in common? Amber Quann, CEO and Head Trainer at Summit Dog Training, weaves them together beautifully in this episode of Enrichment for the Real World. Host Emily Strong and guest, Amber Quann dig into the nuances of dog relaxation, not just as a one-size-fits-all goal, but as a spectrum that requires thoughtful practice and an understanding of what each individual dog needs to get there.

Whether you’re curious about how to help your dog unwind after a zoomie-fueled afternoon or you’re wondering if your tiny pup can really enjoy a big hike, Amber brings science, heart, and a whole lot of actionable wisdom. Plus, you'll hear all about her Drink With Your Dog program that's making breweries more dog-friendly across the country.

Meet Amber:

Summit Dog Training CEO and Head Trainer, Amber Quann, has been in the dog training world since her childhood days in a 4-H club. With credentials from Karen Pryor Academy, CCPDT, and TAGteach, Amber is passionate about helping people and their dogs adventure together in a way that's safe, fun, and behaviorally sound. She’s the creator of Drink With Your Dog®, a program designed to create more brewery-friendly dogs, and dog-friendly breweries. When she’s not teaching, podcasting, or presenting at ClickerExpo, she’s out hiking and hanging with her Papillon sidekick, Jameson.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Relaxation Is a Skill, Not a Switch – Helping dogs relax isn’t just about asking them to lie down—it’s about meeting their physical, mental, and emotional needs before asking for stillness.

2️⃣ Trial-and-Eval Is the Name of the Game – Whether it’s sniffaris, chew sessions, zoomies, or training games, each dog has unique needs to prep for rest. Find your pet’s recharge formula.

3️⃣ Small Dogs, Big Adventures – Don’t let short legs stop the journey. With the right gear and prep, little dogs can hike, explore, and thrive alongside their big dog buddies (and humans).

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic
✅ Relaxation Protocol for Professionals On-Demand Course
✅ Drink With Your Dog Program
✅ Full episode show notes

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

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#117 - Training an Aggressive Dog Safely: The Ins and Outs of Protected Contact

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Allie Bender and Emily Strong chat about the use of protected contact including what it is (and no, it isn’t just putting up a gate or a fence), how to adjust your plan based on needs and progress, tips to avoid the temptation to rush, and advice to ensure that you’re not just relying on barriers to prevent a bite—but setting up everyone for success.

Using a detailed case study of a dog named Archie, Allie and Emily share how his family used different types of protected contact to prioritize safety, maintain relationships, and build new skills without putting anyone at risk.

⚠️ Important Note: This episode is here to educate and inform, not to replace personalized behavior support. Every individual animal is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If your pet is showing signs of aggression, we strongly encourage teaming up with a qualified behavior professional who can give you the custom support your unique animal needs.

And pros? If aggression isn’t already in your skillset, don’t wing it based on this episode alone. Get a mentor, get the right training, and do it the right way—for everyone’s safety and well-being.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen):

1️⃣ Barriers Are Tools, Not Guarantees – Don’t assume a setup is safe just because there’s a barrier. Assess for this individual, in this context, with their current skills.
2️⃣ Slow is Smart – Move at the pace of the least comfortable team member (human or animal). Rushing doesn’t get you there faster—it just risks trust and safety.
3️⃣ Protected Contact Isn’t a Free Pass to Flooding – Barriers don’t eliminate stress. If the animal is still over threshold, protected contact alone won’t prevent problems.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic
🎧 #69 - How to Create an Efficient Enrichment Storage System – Because organized enrichment is more sustainable
🎧 #112 - Try It: Teach Your Dog "Find It" From Scratch – A foundational skill to support enrichment and agency
📚 Work Smarter, Not Harder: Visitors – Putting your pet away before the excitement happens can make a world of difference

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining
Pet Pros: relatable moments and support for your work with pets and their people
📸 Instagram & TikTok: @petharmonypro
📬 Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Subscribe & Review

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#116 - Try It: Budget-Friendly Enrichment from Everyday Items

Mon, 26 May 2025 02:00:00 -0600

When it comes to enrichment, we often think we need fancy tools, expensive toys, or complicated activities—but what if the best enrichment was sitting in your recycling bin? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong (she/they) shares how you can use everyday household items—yes, even your trash—to bring joy, engagement, and behavioral diversity into your pet’s life.

You'll learn why pets might ignore new enrichment items at first (hint: it’s not personal!), how to safely experiment with new objects, and why a little patience and creativity go a long way. Emily offers practical tips for encouraging interaction, assessing risk, and making adjustments as needed, all while sharing real-life examples of budget enrichment in action. Whether you're just getting started or looking to spice things up, this episode reminds us to be curious, flexible, and open to futzing around and finding out.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 3 Key Takeaways
It’s all about the nuggets of wisdom. Here are the quick hits from this episode that will leave listeners feeling empowered and inspired.

🧩 Don’t Give Up Too Easily – Pets may not immediately take to a new item or activity—and that’s okay! Sometimes, a little guidance or tweaking can turn a flop into a favorite.

🎲 Futz Around and Find Out – Safe experimentation can be your best enrichment strategy. Give your pet something new (and safe) and see what they think—it just might become a hit!

🐾 Ask Your Pet – Ultimately, enrichment is about their experience. Observe their response and let that guide what you do next.

Links & Resources from the Episode

Looking for a transcript? Go here for Arial | Go here for OpenDyslexic
🔗 #109 – Assessing Risk for the Safety Enrichment Category

Going Down a Rabbit Hole?
Let your audience dive deeper into the world of enrichment, behavior, and building harmony.

📚 Budget-Friendly Enrichment Options Blog – More DIY ideas and guidance for creating fun on a dime.
📦 July 2022 Training Challenge: Explore Variety Through a Cardboard Box – Who knew a cardboard box could be so enriching?

More from Pet Harmony
We’ve got a lot more to share—join the conversation!

Follow us on social media:
For all things enrichment, behavior modification, and building harmony with your pet:
Instagram: @petharmonytraining
Facebook: @petharmonytraining

For professionals dedicated to enriching the lives of pets and people alike:
Instagram: @petharmonypro
TikTok: @petharmonypro
Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://petharmonytraining.com/join/

#115 - Present Over Perfect: Enrichment That Matters

Mon, 19 May 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Episode Overview:

Raise your hand if you've ever felt like you’re not doing enough for your pet. 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ Whether you're a devoted pet parent or a seasoned pro, enrichment burnout is real—and it’s sneaky. In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily (she/they) and Pet Harmony Behavior Consultant Claire Horvat (she/her) explore how perfectionism, comparison traps, and even well-meaning advice can lead to overwhelm.

They dive into how cognitive biases—like the Nirvana fallacy and wishful thinking—can shape our expectations, and more importantly, how to break free from them. You’ll walk away with practical strategies for simplifying enrichment, prioritizing what really matters, and finding joy and effectiveness in what you can do, rather than getting lost in what you can’t.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 3 Key Takeaways

Something is better than nothing – Once a week may feel like a drop in the bucket, but it adds up. Don’t underestimate the power of small, consistent actions.
Burnout affects more than behavior – Enrichment burnout doesn’t just impact your pet; it can erode your own mental health and the relationship you’re building together.
Use what you’ve got – You don’t need to spend money or time you don’t have. Start with what’s already in your house—and what lights your pet up.

Links & Resources from the Episode
Transcript: Arial | OpenDyslexic

For the Dogs Who Don’t Like Peanut Butter
Download the "Are Needs Being Met?" checklist mentioned in this episode
Episode #113 - Q&A: Enrichment Overload
#93 - When You Can’t Be Your Own Consultant

Going Down a Rabbit Hole?
There’s more where that came from. If this episode sparked some thinking, check these out:

🎧 #113 – Q&A: Enrichment Overload – When enrichment feels like too much, here’s how to recalibrate.
📝 “Do You Wanna…” Game – Learn to ask your pet what they want, in a fun and practical way.
🎧 #29 – Breed Typical Enrichment – Curious about breed needs? Allie and Emily explore the why and how.

More from Pet Harmony
We’ve got a lot more to share—come hang out with us:
🐾 Instagram: @petharmonytraining
📘 Facebook: @petharmonytraining
👩‍🏫 For professionals: @petharmonypro on IG + TikTok
📰 Weekly newsletter: Join here

#114 - Sami Griffin: Beyond Performative - Effective Gender Inclusivity for Pet Professionals

Mon, 12 May 2025 02:00:00 -0600

What does gender inclusivity have to do with pet behavior consulting? (Spoiler: everything.) In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong (she/they) chats with Sami Griffin (they/them), a cat and dog behavior consultant with a passion for creating safer, more inclusive spaces—for pets and their people. Sami helps us move beyond surface-level performative action into real, effective inclusivity that doesn’t just sound good, but does good.

From busting myths around sex and gender to sharing tangible ways to practice using pronouns and avoid assumptions, this conversation is packed with insight, empathy, and action. You'll also hear how the same principles we use in behavior work—intentional practice, meeting learners’ needs, and using a descriptive approach—can help us grow as inclusive professionals. Whether you’re already deep into this work or you’re just starting to explore how gender inclusivity fits into your role, this episode offers guidance, support, and that gentle-but-firm nudge to do better—for everyone’s benefit.

Meet Our Guest: Sami Griffin (they/them)
Sami (they/them) got a bachelor’s degree in music and gender studies (with a lot of philosophy). They worked as a veterinary assistant in veterinary emergency, in shelters in the foster and behavior departments, and with a Veterinary Behaviorist as a behavior therapist focused on behavior modification. Amongst all things animal behavior, they are passionate about educating people on queerness and how all systems of oppression are interlocked. If they aren’t teaching people about the animals in their lives, they’re likely teaching people about queerness and LGBTQ inclusivity, playing indie video games, puzzling, or embroidering.

Connect with Sami on Instagram or their website

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen):

Mistakes are Normal – Nobody gets it right 100% of the time, and that’s okay. The key is how we respond: with openness, humility, and a willingness to keep learning.
Behavior Principles Apply to People, Too – Just like teaching a dog to sit or helping a cat love their cat tree, changing our language and habits takes practice, reinforcement, and support.
Take a Descriptive Approach – Instead of making assumptions about pets or people, taking a descriptive, curiosity-centered approach will build trust, reduce harm, and create space for authenticity.

Links & Resources from the Episode

Find the transcript in Arial l Find the transcript in OpenDyslexic
Learn why Emily and Sami said it’s so important to speak out

Going Down a Rabbit Hole?
Want more ways to expand your inclusive, science-smart behavior toolkit? We have more links to resources here.

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#113 - Q&A: Enrichment Overload- When Is It Too Much?

Mon, 05 May 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Ever find yourself second-guessing if you’re “doing enrichment right”? You’re not alone—and this episode is here to clear things up. In this Q&A session, Allie Bender (she/her), Emily Strong (she/they), and Ellen Yoakum (she/her) tackle real questions from listeners who are curious (and maybe a little confused) about enrichment.

They break down common concerns like:
👉 Are some behaviors “bad,” or just not helpful for my goals?
👉 Can too much enrichment actually hurt my pet?
👉 How can I tell if my pet is overtired, overstimulated, or just plain bored?

With warmth, clarity, and real-life examples, we talk about what enrichment really means (spoiler: it’s not just more activities), and how to confidently assess what’s working for your unique pet.

Whether you’re new to enrichment or knee-deep in rotating treat puzzles, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to do what’s best for your individual animal—without the overwhelm.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen):

Enrichment = Improvement in Welfare - Enrichment isn’t a checklist or an activity—it’s an outcome. The question isn’t “Did we do something enriching?” but “Did our pet’s well-being improve as a result?”
Behaviors Aren’t Good or Bad - Instead of labeling a behavior, ask yourself: is this helping us meet our goals—or pulling us further away?
Outcomes Tell the Story - Does an activity leave your pet content, or chronically stressed? Only they can tell us if enrichment is working. Use your observations to guide your choices.

Links & Resources from the Episode

Full Transcript: Read in Arial | Read in OpenDyslexic
Enrichment 101
Sign up for Behavior Observation Practice Sessions

Going Down a Rabbit Hole?

🎧 Episode #50 – Q&A: Species-Typical Behaviors - How do breed and species shape enrichment? This one’s for the “why” behind the wiggles.
Listen here →
📚 The 14 Categories of Enrichment - Print this poster, stick it on your fridge, and start exploring enrichment beyond treat toys.
Get the blog & poster →
🧠 When Is Enrichment Not Enriching? - Emily goes deep into recognizing when enrichment is just another box to check rather than a goal achieved.
Read more →

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#112 - Try It: Teach Your Dog "Find It" From Scratch

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Looking for an easy way to enrich your dog’s life and support your behavior goals? “Find It” might be your new favorite go-to. In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong (she/they) walks you through exactly how to teach “Find It” from scratch—even if your dog has never done scent work before.

You’ll get a step-by-step guide that starts with clear floors and easy wins, then builds up to more complex searches. But this episode isn’t just about tossing treats—it’s about being strategic and observant. Emily helps you learn how to tell when your dog is engaged, tired, distracted, or discouraged so you can adjust accordingly.

Whether your goal is to help your dog focus, relax, or stop scanning the horizon for spooky stuff, “Find It” might just be the multi-tool your toolbox is missing.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 3 Key Takeaways

“Find It” is a behavior toolbox MVP – Use it to support a range of goals, from helping your dog relax while you work to keeping them grounded when the world gets a little uncertain.
Set your dog up for success from the start – Begin the game on a hard, clear surface so your dog can use all their senses to build confidence and momentum.
Use “Find It” strategically across contexts – Before creating a whole new training plan, ask yourself: could “Find It” help here?

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial l OpenDyslexic.
🎧 #111 - Scent Work for Dogs: Enrichment That Supports the Whole Household
📽️ Turn the volume up to hear what a dog sounds like when they have their snuffles on.

Going Down a Rabbit Hole?

Watch Find It in Action – Ellen adds physical complexity to the game with her senior pups.
Come on a CounterSurfing Safari with Me - MaryKaye’s blog on using scent work to tackle countersurfing.

More from Pet Harmony
We’ve got a lot more to share—join the conversation!

Follow us on social media:
For all things enrichment, behavior modification, and building harmony with your pet:
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Instagram: @petharmonypro
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#111 - Scent Work for Dogs: Enrichment That Supports the Whole Household

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Simple, flexible scent games that help your dog thrive—and give you a well-earned breather.

If you’ve ever needed your dog to do something enriching without needing your full attention, or wanted to build your relationship through fun, sniffy games, this episode is your new best friend.

In this week’s episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Allie Bender and Emily Strong unpack the magic of scent work—and how it supports your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being and makes your life easier too. We’re talking about games like “find it,” scatter feeding, and what we call the “anywhere but here” protocol, with tips for tailoring them to your specific household setup (no matter how chaotic it may be).

You’ll hear why scent work is more than just a fun activity—it can be used to teach your dog independence, encourage relaxation, and even build trust in tricky situations. Whether you need something that works behind a baby gate, away from food-stealing pets, or hands-free while you hop on a Zoom call, there’s something here for you.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 3 Key Takeaways
Scent work is ridiculously adaptable.
Whether you need to keep dogs separated, avoid food on the floor, or work behind a barrier, there’s a nose game for that.

Teaching “set it and forget it” is a game-changer.
It takes effort up-front, but the payoff? A dog who can self-entertain while still engaging in healthy enrichment. Gold.

“Find it” is the duct tape of dog training.
This go-to cue can give you a pause button, channel your dog’s energy, and lay the foundation for more complex games.

Links & Resources from the Episode

📖 Canine Olfaction: Scent, Sign, and Situation – Book chapter by Simon Gadbois & Catherine Reeves
📚 Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell by Alexandra Horowitz
🔬 Study: Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs
📓 Episode #109: Assessing Risk for the Safety Enrichment Category
🎲 July 2023 Enrichment Challenge: Try a New Active Foraging Option
💻 Check out the full show notes, including more resources at petharmonytraining.com/episode111

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If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us connect with more pet parents and professionals looking to build joyful, enriched lives with their animals.

#110 - Q&A: Enrichment Strategies for Pets with Allergies

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Anyone who has a pet with allergies knows that it can be rough to create an enrichment strategy that fits their needs. Depending on the type and severity of that allergy there can be a lot of restrictions. In this episode, we discuss the allergy journies we've gone on with our own dogs and how we've created enrichment strategies around allergy restrictions. After that, we tie in how we can measure success for allergy kiddos and non-allergy kiddos.

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#109 - Assessing Risk for the Safety Enrichment Category

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0600

We're asked all the time about enrichment that isn't related to food. Well, here we are, folks! Today's episode is all about the safety category of enrichment. We'll discuss how to perform a risk assessment for your pet's enrichment strategy.

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#108 - Debbie Martin: The Behavior Specialist You Didn't Know You Needed

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0600

What the heck is a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior? Find out in this week's episode with Debbie Martin! Plus, sound sensitivities, risk assessments, and puppy socialization. Buckle up!

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#107 - How to Better Support Clients

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0600

This one's for the pet professionals! Clients are integral to what we do and that means we need to make sure they're well-supported throughout the journey. In this episode, we explore the foundations of exemplary client care, including some tips to help you better support your clients even more.

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#106 - Dr. Kelly Ballantyne: Combating Caregiver Burden

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0600

We've said it before and we'll say it again- it's hard to care for individuals who need specialized care, and that includes pets with behavior challenges! In this episode, Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Kelly Ballantyne provides tips for combating caregiver burden, discusses the link between pain and behavior, and gives up-to-date information on anti-anxiety medication for adolescent animals.

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#105 - But, Like, What Even Is Training, Anyway?

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0600

We talk about training a lot. But, like, what even IS training? Does it have to involve a treat pouch and clicker? Or, perhaps, could it involve Allie bear crawling up a platform and nothing more? Check out today's episode to find out.

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#104 - Ayoka Bubar: Dog Sports as Enrichment

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Flyball, Agility, Tracking, Rally Obedience, Trick Titling, Conformation, Herding, Mondioring, Obedience, oh my! If you're into canine sports or looking to learn more about them, Ayoka is your person. Get ready to step into the world of R+ dog sports!

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#103 - Adaptations for [Human] Accessibility

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0600

Every human experiences and operates in the world in a unique way. That means that the way each person cares for their pet will be unique, too! So, how do we make adaptations for humans to successfully work with and enrich their pets? Tune in to this episode to find out!

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#102 - Gabrielle Johnson: Disability Justice in Animal Welfare

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0600

The animal training industry is typically on board with non-human learners being individuals and meeting those individuals where they are when it comes to training. But what about our human learners?

In this episode, Gabrielle Johnson talks about how we can meet our human learners where they are and how to support disability justice in the animal welfare industry.

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#101 - How to Reduce Harm in Our Industry

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this implementation episode, Allie and Emily delve deep into harm reduction within the pet professional industry. The discussion includes stories of Allie's Flight Cue skills, the importance of accountability, and the intricacies of managing difficult situations gracefully. Learn about the concepts of politeness versus consideration, the importance of safe and supportive communities, and practical steps to reduce harm effectively. This episode comes with a blanket content warning: in talking about harm reduction, we talk about harm, including physical, mental, and emotional. If you're not in the space to consume this content, we encourage you to sit this one out. You can always come back later!

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#100 - Laura van Dernoot Lipsky: Trauma Stewardship for Pet Professionals

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, the founder of the Trauma Stewardship Institute and author of 'Trauma Stewardship' and 'The Age of Overwhelm'.

In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss the importance of trauma stewardship and harm reduction. Laura shares insights on reframing self-care, the interconnectedness of our lives, and the significance of systemic approaches in improving the quality of life for pets, their people, and the professionals who support them. Listeners will learn about recognizing signs of burnout, the impact of disenfranchised professions, and fostering compassionate accountability within communities.

Join us as we explore these crucial topics and how to enhance well-being in our professional and personal lives.

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#99 - Tiffany Holmes: Living with Pets with Behavior Challenges

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Living with a pet who has behavior challenges is a unique experience. It's hard, frustrating, and full of tears all while being lovely, funny, and wonderful. And, what we've found, is that you can't truly get it unless you've lived it. Today's guest, Pet Harmony's own Tiffany Holmes, gets it. In this episode, Tiffany discusses the good, the bad, the ugly, and the wonderful of living with a pet with extreme behavior challenges. Whether you want to better understand what your clients or loved ones are going through with their pets or you want to feel less alone, you'll love Tiffany's story about the 4-legged love of her life, Petey.

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#98 - Q&A: E-Collars

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0600

We're wrapping up season 8 with another Q&A episode! In this episode, you'll hear Emily, Allie, and Ellen talk about:

E-collars, and vibration collars, and what's the difference
Nuance
Emily's million-dollar Shark Tank idea

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#97 - How to Tell if Your Dog Enjoys Going to Daycare

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week, we heard from Renato Zanetti with Isa Daduato translating, and one of the topics we discussed was how to make dog daycares enriching. This week we’re going to dive further into how to tell if your dog enjoys going to daycare and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

The broad applicability even if your dog isn’t a daycare dog
When you turn a corner and your dog realizes where they are
The Eeyore thing
Stalling vs. resignation
Emily’s a fun ruiner

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#96 - Renato Zanetti with Isa Dadauto: How to Make Dog Daycares Enriching

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0600

We're excited to bring you an extra special interview episode this week! In our first bi-lingual episode, we are joined by Renato Zanetti, a Zootechnician who has a master's degree in veterinary medicine and animal welfare. He is a Brazilian pioneer in the use of management, free of aversive and punitive stimuli, focusing on the emotions of animals. His philosophy is: “A dog should leave the daycare better than when it arrived”.

And a very special thank you to Isa Dadauto, for connecting us with Renato, and being our interpreter for this episode!

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Renato talk about:

In group settings, the individual still matters.
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Assessing and adjusting as you go sets everyone up for success.
Healthy communication, a growth mindset, and enrichment for everyone are the foundations for successful team management.
Renato and Emily both love to smell animals.

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#95 - How to Identify Your Own Ladder of Escalation

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Ryan Cartlidge and one of the topics we discussed was Building Community Through Crucial Conversations. This week we’re going to dive further into how to identify your own ladder of escalation and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

The single biggest problem in communication
Oso’s ladder of escalation
The Silly Putty Situation. Trademark pending.
Emily seeing deep into Allie's soul to call out Allie's startle response
Shout out to Emily’s penguin

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#94 - Ryan Cartlidge: Building Community through Crucial Conversations

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Ryan Cartlidge, the founder of the Animal Training Academy, ATA. He has been working internationally since 2007, as a professional trainer across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US. He now works with both teams and individual trainers around the world, supporting those who work with both domestic pets and exotic animals. His goal is to help all trainers enhance their skills and make their biggest possible positive impact in the work they do.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Ryan talk about:

You are not alone.
Community is critical.
“Crucial Conversations” is universally applicable.
How Ryan made eggs for buzzards.

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#93 - When You Can’t Be Your Own Consultant

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Thea Harting and one of the topics we discussed was Rabbit Speed Dating. This week we’re going to dive further into When You Can’t Be Your Own Consultant and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

When should you and when shouldn’t you be your own consultant
How Allie's therapist just tells her things that she already knows and she loves her for it
Why this episode is happening
You don’t want a yes person
Humans are cute little energizer bunnies

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#92 - Thea Harting: Rabbit Speed Dating

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Thea Harting, also known as the Badass Bunny Rescuer, is a rabbit behavior consultant based in Brooklyn, NY. Thea is passionate about improving companion rabbit well-being and welfare, focusing on pair bonding, enrichment, low-stress handling techniques, and cooperative care. As an active volunteer for shelters and rescues for over a decade, her favorite activity is facilitating rabbit 'speed dates' to determine partner compatibility. Her approach to rabbit bonding emphasizes agency, mutual consent, and enrichment.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Thea talk about:

Bunny enrichment ideas
What do bunny speed dating and dog park design have in common?
You can’t be your own bun-havior consultant
Why bunnies need our help
Thea and Emily’s elevator pitch for why to adopt or foster bunnies

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#91 - Transform Your Relationships Through Good-Faith Conversations

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Tiffany Chen and one of the topics we discussed was Empathy, Education, and Efficiency in Social Media. This week we’re going to dive further into transforming your relationships through good-faith conversations and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Emily tattling on themselves
Well, and Allie tattling on herself too
How Emily and Allie have had knock-out, drag-down, good-faith conversations with one another and poor Ellen being an innocent bystander
When should you enter into a good-faith conversation and when should you not

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#90 - Tiffany Chen: Empathy, Education, and Efficacy in Social Media

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Tiffany Chen, the owner and founder of Pawsistant, LLC, a business dedicated to helping dog professionals grow their businesses via social media and content marketing.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Tiffany talk about:

Why social media marketing isn’t usually the best thing to try to DIY
The importance of meeting our learners where they’re at
How to distill complex concepts into clear and simple messages
Self-care on social media

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#89 - 5 Tips for Successful Puppy-Raising

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Scotti Harvey and one of the topics we discussed was being a mindful puppy-raiser. This week we’re going to dive further into successful puppy raising and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Babies, and also, puppies
It’s unrealistic for puppies to learn that everyone will greet them all the time
To sit or not to sit
Teenagers are any species are hard

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#88 - Scotti Harvey: How to be a Mindful Puppy-Raiser

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In today's interview episode, we're joined by Scotti Harvey. Scotti specializes in canine neonatal development and learning. Through her studies on puppy socialization, Scotti strives to mitigate behavioral issues through the careful implementation of strategic early-life experiences. By focusing on developing processing, coping, and communication skills, Scotti aims to foster courageous, inquisitive, and versatile learners.

In this episode, you'll hear Scotti and Emily talk about:

The importance of making hands safe and comforting
Puppy raising across the developmental periods
Clicker training communication skills
How to simplify life with a puppy
How to survive the puppy blues

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#87 - Corinne Collier: Creating Connections

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0600

To help us kick off Season 8 of Enrichment for the Real World, we're joined by our very own Corinne Collier, a behavior consultant and Client Experiences Manager at Pet Harmony.

In this episode you're going to hear Emily and Corinne talk about:

Corinne and Emily fangirling over our own team
Leadership and teaching aren’t zero-sum games
Connection is the throughline to everything we do
Data tracking helps you bring in more clients

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#86 - Q&A: Indoor Enrichment Activities Ideas

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Can you believe that we're wrapping up Season 7? In this Q&A Episode, we're diving in and answering your excellent questions. In this episode, you'll hear Allie, Emily, and Ellen talk about:

Go to Enrichment Ideas for bad weather days
Cheap, apartment-friendly foraging activities
All things chewing

You can find the episode show notes here.

#85 - Building Safe Spaces for Humans

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Kassidi Jones and one of the topics we discussed was Antiracism in Animal Welfare. This week we dive further into Building Safe Spaces for Humans and the implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and I talk about:

How humans are animals too
Safety vs. comfort
Implicit biases are a thing

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#84 - Kassidi Jones: Antiracism in Animal Welfare

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Kassidi Jones. Kassidi is a sixth-year Ph.D. candidate in African American Studies and English at Yale and the content creator behind the Instagram account @gingers_naps, which explores the relationship and history between Black Americans and animals.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Kassidi talk about:

Education is empowering
What on earth are ecopoetics?
Abolition in the 21st century
How we can do a better job of integrating multiple cultural views of animal care
How to find mentorship in antiracist work

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#83 - Enrichment for Shelters

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week, we heard from Mara Velez, and one of the topics we discussed was how BEAR can help shelters. This week, we're going to dive further into enrichment for shelters and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Emily's love language, which I don't love sometimes
Accepting a linear time frame and accepting that Kristina Spaulding can't go back 20 years to write her book and have made past me and Emily better shelter workers
The sad trombone that sometimes comes with rest as a primary strategy
A turtle tirade
Cross ties for lickimats

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#82 - Mara Velez: How BEAR Can Help Shelters

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're so excited to have Mara Velez return to talk about the Shelter Playgroup Alliance's programs, and the newest addition, BEAR, Behavior & Enrichment Academy and Resources.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Mara talk about:

SPA’s programs, and how they all fit together
Cultivating company culture to promote success
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle
The difference between safety and comfort
The importance of mindfulness in teaching and learning

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#81 - How to do a Sound Preference Test

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Eileen Anderson, and one of the topics we discussed was understanding sound sensitivities and phobias. This week, we're going to dive further into how to do a sound preference test, and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

How dog snoring is the cutest, most heart meltiest sound
How Emily and I have accidentally taught relaxation through sound
Why the sleepy music stopped working

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#80 - Eileen Anderson: Understanding Sound Sensitivities & Phobias

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Eileen Anderson. Eileen does an outstanding job of striving for accuracy while making space for personal experience and anecdotal evidence. Eileen brings expertise in music, sound and acoustics to the dog training world.

In this week's episode you'll hear Emily and Eileen talk about:

When it comes to sound sensitivity, volume isn’t everything
Ad hoc counterconditioning can be effective
Why Morgan Freeman is good for dogs
Stay ahead of the pain, stay ahead of the panic

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#79 - If It Can Have an Effect, It Can Have a Side Effect

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week, we heard from Kim Rose and one of the topics we discussed was what behavior consulting can learn from nutrition. This week, we're going to dive further into if it can have an effect, it can have a side effect, and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Relay racing and choosing violence
When you do too good of a job
How Allie's dog is a weirdo who creeps people out
A floofy fence fighter named Timothée
And an extinction burst for the ages

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#78 - Kim Rose: What Behavior Consulting Can Learn From Nutrition

Mon, 27 May 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're reaching beyond the animal care industry and speaking with Kim Rose, a dually certified diabetes care & education specialist and nutrition support clinician who blends evidenced-based practice with lived experience and cultural inclusivity. There is so much we can learn from other fields when it comes to care of our pets, ourselves, and our clients.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Kim talk about:

Fiber is magical
How to strike the balance between sustainability and efficacy
There are many paths up the data collection mountain
Nutrition, like behavior, is a study of one
Boundary setting for ourselves and our clients

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#77 - How to Evaluate Your Environment for Behavioral Impact

Mon, 20 May 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's implementation episode, Allie and Emily dive further into evaluating your environment for behavioral impact and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this episode, you'll hear Allie and Emily talk about:

How our pet's senses aren't necessarily better or worse, just different
Bunny bathroom habits
Big Boy Oso fitting under Allie's desk.

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#76 - Katenna Jones: Build a Better Relationship With Your Cat

Mon, 13 May 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Katenna Jones. Katenna has a breadth of animal care and welfare experience under her belt, from shelter work to cruelty investigation, and for this episode, we're ecstatic Katenna agreed to talk about cats!

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Katenna talk about:

New ways of thinking about pottying outside the litter box
Making sure cats know what you’re offering them
Cultivating a cat-centric point of view
Why cats require precision training
Why suppression sometimes works, but still isn’t a good idea

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#75 - Lesley Gurule: Building Better Behavior Support in Shelters

Mon, 06 May 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Helping us kick off season 7 of Enrichment for the Real World, we're joined by our very own, Lesley Gurule. Lesley is a behavior consultant with Pet Harmony and Lesley thrives on demystifying unwanted behaviors, collaborating with pet parents, and approaching every animal as an individual with unique needs.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Lesley talk about:

Why shelters and rescues need more behavioral support
Improving inclusivity and support in sheltering by getting rid of dogmatic slogans
Why it’s so important to get pregnant moms and baby animals out of the shelter ASAP
Learn the language of the species you live with

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#74 - Q&A: Why Does My Dog Only Care Sometimes?

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0600

To wrap up Season 6, we're answering your questions! Thank you to everyone who submitted questions for this episode!

In this season's Q&A episode Emily, Allie, and Ellen talk about:

Why our pets sometimes react to things and sometimes don't
Tips for helping your pet enjoy paw care
Whether dogs can sleep in the bed

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#73 - How to Have Happier Vet Visits

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we talked with Dr. Valli Parthasarathy about cooperative care for all species, and this week Allie and Emily talk about how to have happier vet visits.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Why Wants Vs. Needs conversations are important
Tips for thoughtful antecedent arrangement at the clinic
How to determine if your pet does better with you or going in the back with the vet staff

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#72 - Dr. Valli Parthasarathy: Cooperative Care for All Species

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Dr. Valli Parthasarathy the owner of Synergy Veterinary Behavior in Portland, Oregon, where she helps families whose dogs, cats, birds, horses, and other species show problematic behaviors.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Valli talk about:

Common behavior issues in various species
Cooperative care for significant behavioral special needs
The ROI of sedation for medical procedures
Dr. Valli’s journey with a teenage Dutch Shepherd

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#71 - How to Trial Gut-Brain Health

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Dr. Tim Lewis and one of the topics we discussed was the biology of dogs. This week we’re going to dive further into trialing gut-brain health and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Emily falling out of the space-time continuum
Nutrition is a study of one
Finding objective measures for a food trial

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#70 - Dr. Tim Lewis: The Biology of Dogs

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we are joined by Tim Lewis. Dr. Tim Lewis has a PhD in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and studies a wide range of animals from turtles to domestic dogs.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Tim talk about:

Finding the balance between “save them all” and breed determinism
Retraining the amygdala
We all have 5 brains
Teaching calm

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#69 - How to Create an Efficient Enrichment Storage System

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Jungle Jordan Veasley about efficient enrichment storage systems. This week we're going to dive further into enrichment storage systems in the home.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Allie's love of The Home Edit
Emily's rule of 3 when it comes to Kongs
How molehills are sometimes mountains

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#68 - Jungle Jordan Veasley: Improving Welfare for All Species

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's podcast episode, we're joined by Jungle Jordan Veasley, a zookeeper and wildlife educator. Jordan is doing such important work not only for the animals in his care but for humans too! Representation matters and he’s a living, breathing example of why.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Jordan talk about:

What sorcery this is?
Relating to other people when they’re not ready to hear what you have to say
Boxes are fun
Neurodiversity, diversity, and representation
Imagine how hard it would be to give a bear something

You can find the full show notes here.

#67 - Creative Solutions for Physical Exercise

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Lori Stevens and one of the topics we discussed was movement & exercise for behavioral therapies. This week we’re going to dive further into creative solutions for physical exercise and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Risk levels being on a spectrum
Do you need a new solution or a different version of a current solution?
Play as exercise

You can find the full show notes here.

#66 - Lori Stevens: Movement and Exercise as Behavioral Therapy

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Lori Stevens to talk about the intersection of physical and behavioral health for our pets through movement. In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Lori talk about:

What exercise is and isn’t about
Assessing what types of exercise are ideal for an animal
Cheap and free exercise options
The difference between canine fitness and movement work

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#65 - How to Avoid Common Enrichment Toy Mistakes

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from David Roberts and one of the topics we discussed was getting the most out of your dog’s enrichment toys. This week we’re going to dive further into avoiding common enrichment toy mistakes and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

The most annoying and accurate answer to almost every question ever
Why we need to teach how to use toys
Humans being humans and getting in the way

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#64 - David Roberts: Getting the Most Out of Your Dog's Enrichment Toys

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by David Roberts of Ulti-Mutt Dog Toys!

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and David talk about:

Data-driven processes for developing enrichment tools
Meeting animals’ needs in cost-effective ways
Troubleshooting dogs’ interest in toys
Sacrificial shoes

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#63 - MaryKaye Kendrick: Creating Harmonious Households for Dogs & Kids

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, we are joined by MaryKaye Kendrick, one of our very own behavior consultants and mentors. MaryKaye is a phenomenal educator, teacher, trainer, and human with an incredible skill for empathy and compassion in each case.

In this episode, you'll hear Emily and MaryKaye talk about

Learner-centered teaching
Broadcasting body language for children
How to teach very young children dog skills
The importance of protected contact when working with kids and dogs.

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#62 - Q&A: Handling the Holidays

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 02:00:00 -0600

This week, we're wrapping up Season 5 with our Q&A episode to answer your fantastic questions!

In this episode you'll hear Allie, Emily, and Ellen talk about:

Dig pits for dogs
Freeing the operant and how it relates to enrichment
Handling the holidays

You can find the full show notes here.

#61 - Everything in Moderation

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Kalyn Holl and one of the topics we discussed was living a life in moderation. This week we’re going to dive further into everything in moderation and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

How behaviors aren’t necessarily good or bad
The dangers of all-or-nothing thinking
A malamute who didn’t want to run

You can find the full show notes here.

#60 - Kalyn Holl: Sled Dogs and Reindeer

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we are joined by Kalyn Holl, the Head Reindeer Trainer at Chena Outdoor Collective. Whether training reindeer, teaching education programs, or competing in sled dog races, Kalyn brings a beautiful perspective to their training. In this episode, you'll hear Kalyn and Emily talk about:

Letting the animal tell you what they need
Living a life in moderation
How reindeer are lazier than caribou

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#59 - Leading with Curiosity

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Christina Horne and one of the topics we discussed was Systems for Navigating Service Dog training and society. This week we’re going to dive further into leading with curiosity and how that helps you navigate society and pet parenting and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Why having a curious mindset can be difficult
How the rat is never wrong
Assuming the best intentions

You can find the full show notes here.

#58 - Christina Horne: Systems for Navigating Service Dog Training & Society

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Christina Horne. Christina delights in working with people and animals alike and has such a fresh take on teaching and training and the relationship between teachers and learners.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Christina talk about:

Giving your learners space to just do things
The power dynamic in the teacher/learner relationship
Acknowledging privilege and marginalization
Check yourself before you wreck your learner

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#57 - Providing Environmental Complexity

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Darian Fambro and one of the topics we discussed was environmental diversity. This week we’re going to dive further into providing environmental diversity and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

How we provide environmental diversity for our own pets
Why Oso has a shredding space
As we’ve said before, more is not more

You can find the full show notes here.

#56 - Darian Fambro: Cold-Blooded but Warm-Hearted

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode we are joined by Darian Fambro. Darian, a zookeeper and educator, specializes in reptiles, invertebrates, large mammals care and education programs.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Darian talk about:

Insect personalities
Why you have to train your dragon
Grumpy tortoise faces
Selfies with hyenas

You can find the full show notes here.

#55 - Enrich Thyself

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Valerie Bogie and one of the topics we discussed was how your self-care is enrichment. This week, we're going to dive further into self-care as enrichment, our own enrichment journeys, and implementation for real life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

How their therapy sessions are often just realizing how they can apply what they teach to their clients for themselves
Watching birds and drinking tea as flight cues
Support groups vs. echo chambers

You can find the full show notes here.

#54 - Valerie Bogie: Your Self-Care is Enrichment

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Valerie Bogie. Valerie is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) with a Veterinary Social Work focus through the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where she completed their Veterinary Human Support Certificate in 2022. Valerie is also an Educator for Emotional CPR, which teaches the skills of helping others through active listening.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Valerie talk about:

The difference between a counselor, therapist, and social worker
Toxic positivity
Exhaustion, burnout, and compassion fatigue
Types of grief

You can find the full show notes here.

#53 - Are Necessary Evils Really Necessary?

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Kyle Hetzel and one of the topics we discussed was finding alternative solutions to old problems. This week we’re going to dive further into whether necessary evils are actually necessary and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Pruney shame fingers
Is this for us or for them?
Getting to the root of your goals

You can find the full show notes here.

#52 - Kyle Hetzel: New Alternatives to Old Solutions

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0600

In today's interview episode, we're joined by Kyle Hetze, the Assistant Curator of the Children's Zoo at an AZA accredited zoo on the west coast. He has been an animal trainer for 12 years, working with a wide range of species from birds of prey to walrus, giraffes, goats, and everything in between. He has utilized the Constructional Approach training animals for the past 9 years, specializing in assent with disabled animals.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Kyle talk about:

Just because you can doesn’t mean you should
How training saved $24,000 and got management buy-in
A giraffe that loves to be right and giraffe hugs

You can find the full show notes here.

#51 - Tracy Harachi: Caring for the People Who Care for Pets

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0600

To kick off Season 5 of Enrichment for the Real World, we are joined by our very own Tracy Harachi. Tracy is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed, Certified Canine Fitness Trainer, and Fitpaws Master Trainer. She joined the Pet Harmony team in 2022 and applies years of experience focused on improving the well-being of families through evidence-based interventions to the science behind training and behavior change now focused on dogs.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Tracy talk about:

Swaddling a paraplegic dog
Predictability with a capital P
Building security
Caregiver burden

You can find the full show notes here.

#50 - Q&A: Species-Typical Behaviors

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0600

We get a lot of great questions from the fabulous folks in our Enrichment for the Real World Facebook group, and some of those answers deserve a whole lot more than what we can say in a Facebook message. So, we are ending this season with another Q&A episode!

In this Q&A episode, you’re going to hear Emily, Ellen, and I answer your questions, including:

Clarifying the “species-typical behaviors” enrichment category
How breed relates to species-typical behaviors
Button communication

You can find the full show notes here.

#49 - Why You Need to Video Your Pets

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Lili Chin and one of the topics we discussed was essentially how to creep on your pets to learn more about them. This week, we’ll dive further into why you need to video your pets and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Emily’s love of infomercials
How we watch videos and what we are looking for
A couple of interactions where sound was getting in the way

You can find the full show notes here.

#48 - Lili Chin: Behind the Scenes with Doggie Drawings

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0600

This week, we are joined by Lili Chin, the illustrator behind Doggie Language and Kitty Language. Even if you’re not familiar with her name, you’ve likely seen one of Lili’s illustrations if you’ve spent some time down the dog training rabbit hole. She started off with the Boogie illustrations- her Boston Terrier at the time- and now illustrates all sorts of animals! We’ve been using her infographics for years to help teach our clients and we're so excited that we got to sit down and chat with her.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Lili talk about:

How familiarity makes observation easier
An intersection of expertises
Penguins
Staring obsessively at your pets

You can find the full show notes here.

#47 - Phrasing Feedback to a Vet

Mon, 29 May 2023 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Dr. Micaela Young about When Medical Problems become behavioral problems. This week we’re going to dive further into phrasing feedback to your vet and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Including everything
Your vet knows more about your individual pet than Google does
A little floof with a big reaction

You can find the full show notes here.

#46 - Dr. Micaela Young: When Medical Problems Become Behavioral Problems

Mon, 22 May 2023 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, we are joined by Dr. Micaela Young. Dr. Young is both a veterinarian and Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed based in the Seattle area. Dr. Young does an incredible job of navigating the needs of all family members in the home and supporting the whole team.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Micaela talk about:

Do you know how to identify chronic pain, or only acute pain?
Micaela’s list of how to identify less-obvious signs of pain
The gut-brain-skin axis
The new 4-letter F word

You can find the full show notes here.

#45 - Building Connection Through Touch

Mon, 15 May 2023 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Katie Sulzmann and one of the topics we discussed was animal massage. This week we’re going to dive further into building connection through touch and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Touch consent tests
Oso’s itchy face
Copper’s owie knee

You can find the full show notes here.

#44 - Katie Sulzmann: The Benefits of Massage for Your Pet

Mon, 08 May 2023 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, we are joined by Katie Sulzmann. Katie is a Nationally Certified Canine Massage Therapist, a Certified Veterinary Massage and Rehab Therapist, and is Fear Free Certified. You have probably heard Allie gush about Oso’s massage therapist before. Both Oso and Allie absolutely adore her and she’s helped him so much to maintain his mobility as he enters into his twilight years. So of course, we jumped at the chance to get her on our podcast! Allie always learns so much from her when she’s working on Oso and we're really excited for her to be able to share her knowledge and expertise with you as well!

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Katie talk about:

Consent & agency in massage
The role of massage for overall wellness and enrichment
Massage for a bearded dragon

You can find the full show notes here.

#43 - Why Your Dog Training Isn't Working

Mon, 01 May 2023 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Dr. Kristina Spaulding and one of the topics we discussed was The Stress Factor in Dogs. This week we’re going to dive further into a common reason why folks say training isn’t working, which is providing a challenge that is well-matched to the animal’s skill set, and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

What grade schools and dog training have in common
How to provide the right kind of challenge for your pet
A dog who had to be taught how to eat off the floor

You can find the full show notes here.

#42 - Dr. Kristina Spaulding: The Stress Factor in Dogs

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode of Enrichment for the Real World, we are joined by Dr. Kristina Spaulding, author of The Stress Factor in Dogs: Unlocking Resiliency and Enhancing Well-Being. Stress and its effect on behavior is one of those topics that benefit everyone to know about. It’s such an integral part of understanding behavior and addressing needs of every individual! And Kristina talks about it in a way that is so down to Earth.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Kristina talk about:

The difference between eustress, tolerable stress, and toxic stress
The 3 components of successful behavior therapies
Why agency is critical for dealing with stress
Working through frustration for resiliency

You can find the full show notes here.

#41 - How to Train Any Species

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Michelle Martiya and one of the topics we discussed was working with multiple species. This week we’re going to dive further into training a species other than dogs and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

A happy tarantula swinging its little legs
A coatimundi dropping from the trees
How rabbits just go away if they don’t want to work with you

You can find the full show notes here.

#40 - Michelle Martiya: The Benefits of Working with Multiple Species

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 02:00:00 -0600

To kick off Season 4 of Enrichment for the Real World, we are joined by Michelle Martiya, a certified exotic animal trainer from Boca Raton, FL. Michelle coaches people virtually in training their equids and exotic pets and specializes in working with fearful and feral equids, from those who have never been in contact with humans to those who have suffered trauma and abuse.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Michelle talk about:

Zebras, servals, leopards, oh my
Horse enrichment
"Crate training" Kinkajous
It doesn’t always have to be a fight

You can find the full episode show notes here.

#39 - Q&A - Enrichment for Herding Dogs

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 02:00:00 -0600

As we wrap up Season 3, we are excited to bring you our first Q&A Episode! In this Q&A episode, you’re going to hear Emily, Ellen, and I answer your questions, including:

The biggest misunderstanding folks have about enrichment
Our go-to activities
The enrichment category we wish got more love
And, of course, the question we named this episode after, enrichment for herding breeds in urban and suburban environments

You can find the full show notes here.

#38 - Unlocking the Behavior Matrix: Part 2

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 02:00:00 -0600

Last week Emily and Allie skimmed the surface of how learning and behavior work. This week we’re coming back for Part 2, focusing specifically on positive reinforcement and what that means for the pets in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

What positive reinforcement is and isn’t, and why taking a prescriptive approach might be messing up your training
Toxic positivity
Trends, not moments

You can find the full show notes here.

#37 - Unlocking the Behavior Matrix: Part 1

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Dr. Susan Friedman and one of the topics we discussed was observation. This week we’re going to dive further into some learning foundations and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

And, because there’s like… a lot… of learning foundations, this is part 1 of part 2.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Why we’re better together
Why sometimes your dog barks at people and sometimes they don’t
How to better predict your pet’s behavior

You can find the full show notes here.

#36 - Dr. Susan Friedman: Become a Better Animal Trainer

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we are joined by Dr. Susan G Friedman Ph.D. For those of you who have had the pleasure of hearing Susan talk before, you know that this is going to be a great episode full of nuggets that you can apply to your animal training, but also just to your life in general.

Susan walks the walk when it comes to implementing what they know about behavior in all facets of life. In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Susan talk about:

Learners are learners are learners
Do you actually need to teach that behavior?
Unnatural solutions for natural behaviors.

Content Warning

We wanted to provide a content warning for this episode because we do discuss some difficult topics such as ABA practices with human learners and the not so great history of the development of what least intrusive practices have looked like over the past few decades. So this content warning is to empower you, our audience, with the knowledge you need to make healthy decisions about how and if you should consume this podcast content.

Discussion of ABA practices with human learners from 32:11-47:28.

You can find the full show notes here.

#35 - Implementing Predictability for Security

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Sara McLoudrey and one of the topics we discussed was care with consent. This week we’re going to dive further into predictability and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

How Emily and Allie met, in which Allie screamed at Emily and Emily decided they would be professional wives. Y’know, totally normal reactions on both ends.
How little, often simple, life changes can result in big predictability outcomes.
Emily’s resource guarding soapbox.

You can find the full show notes here.

#34 - Sara McLoudrey: Care With Consent

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we are joined by Sara McLoudrey. Sara has such a fresh perspective on cooperative care. Her Care with Consent philosophy is so in line with our work smarter not harder approach to enrichment and animal training and she puts on great emphasis on sustainability for the human.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Sara talk about:

Going from cooperative care to Care with Consent
How Sara trims her dog’s nails
The value of predictability
Building your dog’s team

You can find the full show notes here.

#33 - What Do You Make Behavior Mean?

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Marissa Martino and one of the topics we discussed was how your mindset impacts your behavior, and your pet’s behavior in turn. This week we’re going to dive further into what do you make behavior mean and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

How mindset is a topic that needs to be discussed way more in our industry
How to transform harmful stories into helpful curiosity
How helping clients to shift their mindset helped them overcome obstacles that were getting in the way of progress

You can find the full show notes here.

#32 - Marissa Martino: Cultivating Connections for Behavior Change

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we are joined by Marissa Martino. Marissa has dedicated her career to the welfare of both ends of the leash and how exploring ourselves can build a stronger bond with our dogs and other pets. If you are interested in how to connect with your dog on a deeper level, you will love this one.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Marissa talk about:

How your stories, thoughts, and relationships impact your training
The layers of complication in human communication
Giving yourself grace while continuing to grow and improve
Why everyone needs a mentor

You can find the full show notes here.

#31 - Creating Sustainable Management

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Naomi Rotenberg and one of the topics we discussed was practical management solutions. This week we’re going to dive further into creating sustainable management strategies and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

The theme for this season’s episodes
Set it and forget-it strategies
Simplicity

You can find the full show notes here.

#30 - Naomi Rotenberg: Creating Harmonious Dog & Cat Households

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Introducing a dog to a cat can be nerve-wracking! Join Emily as she interviews Naomi Rotenberg from Praiseworthy Pets as they dive into all things helping dogs and cats to get along, including:

Why a down stay is probably not the answer when your dog is chasing your cat
How to meet seemingly incompatible needs of dogs and cats in the same household
When herding dogs have cats

You can find the full show notes here.

#29 - Breed Typical Enrichment

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Dr. Jessica Hekman, a veterinary researcher and one of the topics we discussed was how breed impacts behavior. This week we’re going to dive further into breed-typical enrichment and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

The nuances surrounding breed-typical enrichment
Seeing with your eyes, not your ideas
How to determine when a behavior is maladaptive

You can find the full show notes here.

#28 - Dr. Jessica Hekman: Does Dog Breed Affect Behavior?

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this week’s interview episode, we are joined by Dr. Jessica Hekman, a veterinary researcher. Jessica has a fantastic skill, among many others, of taking really complex topics and distilling them into digestible tidbits of information that the average non-sciency person can understand. Currently, Jessica runs the Functional Dog Collaborative, a non-profit group, which supports the ethical breeding of healthy and behaviorally solid dogs.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Jessica talk about:

Undereducation overstates, especially when it comes to super complex topics like nature and nurture
Breed-specific enrichment, and why it may not be as important as you think it is
The nebulousness of science, and why pseudoscience is attractive
Emily & Jessica’s thoughts about long-term solutions for decreasing animal overpopulation

You can find the full show notes here.

#27 - Ellen Yoakum: Enrichment for Separation Anxiety

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we are kicking off Season 3 of Enrichment for the Real World with our very own trainer and behavior consultant, Ellen Yoakum! Ellen is a Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer and Certified Training Partner through the Karen Pryor Academy. Ellen joined the Pet Harmony team in 2020 after working in a variety of capacities within animal care.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Ellen talk about:

Why separation anxiety isn’t that different from other maladaptive behaviors
Should you use food when working on separation anxiety?
How enrichment makes your SA training easier

You can find the full show notes here.

#26 - Learn How to Play With Your Animal

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Dr. Miranda Workman and one of the topics we discussed was cat enrichment. This week we’re going to dive further into learning how to play with your pet and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

The big myth surrounding play
How play mimics species-typical behaviors
Making up your own rules

You can find the full show notes here.

#25 - Dr. Miranda Workman: Cat Enrichment

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we are joined by Dr. Miranda K. Workman, the Behavioral Sciences Team Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Liaison for the ASPCA to discuss cat enrichment! Even if you don't have a cat in your life, there are some amazing nuggets in here that are applicable to any species. And, if you share your life with a cat, you are going to absolutely love this.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Miranda talk about:

Cat soccer
The difference between predictability and consistency
Overcoming the observer’s paradox

You can find the full show notes here.

#24 - When Agency Isn’t an Option

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Lisa Clifton-Bumpass and one of the topics we discussed was agency and communication around medical handling. This week we’re going to dive further into what to do when agency can’t be an option and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

How trust is like a bank account
Would you do the same thing to a tiger?
What to do when you can’t do best practices

#23 - Lisa Clifton-Bumpass: Compassion Meets Communication

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this week’s interview episode, we are joined by Lisa Clifton-Bumpass. Lisa is a training systems analyst specializing in the constructional approach. Lisa is known for her work with giraffes but has worked with 70 different species in her work with zoos, and domestic animals in a variety of capacities.

It’s not every day that you get to talk with someone who has made such incredible contributions to, not only the animal welfare community, but also to the human welfare community, and we were so lucky to get to bring you this conversation.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Lisa and Allie talk about:

How a Constructional Approach can help you craft a bite-sized training plan
The best story about a bat named Beethoven
Interviewing the animal in front of you

You can find the full show notes here.

#22 - Practical Problem-Solving

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Ken Ramirez and one of the topics we discussed was troubleshooting your training. In this week’s implementation episode we’re going to dive further into problem-solving and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

What to do when seeing with your eyes, not your ideas, is difficult
Expanding the antecedent picture
A situation in which treats were punishing

You can find the full show notes here.

#21 - Ken Ramirez: Comprehensive Care

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this week’s interview episode, we are joined by Ken Ramirez. Ken Ramirez has been working in animal care and training for nearly 50 years and is the EVP and Chief Training Officer for Karen Pryor Clicker Training, and the author of ANIMAL TRAINING: Successful Animal Management through Positive Reinforcement and The Eye of the Trainer.

Ken is an amazing human being. He has done so much for the animal training industry and even though he’s one of the biggest and most respected and recognized trainers, he is still such a humble and kind person who is always striving to learn more and improve. He’s someone that we can learn so much from whether it’s animal training or how to just be a human.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Ken talk about:

Primary and secondary reasons for training
When choice is coercive
Agency to say no and honest communication
Troubleshooting when things aren’t going quite right

You can find the full show notes here.

#20 - Building Food Motivation

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this week’s implementation episode, Allie and Emily continue talking about food motivation. It’s a topic that is important for all of the animals in our care. In this episode Allie and Emily discuss:

How Food motivation is malleable
Factors to take into account when changing the environment to make food more desirable
The yellow flag Allie saw with Oso, her quote-unquote “good eater” when he didn’t eat one night
And, the change that Emily made for her dog, Copper, which changed him from a finicky eater to someone who reliably eats

You can find the full show notes here.

#19 - Kathy Sdao: Food Motivation Myths

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this interview episode, we are joined by Kathy Sdao, an applied animal behaviorist to discuss an always popular topic, food motivation. Food motivation is a term that comes up a lot when folks are talking about training their pets. While all individuals are intrinsically motivated by food, because they have to eat to survive, it can get a little more complicated when we’re talking about the behavior of reliably eating, which is usually what many folks are really referring to when talking about food motivation. And not reliably eating, can lead to some sticky situations.

You’ll hear Emily and Kathy discuss:

Being a detective when your pet doesn’t eat, because it’s a behavioral emergency
Why the back of your pet food bag probably isn’t an accurate recommendation for how much food your pet should eat
How you can create aversions to food, doing things that people very commonly do

You can find the full show notes here.

#18 - Cultivating a Growing Mindset

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Matt Beisner and one of the topics we discussed was being willing to continue learning. This week we’re going to dive further into cultivating a growth mindset and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Why a growth mindset is necessary to elevate your enrichment strategy
Addressing the shame of should
How to process your big feels

You can find the full show notes here.

#17 - Matt Beisner: Growing Publicly

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 02:00:00 -0600

We are so excited to kick off Season 2 with this interview episode! This week, we are joined by Matt Beisner CPDT-KA, FDM. Matt is the founder of THE ZEN DOG, and host of the popular international show “Dog: Impossible” on Disney+.

One of the things that we see a lot, not only when it comes to folks learning more about enrichment, but in the field of animal behavior itself, is that it can be really hard to assimilate new information that conflicts with what you previously knew. Some people let this stymie them, and keep them from growing and learning. Other people, like Matt, are able to go through this process with humility so that they can continue learning and growing. So while today’s episode is not as enrichment-heavy as others, this is a topic that will help you to get to that next level with your enrichment strategy.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Matt talk about:

How to process when you’re presented with information that conflicts with what you know
How to keep from drinking your own kool-aid
Imposter syndrome

You can find the full show notes here.

#16 - Flight Training Mini-Sode

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 02:00:00 -0600

We have a special mini-sode for y’all today! We get a ton of questions about flight training, so we wanted to put together a little episode to answer the biggest questions that we get in honor of our Flight Training for Professionals on-demand course coming out the day this episode airs!

In this episode Emily and I talk about:

What flight training is
Why everyone should have this skill
And a brief overview of how to do it.

You can learn more about our Flight Training for Professionals course here!

You can find the full show notes here.

#15 - Data Tracking for Enrichment

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Dr. Eduardo Fernandez and one of the topics we discussed was data tracking for enrichment. In this week's implementation episode, we’re going to dive further into data collection and talk about as painless as possible implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Why Allie doesn’t have a Master’s degree
Why you need to be collecting data if you want to work smarter, not harder
How to make this as painless as possible, as simple as a row of Xs & checkmarks

You can find the full show notes here.

#14 - Dr. Eduardo Fernandez: The Science of Enrichment

Mon, 30 May 2022 02:00:00 -0600

We always learn so much from Eddie and often find it really humbling to talk with him. He reminds us that there’s still so much to learn, there’s so much we don’t know, and that the learning journey is never complete. If you want a deep, deep dive into the science of behavior while getting to talk about penguins and get some laughs along the way, Eddie’s your man.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Eddie talk about:

Enrichment needs to be observable
Porcupines, penguins, and emus
Data tracking

You can find the full show notes here.

#13 - Where to Start Your Enrichment Journey

Mon, 23 May 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Peter Amelia and one of the topics we discussed was where to start on your enrichment journey. This week we’re going to dive further into what that foundation looks like and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Why this episode should probably have happened much earlier
Why we need to split hairs when it comes to species-specific, species-typical, and breed-typical behaviors
Examples of how they made the most out of situations in which they didn’t necessarily do their research beforehand

You can find the full show notes here.

#12 - Peter Amelia: Enrichment in a Multi-Species Household

Mon, 16 May 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this week's interview episode, we are joined by Peter Amelia to discuss enrichment in a multi-species household. As you'll hear, Peter gets to share their home with a wide variety of species and does a wonderful job of meeting all their needs. We talking with Peter because they remind us that there are so many more species out there in people’s homes than the ones we typically work with, and we love getting to see how they work with other species so that we can take those ideas and apply them to the species that we typically work with.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Peter talk about:

The disparities of quality of life metrics between different species
What a day looks like when your pets hit the double digits and you have a lot of different species with different needs
Keeping everyone safe in a multi-species household from management, to training, to selecting the right species
Bunnies are shell-less tortoises

You can find the full show notes here.

#11 - What Will You Do If Things Go Sideways?

Mon, 09 May 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Michael Shikashio and one of the topics we discussed was having Plans B, C, D, etc. when you can’t do Plan A. This week we’re going to dive further into what to do if things go sideways and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and I talk about:

A logical fallacy that’s holding you back
An African Grey who thought an electrical cord was good fun
And some doggos who needed special management plans
Plus, how many weather metaphors can I use in the span of about 3 minutes?

You can find the full show notes here.

#10 - Mike Shikashio: Influencing the Industry Through Empathy

Mon, 02 May 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this week’s interview episode, we are joined by Michael Shikashio, CDBC, the founder of AggressiveDog.com. Through his work as an educator and fellow behavior consultant, Michael has inspired us, and other members of the industry while focusing on empathy and compassion for all learners, including our human learners.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Mike talk about:

Important foundation questions when it comes to working with aggression cases
Finding connections with parallel professionals
Kindness over competition

You can find the full show notes here.

#9 - Let The Animal Be Themselves

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Helen Dishaw and one of the topics we discussed was letting animals be animals. This week we’re going to dive further into letting animals be themselves and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:

Should we treat animals like mini humans?
Dealing with those annoying species-typical behaviors
What Emily’s rabbit and my turtle have in common

You can find the full show notes here.

#8 - Helen Dishaw: What We Can Learn From Birds

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this week’s interview episode, we are joined by Helen Dishaw, Curator of Bird Programs at Tracy Aviary and Vice President of The International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Helen talk about:

Why birds make great teachers
Who’s training who?
Owl socialization
How budgies stumped Emily

You can find the full show notes here.

#7 - Agency in Social Interactions

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Last week we heard from Mara Velez and one of the topics we discussed was agency in relation to dog-dog play. This week, we're going to dive further into agency in relation to social interactions, not just dog-dog play, and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.

Emily and Allie talk about:

Opting into social engagements
Teaching disengagement
How Allie has officially crossed into bougie pet parent territory.

You can find the full show notes here.

#6 - Mara Velez: Shelter Enrichment & Playgroups

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 02:00:00 -0600

In this podcast, we are joined by Mara Velez, the Executive Director of the Shelter Playgroup Alliance and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, to dive into the topics of shelter playgroups and enrichment.

In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Mara talk about:

Mara’s added layer of what should be involved in enrichment, in addition to healthy, safe, and appropriate
Not asking our dogs to have a coffee before going out to dinner
If play is the only purpose of playgroups

You can find the full show notes here.

#5 - Creating a Restful Environment for Our Animals

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 01:00:00 -0600

In this week’s implementation episode, Allie and Emily dive further into relaxation and talk about implementing this often undervalued category of enrichment with the animals in your life in practical and meaningful ways.

In this episode we discuss:

The difference between “shutdown” and “relaxation”
Why Stay is not relevant to your relaxation protocol
And a little Pom with real big feels

#4 - Dr. Chris Pachel: Moving Beyond Diagnose & Prescribe

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 01:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Chris Pachel, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and the owner and lead clinician at the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon. We talk about meeting human needs in order to meet pet needs, meeting your pet for the first time, fulfilling your pet's need for rest, and of course, behavioral medication for pets.

You can find the full show notes here.

#3 - Measuring Agency

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 01:00:00 -0600

Welcome to Enrichment for the Real World, the podcast devoted to improving the quality of life of pets and their people through enrichment.

Last week we heard from Nathan Andrews and one of the topics we discussed was agency. This week we’re going to dive further into what that can look like in your home and how to make sure your pet has agency.

In this implementation episode, we talk about:

3 steps to making sure there’s agency in your enrichment plan
How to measure agency
Some super cute stories about how agency helped maladaptive behaviors

You can find the full show notes here.

#2 - Nathan Andrews: Compassionate Problem-Solving in Zoos

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 01:00:00 -0600

Welcome to Enrichment for the Real World, the podcast devoted to improving the quality of life of pets and their people through enrichment.

In our first interview episode, we are joined by Nathan Andrews, a Senior Zookeeper at Happy Hollow Zoo and Park to discuss the utilization of enrichment in the zoological setting, how that applies to your pets at home, creating effective enrichment plans, and assessing your plans efficacy.

You can find the full show notes here.

#1 - Enrichment 101

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Welcome to Enrichment for the Real World, the podcast devoted to improving the quality of life of pets and their people through enrichment.

Join us this week for Enrichment 101! In this episode, we cover all the enrichment foundations so that you can get the most out of this podcast when we go live with our first guest, Nathan Andrews on March 7, 2022.

You can find the full show notes here.

Introducing Enrichment for the Real World

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0600

That’s right! The authors of Canine Enrichment for the Real World created a podcast! We hope that you are as excited as we are about what’s in store. If you’re ready to geek out about enrichment, behavior, and meeting needs, you’re in the right place.

We are going to be interviewing guests from a variety of fields who have expertise in a wide range of topics related to enrichment; then in the following week, we’ll discuss how to implement at least one aspect of what we discussed in that interview.

This podcast formally goes live on March 7, 2022. In the meantime, you can find us at petharmonytraining.com and @petharmonytraining on Facebook and Instagram, and also @petharmonypro on Instagram for those of you who are behavior professionals. A reminder to please rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

And as always, happy training!