Enrichment for the Real World

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 enrichme...

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...

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 hu...

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...

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: tolerab...

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 dis...

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 unders...

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 succes...

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'...

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 w...

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, effect...

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...

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 bui...

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 scen...

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 c...

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 .   You don't have to watch your dog slow down. You can be the reason they light...

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 . You don't have to watch your dog slow down. You can be the reason they light up. Enrichment for Senior Dogs: Strategies for Aging Gracefully is...

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 . You don't have to watch your dog slow d...

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 f...

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 . You don't have to watch your dog slow down. You can be the reason they light up. Enrichment for Senior Do...

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 .  You don't have to watch your dog slow down. You can be the reason they light up. Enrichm...

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 . You don't have to watch your dog slow down. You can be the reason they ligh...

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 sh...

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 p...

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, an...