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    Kids & Family

    Enrichment for the Real World

    You’ve dedicated your life to helping animals- just like us. 

    Emily Strong was training praying mantids at 7. 

    Allie Bender was telling her neighbor to refill their bird feeder because the birds were hungry at 2. 

    You’re an animal person; you get it. 

    We’ve always been animal people. We’ve been wanting to better animals’ lives since forever, so we made a podcast for people like us. 

    Join Emily and Allie, the authors of Canine Enrichment for the Real World, for everything animal care- from meeting animals’ needs to assessing goals to filling our own cups as caregivers and guardians. 

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    Latest Episodes:
    #126 - Sarah van Herpt: Healing Bears, Changing Minds Aug 04, 2025
    Show notes

    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

    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! 💛

    #125 - Does Comforting My Pet Reinforce the Fear? Jul 28, 2025
    Show notes

    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 Jul 21, 2025
    Show notes

    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 Jul 14, 2025
    Show notes

    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 Jul 07, 2025
    Show notes

    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

    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! 💛

    #121 - Try it: Learn Your Pet's Ladder of De-Escalation Jun 30, 2025
    Show notes

    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

    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! 💛

    #120 - Why Your Pet Needs a Safe Space (and How to Make One) Jun 23, 2025
    Show notes

    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

    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! 💛

    #119 - Try it: Teach "Go To A Safe Space" From Behind a Barrier Jun 16, 2025
    Show notes

    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

    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! 💛

    #118 - Amber Quann: Biofeedback, Beer, & Backpacks Jun 09, 2025
    Show notes

    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

    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! 💛

    #117 - Training an Aggressive Dog Safely: The Ins and Outs of Protected Contact Jun 02, 2025
    Show notes

    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

    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! 💛

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