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.

Latest Episodes:

#116 - Try It: Budget-Friendly Enrichment from Everyday Items May 26, 2025

Show notes

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 May 19, 2025

Show notes

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 May 12, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

Pet Pros
📸 Instagram & TikTok: @petharmonypro

Subscribe & Review
If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to subscribe and leave a review!

#113 - Q&A: Enrichment Overload- When Is It Too Much? May 05, 2025

Show notes

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 →

More from Pet Harmony

We’ve got a lot more to share—join the conversation!

Follow us on social media:
🐾 Instagram: @petharmonytraining
🐾 Facebook: @petharmonytraining
👩‍🏫 For pros: @petharmonypro on Instagram | TikTok

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#112 - Try It: Teach Your Dog "Find It" From Scratch Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

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:
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/

Subscribe & Review
If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us connect with others who are ready to create positive change in their pets’ lives and their own.

#111 - Scent Work for Dogs: Enrichment That Supports the Whole Household Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

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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