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PODCAST

Enrichment for the Real World

Pet Harmony Animal Behavior and Training

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"

education

All Episodes

21:03

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

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/09/29

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

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45:13

#133 - How to Incorporate Kids Into Your Pet's...

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/09/22

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

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52:49

#132 - Are You Self-Sabotaging?

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/09/15

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

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47:02

#131 - Why Training Mechanics Aren't Enough

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/09/08

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

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66:08

#130 - Mike Agruss: A Nuanced Approach to Dog Bite...

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/09/01

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

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39:54

#129 - Q&A: All About Anxiety in Dogs

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/08/25

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

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14:27

#128 - Try it: How to Find Indoor Activities for Dogs...

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/08/18

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

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43:25

#127 - Summer Enrichment Activities

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/08/11

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

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54:46

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

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/08/04

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

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33:25

#125 - Does Comforting My Pet Reinforce the Fear?

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/07/28

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

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13:41

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

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/07/21

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

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34:11

#123 - Pet Firework Safety & Security Tips

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/07/14

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 n...

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51:03

#122 - Lili Chin: About Dog Breeds

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/07/07

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 tha...

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15:38

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

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/06/30

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 towar...

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46:38

#120 - Why Your Pet Needs a Safe Space (and How to...

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/06/23

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

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9:16

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

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/06/16

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 ma...

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79:21

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

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/06/09

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

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44:01

#117 - Training an Aggressive Dog Safely: The Ins and...

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/06/02

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 ...

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17:58

#116 - Try It: Budget-Friendly Enrichment from...

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/05/26

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 ...

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61:16

#115 – Present Over Perfect: Enrichment That Matters

Enrichment for the Real World ·

2025/05/19

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

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135 results

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