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

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

Author: Pet Harmony Animal Behavior and Training August 4, 2025 Duration: 54:46
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 ...

Ever since she was seven years old, Emily Strong was figuring out how to train praying mantids, while her co-host Allie Bender was advocating for hungry birds at her neighbor's feeder by age two. If that kind of deep-seated drive to connect with animals sounds familiar, then you're exactly who they're talking to. Enrichment for the Real World is a conversation between these two lifelong animal people, brought to you by Pet Harmony Animal Behavior and Training. They built this podcast for anyone who has ever felt that innate pull to improve the lives of the creatures in their care, whether they're family pets, classroom companions, or rescue animals. In each episode, Emily and Allie, the authors behind "Canine Enrichment for the Real World," move beyond theory to discuss practical, actionable strategies. You'll hear them break down the real-world applications of enrichment and behavior science, making it accessible for families, pet owners, and animal enthusiasts of all ages. The discussions are grounded in experience and empathy, focusing on creating deeper understanding and healthier relationships between humans and animals. Tune in for thoughtful, often humorous, and always compassionate guidance that helps you apply these concepts in your daily life, making the well-being of animals a natural and integrated part of your world.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Enrichment for the Real World
Podcast Episodes
#102 - Gabrielle Johnson: Disability Justice in Animal Welfare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:34
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, Gab…
#101 - How to Reduce Harm in Our Industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:44
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…
#99 - Tiffany Holmes: Living with Pets with Behavior Challenges [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:32
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 y…
#98 - Q&A: E-Collars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:03
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 differenceNuanceEmily's million-dollar Shark Tank ide…
#97 - How to Tell if Your Dog Enjoys Going to Daycare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:28
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 g…
#95 - How to Identify Your Own Ladder of Escalation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:51
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…
#93 - When You Can’t Be Your Own Consultant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:03
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 ani…