#148 - You’re Getting Enrichment Wrong

#148 - You’re Getting Enrichment Wrong

Author: Pet Harmony Animal Behavior and Training January 5, 2026 Duration: 43:45
You’re getting enrichment wrong. Yeah, we said it. (Lovingly.) In this episode, Emily and Allie unpack why enrichment so often feels overwhelming, guilt-inducing, or impossible to “do right.” Spoiler alert: it’s not because you’re failing. We talk about what enrichment actually is (and what it definitely isn’t), why novelty and fancy setups are optional, and how separating “training,” “management,” and “enrichment” can make behavior change harder than it needs to be. Allie and Emily sha...

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
#112 - Try It: Teach Your Dog "Find It" From Scratch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:17
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 e…
#110 - Q&A: Enrichment Strategies for Pets with Allergies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:07
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 episod…
#109 - Assessing Risk for the Safety Enrichment Category [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:22
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'…
#107 - How to Better Support Clients [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:49
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…
#106 - Dr. Kelly Ballantyne: Combating Caregiver Burden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:35
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…
#105 - But, Like, What Even Is Training, Anyway? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:24
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 episo…
#104 - Ayoka Bubar: Dog Sports as Enrichment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:23
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 i…
#103 - Adaptations for [Human] Accessibility [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:55
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 enri…