Enrichment for the Real World

Pet Harmony Animal Behavior and Training
  • 5.0 (53)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Weekly

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. 

  1. 4d ago

    #191 - Colleen Pelar: Your Magic Feels Easy Because It’s Yours

    The thing you’re best at probably feels too easy to count. “Anyone can do that,” right? Not so much. In this episode, Emily talks with Colleen Pelar, a coach for pet professionals, about the things you already know about yourself, but can’t quite see. Your strengths feel too easy. Your brain hunts for what’s missing. And somewhere along the way, you learned to second-guess what your body’s telling you. You’ll leave with a better sense of your own magic, and a way to check in with your body. TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):  1️⃣ Your magic feels easy because it’s yours – What comes naturally to you feels ordinary, so you don’t count it. Other people can see it, so let them tell you. 2️⃣ Your brain hunts for what’s missing – We’re wired to zoom in on the gaps. Get curious rather than beating yourself up. Worrying that you’re not good enough usually means you care.  3️⃣ Your body is giving you information – Ask where you feel it and what it’s telling you about what’s right for you. Put it into words, and use it alongside your thinking.  For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here. Amazon Affiliate Storefront Find products we recommend at the Pet Harmony Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, Pet Harmony earns from qualifying purchases. 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. Thanks for being here! 💛

    #191 - Colleen Pelar: Your Magic Feels Easy Because It’s Yours

  2. Oct 28

    #190 - When to Be Concerned About Certainty

    “Guaranteed results”, “done in 30 days”, promises to “fix” your dog.  Sounding sure is persuasive, and boy, oh, boy. Some people have gotten very good at it. In this episode, Emily and Ellen talk guarantees in behavior work, promises of outcomes, and the type of certainty that is a big ol’ red flag, not a signal of competence.  But don’t worry! It’s not all doom and gloom. Emily and Ellen also share what a good pro says instead, like “I don’t know yet; here’s how we’ll find out,” so you’ll know what to listen for when you’re looking for someone who works with you and your pet, without shame. TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways  1️⃣ Certainty sells, but it’s not a credential – Behavior is complicated and your pet isn’t a formula, so nobody can honestly guarantee an outcome. “I don’t know yet” is a good sign.   2️⃣ The red flags – Guaranteed timelines, talk of “fixing” your pet, science words that don’t match what they’re actually doing, and blaming you or your dog when it stalls. 3️⃣ The green flags – A plan B (and C, D, E, F), a clear point where they’d change course, and someone you’d want around when you’re crying in your bathroom over your dog.  For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here. Amazon Affiliate Storefront Find products we recommend at the Pet Harmony Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, Pet Harmony earns from qualifying purchases. 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. Thanks for being here! 💛

    #190 - When to Be Concerned About Certainty

  3. Oct 21

    #189 - Why Behaviors Cluster Together

    In this episode, Emily and Veronica talk about why multiple dog behavior problems often cluster together (stranger danger & vet challenges, sound sensitivity & separation anxiety, resource guard & handling issues…) and how Pet Harmony focuses not on playing whack-a-mole with the symptoms, but on getting to the root cause or the unmet need, that will improve things across the board.  You wanted to work on your dog’s reactivity, and now you’re doing scent work and watching body language videos. What is even happening?  We promise, it isn’t a side quest or a distraction from your goal. It’s what strong pattern recognition and a dedication to getting lasting, harmonious behavior change. TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways  1️⃣ Multiple dog behavior problems often share one root – A cluster of problems often traces back to one unmet need, or a small handful of them. That’s why a skilled professional asks about your dog’s vet visits when you called about strangers.  2️⃣ The “unrelated” homework is usually the foundation – Things like scent work, a safe space, sound masking, body language videos can feel miles from your goal, but they’re often the first step toward it. If your plan hasn’t worked, you were probably doing a college-level behavior before the grammar school basics.  3️⃣ Ask us the why behind the recommendation – A skilled professional will be excited to know what works for you, what needs clarification, and to help you find a path up the mountain that works for both of you. For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here. Amazon Affiliate Storefront Find products we recommend at the Pet Harmony Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, Pet Harmony earns from qualifying purchases. 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. Thanks for being here! 💛

    #189 - Why Behaviors Cluster Together

  4. Oct 14

    #188 - Behavior Advice You Couldn't Bring Yourself to Follow

    After years of having clients come to us, scared and worried we’re going to parrot advice that leaves their stomach in knots, we’re finally laying it all out there. And yes, it gets a little spicy. In this episode, Emily and Tiffany talk about bad dog training advice our clients have gotten that is just… not it. Whether it’s advice that hurts the relationship (like nothing in life is free, or alpha rolling), pushes you in the opposite direction of your goal (don’t greet your dog, take food from their bowl), or forces you to meet others’ expectations, not your pet’s needs (no sleeping in the bed, you must go through the door first), just because someone said it doesn’t mean you need to do it.  Emily and Tiffany walk you through how to spot when this advice isn’t actually for you, what to do when something doesn’t sit right, and how to collaborate to update the plan to something that is for and with your pet, not to them.  🐾 Want a plan that's actually for you and your pet? Our consultants build it with you, not at you. Work with a Pet Harmony Behavior Consultant. TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways  1️⃣ Advice that hurts your relationship — Alpha rolling, squirt bottles, and "nothing in life is free" turn you and your pet into opponents. You got a pet for the companionship, so if the advice makes things combative instead of collaborative, walk away. 2️⃣ Advice that pushes you away from your goal — Ignoring your dog when you get home or taking food from their bowl doesn't make them more secure. Some things do look worse before they get better, but a good pro tells you that up front and tells you how to get through it. 3️⃣ Advice that serves everyone but your pet — Going through the door first, keeping your dog off the furniture, no sleeping in the bed. If it doesn't work for you and your pet, you can skip it. For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here. Amazon Affiliate Storefront Find products we recommend at the Pet Harmony Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, Pet Harmony earns from qualifying purchases. 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. Thanks for being here! 💛

    #188 - Behavior Advice You Couldn't Bring Yourself to Follow

  5. Oct 7

    #187 - Dogtor Andy: Compassionate Veterinary Care

    In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Andrzej (Andy) Ogrodny, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), also known online as Dogtor Andy. Dr. Andy is a board-certified small animal internal medicine specialist, with a knack for making complex medical topics approachable, digestible (pun intended), and accessible.  Dr. Andy and Emily dig into how "normal" lab work can still mean something's wrong for that particular animal, why trends matter more than snapshots, and why owner observations (even the ones that feel silly or unscientific) are some of the most valuable data a vet (or a behavior consultant) can get. TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):  1️⃣ "Normal" isn't the same for every animal – Ranges may tell you what’s “normal” for the population, but we need to know what’s typical for this individual. We need to look at trends rather than snapshots.  2️⃣ Your observations are data, not paranoia – Bringing in your own notes isn't being extra; it's advocacy. The “small” details often provide big insight to practitioners.  3️⃣ A second opinion isn't a betrayal of your regular vet – It’s just adding someone else to the care team. For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here. Amazon Affiliate Storefront Find products we recommend at the Pet Harmony Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, Pet Harmony earns from qualifying purchases. 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. Thanks for being here! 💛

    #187 - Dogtor Andy: Compassionate Veterinary Care

  6. Sep 30

    #186 - Your "Good Enough" Enrichment Plan

    If you’ve ever lay away at night running through the list of everything you didn’t do for your pet today… welcome to the club.  In this episode, Emily and Tiffany discuss why “enough” feels impossible, what “basic” care actually means, and how to build a plan that works on any day, even your hardest. If you’re ready to build a sustainable life with your pet, and even teach your pet to meet their own needs, rather than needing to do it for them, give this one a listen.  TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways  1️⃣ Meeting basic needs is enrichment, full stop  – Basic needs aren't just food, water, and shelter. Across all 14 welfare categories, if your animal's needs are being met, that's enrichment.  2️⃣ You're probably measuring yourself against an imaginary standard – Your baseline isn't a failure just because it's not utopia.  3️⃣ Set up your environment so your pet can meet some of their own needs – A prepped enrichment menu and a thoughtfully arranged space (a backyard sensory garden, a bed by a sunny window…) mean you don't have to be the sole source of enrichment on your hardest days.  For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here. Amazon Affiliate Storefront Find products we recommend at the Pet Harmony Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, Pet Harmony earns from qualifying purchases. 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. Thanks for being here! 💛

    #186 - Your "Good Enough" Enrichment Plan

  7. Sep 23

    #185 - Troubleshooting: Perfectionism's Worst Nightmare

    Last episode, Emily and Ellen talked about how perfectionism can keep you stuck waiting for the “right” time, circling the perfect plan. And when Plan A is the only plan you have, then every stumble feels like a catastrophe. In this episode, Allie and Emily talk about why troubleshooting is perfectionism’s worst nightmare. They explore why adjusting your plan isn’t failure, why finding what’s not working is exciting, and how embracing troubleshooting makes a big difference for pets and their people. TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways  1️⃣ Adjusting the plan is the plan – Behavior change requires iteration. Plan to troubleshoot. 2️⃣"Works for everyone" is a red flag – Everyone is a unique individual with unique needs, preferences, histories, and behavior.  3️⃣ One thing at a time – Change one thing at a time, document the outcomes, and adjust based on observations. For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here. Amazon Affiliate Storefront Find products we recommend at the Pet Harmony Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, Pet Harmony earns from qualifying purchases. 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. Thanks for being here! 💛

    #185 - Troubleshooting: Perfectionism's Worst Nightmare

  8. Sep 16

    #184 - Perfectionism is Your Enemy

    Perfectionism is a fickle little creature. It doesn’t always show up as striving for exact perfection. Sometimes, it’s the little bouts of waiting for the next “right” thing.  Waiting for winter when the streets are calm to work on leash skills.  Waiting until spring, when the weather is nicer because it’s too cold.  Waiting to find the “right” treat for the training session. The next “right” thing is usually just a short wait away, so why not wait for that “best” time?  In this episode, Emily and Ellen talk about how perfectionism has gotten in their way, how it shows up for their clients and mentees, and why we live by “good enough to get going.” If you’ve found yourself waiting for the “right” time, you may find this episode helpful. From two formerly “burned-out overachievers” to you. TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways  1️⃣ Perfectionism can be a hidden stalling tactic – Waiting for the perfect plan or moment doesn’t change anything. If you want change, you have to do. 2️⃣ “Perfect” doesn’t exist – You can spend a decade trying to make the “perfect” plan, and still, life is going to throw something at you that you never could have predicted.  3️⃣ Doing gets you information – The more information you have, the closer you can get to a robust, effective, “practically perfect” plan. You’ll still need to make adjustments, but it will be small tweaks instead of big changes. For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here. Amazon Affiliate Storefront Find products we recommend at the Pet Harmony Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, Pet Harmony earns from qualifying purchases. 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. Thanks for being here! 💛

    #184 - Perfectionism is Your Enemy
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5
out of 5
53 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Pet Harmony Animal Behavior and Training
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    192
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Enrichment for the Real World
  • Show Website
    Enrichment for the Real World

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