Enrichment for the Real World

#146 - Try It: Create Your Enrichment Menu

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever find yourself staring at your pet thinking, “What do we even do for enrichment again?” Same. Today we’re walking through how to build your ...

#145 - Q&A: Dog Sociability

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode is built entirely from your questions! And honestly, we love that. Listener Q&As are some of our favorite conversations beca...

#144 - Learning Over Threshold?

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever try to teach your dog something new only to realize both of you are way too stressed to even remember your own names? Same. In this episode, Emil...

#143 - Enriching Your Pet When You Feel Like You’re Drowning

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes life hands you broken bones, cranky tendons, surprise vet trips, or a whole new set of limitations you definitely didn’t order. And meanwh...

#142 - Enrichment Guilt: When Enough Doesn't Feel Like It

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like you’re not doing enough for your pet? Yeah… us too. But you know what? You’re probably doing way more than you give yourse...

#141 - Gratitude, But Not The Toxic Kind

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s be real: sometimes, being told to “just be grateful” when things are hard feels… gross. We get it. Gratitude can be helpful, but not whe...

#140 - Try it - Strategies for Frantic Feeders

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does your dog lose their mind the second food appears? In this episode, Emily walks through a simple, science-based strategy to help “frantic feeder...

#139 - Plentiful Enrichment: Creating a Full Life

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it really mean to give our pets an abundant life? Emily and Claire unpack common myths around enrichment and abundance, where well-intention...

#138 - What Horror Films Teach Us About Behavior

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What do horror movies and your pet’s sense of safety have in common? More than you’d think.This week, Ellen and Emily get delightfully spooky as t...

#137 - All Work And No Play Makes Everyone a Dull Critter

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

So many of us (pet parents and pros) get tangled up in “shoulds”.  My dog should behave better. I should know how to fix this.People shouldn’t...

#136 - Try It: New Cue, Same Trick (and Why It Matters)

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if you could teach your pet not just one way to understand a cue, but multiple ways — or even help them notice their own body as a signal? That...

#135 - Trick or Treat? When Enrichment Isn't Enriching

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes enrichment doesn’t go the way we planned. Maybe the activity is too easy, too hard, too arousing, or just plain unsustainable. In this epi...

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

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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? Th...

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

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

#132 - Are You Self-Sabotaging?

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 sneakie...

#131 - Why Training Mechanics Aren't Enough

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Content Warning: This episode does include discussion of dog bites. When a dog bite happens, emotions run high—fear, guilt, anger, confusion. In to...

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

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 com...

#128 - Try it: How to Find Indoor Activities for Dogs on Hot Days

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

#127 - Summer Enrichment Activities

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 d...

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

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

#125 - Does Comforting My Pet Reinforce the Fear?

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sound enrichment is often touted as a magic solution for everything from masking triggers to helping pets chill out—but what happens when the “soo...

#123 - Pet Firework Safety & Security Tips

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 door...

#122 - Lili Chin: About Dog Breeds

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 fo...

#120 - Why Your Pet Needs a Safe Space (and How to Make One)

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 spa...

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

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What do biofeedback, brewery manners, and doggy backpacks have in common? Amber Quann, CEO and Head Trainer at Summit Dog Training, weaves them togeth...

#117 - Training an Aggressive Dog Safely: The Ins and Outs of Protected Contact

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

#116 - Try It: Budget-Friendly Enrichment from Everyday Items

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to enrichment, we often think we need fancy tools, expensive toys, or complicated activities—but what if the best enrichment was sitti...

#115 - Present Over Perfect: Enrichment That Matters

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Episode Overview:Raise your hand if you've ever felt like you’re not doing enough for your pet. 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ Whether you're ...

#114 - Sami Griffin: Beyond Performative - Effective Gender Inclusivity for Pet Professionals

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does gender inclusivity have to do with pet behavior consulting? (Spoiler: everything.) In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily S...

#113 - Q&A: Enrichment Overload- When Is It Too Much?

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

#112 - Try It: Teach Your Dog "Find It" From Scratch

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

#111 - Scent Work for Dogs: Enrichment That Supports the Whole Household

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 enrichin...

#110 - Q&A: Enrichment Strategies for Pets with Allergies

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 sever...

#109 - Assessing Risk for the Safety Enrichment Category

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

#108 - Debbie Martin: The Behavior Specialist You Didn't Know You Needed

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What the heck is a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior? Find out in this week's episode with Debbie Martin! Plus, sound sensitivities, r...

#107 - How to Better Support Clients

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 througho...

#106 - Dr. Kelly Ballantyne: Combating Caregiver Burden

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

#105 - But, Like, What Even Is Training, Anyway?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

#104 - Ayoka Bubar: Dog Sports as Enrichment

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Flyball, Agility, Tracking, Rally Obedience, Trick Titling, Conformation, Herding, Mondioring, Obedience, oh my! If you're into canine sports or ...

#103 - Adaptations for [Human] Accessibility

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, ho...

#102 - Gabrielle Johnson: Disability Justice in Animal Welfare

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The animal training industry is typically on board with non-human learners being individuals and meeting those individuals where they are when it come...

#101 - How to Reduce Harm in Our Industry

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this implementation episode, Allie and Emily delve deep into harm reduction within the pet professional industry. The discussion includes stories o...

#100 - Laura van Dernoot Lipsky: Trauma Stewardship for Pet Professionals

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, the founder of the Trauma Stewardship Institute and author of &a...

#99 - Tiffany Holmes: Living with Pets with Behavior Challenges

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, an...

#98 - Q&A: E-Collars

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 vibr...

#97 - How to Tell if Your Dog Enjoys Going to Daycare

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

#96 - Renato Zanetti with Isa Dadauto: How to Make Dog Daycares Enriching

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're excited to bring you an extra special interview episode this week! In our first bi-lingual episode, we are joined by Renato Zanetti, a Zoot...

#95 - How to Identify Your Own Ladder of Escalation

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Ryan Cartlidge and one of the topics we discussed was Building Community Through Crucial Conversations. This week we’re goin...

#94 - Ryan Cartlidge: Building Community through Crucial Conversations

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Ryan Cartlidge, the founder of the Animal Training Academy, ATA. He has been working inter...

#93 - When You Can’t Be Your Own Consultant

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

#92 - Thea Harting: Rabbit Speed Dating

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thea Harting, also known as the Badass Bunny Rescuer,  is a rabbit behavior consultant based in Brooklyn, NY. Thea is passionate about improving comp...

#91 - Transform Your Relationships Through Good-Faith Conversations

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Tiffany Chen and one of the topics we discussed was Empathy, Education, and Efficiency in Social Media. This week we’re goin...

#90 - Tiffany Chen: Empathy, Education, and Efficacy in Social Media

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Tiffany Chen, the owner and founder of Pawsistant, LLC, a business dedicated to helping do...

#89 - 5 Tips for Successful Puppy-Raising

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Scotti Harvey and one of the topics we discussed was being a mindful puppy-raiser. This week we’re going to dive further int...

#88 - Scotti Harvey: How to be a Mindful Puppy-Raiser

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's interview episode, we're joined by Scotti Harvey. Scotti specializes in canine neonatal development and learning. Through her stu...

#87 - Corinne Collier: Creating Connections

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To help us kick off Season 8 of Enrichment for the Real World, we're joined by our very own Corinne Collier, a behavior consultant and Client Exp...

#86 - Q&A: Indoor Enrichment Activities Ideas

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can you believe that we're wrapping up Season 7? In this Q&A Episode, we're diving in and answering your excellent questions. In this ep...

#85 - Building Safe Spaces for Humans

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Kassidi Jones and one of the topics we discussed was Antiracism in Animal Welfare. This week we dive further into Building Saf...

#84 - Kassidi Jones: Antiracism in Animal Welfare

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Kassidi Jones. Kassidi is a sixth-year Ph.D. candidate in African American Studies and Eng...

#83 - Enrichment for Shelters

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, we heard from Mara Velez, and one of the topics we discussed was how BEAR can help shelters. This week, we're going to dive further in...

#82 - Mara Velez: How BEAR Can Help Shelters

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're so excited to have Mara Velez return to talk about the Shelter Playgroup Alliance's programs, a...

#81 - How to do a Sound Preference Test

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Eileen Anderson, and one of the topics we discussed was understanding sound sensitivities and phobias. This week, we're g...

#80 - Eileen Anderson: Understanding Sound Sensitivities & Phobias

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Eileen Anderson. Eileen does an outstanding job of striving for accuracy while making spac...

#79 - If It Can Have an Effect, It Can Have a Side Effect

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, we heard from Kim Rose and one of the topics we discussed was what behavior consulting can learn from nutrition. This week, we're goin...

#78 - Kim Rose: What Behavior Consulting Can Learn From Nutrition

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're reaching beyond the animal care industry and speaking with Kim Rose, a dually certified diabetes car...

#77 - How to Evaluate Your Environment for Behavioral Impact

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's implementation episode, Allie and Emily dive further into evaluating your environment for behavioral impact and talk about impleme...

#76 - Katenna Jones: Build a Better Relationship With Your Cat

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Katenna Jones. Katenna has a breadth of animal care and welfare experience under her belt,...

#75 - Lesley Gurule: Building Better Behavior Support in Shelters

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Helping us kick off season 7 of Enrichment for the Real World, we're joined by our very own, Lesley Gurule. Lesley is a behavior consultant with ...

#74 - Q&A: Why Does My Dog Only Care Sometimes?

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To wrap up Season 6, we're answering your questions! Thank you to everyone who submitted questions for this episode!In this season's Q&A...

#73 - How to Have Happier Vet Visits

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we talked with Dr. Valli Parthasarathy about cooperative care for all species, and this week Allie and Emily talk about how to have happier ...

#72 - Dr. Valli Parthasarathy: Cooperative Care for All Species

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Dr. Valli Parthasarathy the owner of Synergy Veterinary Behavior in Portland, Oregon, wher...

#71 - How to Trial Gut-Brain Health

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Dr. Tim Lewis and one of the topics we discussed was the biology of dogs. This week we’re going to dive further into trialin...

#70 - Dr. Tim Lewis: The Biology of Dogs

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we are joined by Tim Lewis. Dr. Tim Lewis has a PhD in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madiso...

#69 - How to Create an Efficient Enrichment Storage System

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Jungle Jordan Veasley about efficient enrichment storage systems. This week we're going to dive further into enrichment s...

#68 - Jungle Jordan Veasley: Improving Welfare for All Species

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast episode, we're joined by Jungle Jordan Veasley, a zookeeper and wildlife educator. Jordan is doing such important wor...

#67 - Creative Solutions for Physical Exercise

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Lori Stevens and one of the topics we discussed was movement & exercise for behavioral therapies. This week we’re going ...

#66 - Lori Stevens: Movement and Exercise as Behavioral Therapy

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Lori Stevens to talk about the intersection of physical and behavioral health for our pets...

#65 - How to Avoid Common Enrichment Toy Mistakes

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from David Roberts and one of the topics we discussed was getting the most out of your dog’s enrichment toys. This week we’re g...

#64 - David Roberts: Getting the Most Out of Your Dog's Enrichment Toys

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by David Roberts of Ulti-Mutt Dog Toys!In this episode, you’re going to hear Emily and Davi...

#63 - MaryKaye Kendrick: Creating Harmonious Households for Dogs & Kids

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we are joined by MaryKaye Kendrick, one of our very own behavior consultants and mentors. MaryKaye is a phenomenal educat...

#62 - Q&A: Handling the Holidays

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're wrapping up Season 5 with our Q&A episode to answer your fantastic questions! In this episode you'll hear Allie, Emily...

#61 - Everything in Moderation

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Kalyn Holl and one of the topics we discussed was living a life in moderation. This week we’re going to dive further into ev...

#60 - Kalyn Holl: Sled Dogs and Reindeer

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we are joined by Kalyn Holl, the Head Reindeer Trainer at Chena Outdoor Collective. Whether training reindeer, ...

#59 - Leading with Curiosity

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Christina Horne and one of the topics we discussed was Systems for Navigating Service Dog training and society. This week we’...

#58 - Christina Horne: Systems for Navigating Service Dog Training & Society

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Christina Horne. Christina delights in working with people and animals alike and has such ...

#57 - Providing Environmental Complexity

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Darian Fambro and one of the topics we discussed was environmental diversity. This week we’re going to dive further into pro...

#56 - Darian Fambro: Cold-Blooded but Warm-Hearted

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode we are joined by Darian Fambro. Darian, a zookeeper and educator, specializes in reptiles, invertebrates, large ...

#55 - Enrich Thyself

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Valerie Bogie and one of the topics we discussed was how your self-care is enrichment. This week, we're going to dive fur...

#54 - Valerie Bogie: Your Self-Care is Enrichment

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Valerie Bogie. Valerie is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) w...

#53 - Are Necessary Evils Really Necessary?

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Kyle Hetzel and one of the topics we discussed was finding alternative solutions to old problems. This week we’re going to d...

#52 - Kyle Hetzel: New Alternatives to Old Solutions

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's interview episode, we're joined by Kyle Hetze, the Assistant Curator of the Children's Zoo at an AZA accredited zoo on the w...

#51 - Tracy Harachi: Caring for the People Who Care for Pets

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

To kick off Season 5 of Enrichment for the Real World, we are joined by our very own Tracy Harachi. Tracy is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Kn...

#50 - Q&A: Species-Typical Behaviors

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We get a lot of great questions from the fabulous folks in our Enrichment for the Real World Facebook group, and some of those answers deserve a whole...

#49 - Why You Need to Video Your Pets

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Lili Chin and one of the topics we discussed was essentially how to creep on your pets to learn more about them. This week, we...

#48 - Lili Chin: Behind the Scenes with Doggie Drawings

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we are joined by Lili Chin, the illustrator behind Doggie Language and Kitty Language. Even if you’re not familiar with her name, you’v...

#47 - Phrasing Feedback to a Vet

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we heard from Dr. Micaela Young about When Medical Problems become behavioral problems. This week we’re going to dive further into phrasin...