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

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 Q&A session, Allie Bender (she/her), Emily Strong (she/they), and Ellen Yoakum (she/her) tackle real questions from listeners who are curious (and maybe a little confused) about enrichment.They break down common concerns like: 👉 Are some behaviors “bad,” or just not helpful for my goals? 👉 Can too much enrichment actually hurt my pet? 👉 How can I tell if my pet is overtired, overstimulated, or just plain bored?With warmth, clarity, and real-life examples, we talk about what enrichment really means (spoiler: it’s not just more activities), and how to confidently assess what’s working for your unique pet.Whether you’re new to enrichment or knee-deep in rotating treat puzzles, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to do what’s best for your individual animal—without the overwhelm.TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): Enrichment = Improvement in Welfare - Enrichment isn’t a checklist or an activity—it’s an outcome. The question isn’t “Did we do something enriching?” but “Did our pet’s well-being improve as a result?”Behaviors Aren’t Good or Bad - Instead of labeling a behavior, ask yourself: is this helping us meet our goals—or pulling us further away?Outcomes Tell the Story - Does an activity leave your pet content, or chronically stressed? Only they can tell us if enrichment is working. Use your observations to guide your choices.Links & Resources from the EpisodeFull Transcript: Read in Arial | Read in OpenDyslexicEnrichment 101Sign up for Behavior Observation Practice SessionsGoing Down a Rabbit Hole?🎧 Episode #50 – Q&A: Species-Typical Behaviors - How do breed and species shape enrichment? This one’s for the “why” behind the wiggles.Listen here →📚 The 14 Categories of Enrichment - Print this poster, stick it on your fridge, and start exploring enrichment beyond treat toys.Get the blog & poster →🧠 When Is Enrichment Not Enriching? - Emily goes deep into recognizing when enrichment is just another box to check rather than a goal achieved.Read more →More from Pet HarmonyWe’ve got a lot more to share—join the conversation!Follow us on social media: 🐾 Instagram: @petharmonytraining 🐾 Facebook: @petharmonytraining 👩‍🏫 For pros: @petharmonypro on Instagram | TikTokWeekly Newsletter Tips, tools, and real talk about behavior and enrichment—straight to your inbox. Sign up here →Subscribe & ReviewLove what you’re hearing? Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review! It helps other pet lovers find thoughtful, science-based support that actually works.

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