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 space can make a world of difference. In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily and Ellen break down why safe spaces aren’t just cozy corners—they’re essential tools for helping our pets (and us!) navigate stress in all its forms: tolerable, chronic, and toxic.

You'll learn what makes a safe space effective, why avoiding stress isn't the goal, and how breaking this concept down into smaller teachable skills can help your pet learn to self-soothe. Plus, you’ll get actionable tips on using your pet’s senses to create the ultimate comfort zone for them. 

Join Ellen for a 5-week safe space deep dive! Learn how to implement all the skills in this episode and more in At Ease: Safe Spaces for Home and On-The-Go!

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 
1️⃣ Stress Happens, Let’s Plan for It
We can’t eliminate stress, but we can give our pets the tools to handle it better, starting with a safe space.

2️⃣ Safe Spaces = A Combo of Skills
An effective safe space is more than a dog bed in a quiet room—it’s the result of layered training, observation, and support.

3️⃣ Customize It to Your Pet
From preferred relaxation spots to sound and texture preferences, your pet’s unique needs should shape their sanctuary.

Links & Resources from the Episode
🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial l OpenDyslexic

✅ At Ease: Safe Spaces for Home and On-The-Go - Join Ellen for a 5-week safe space deep dive! Learn how to implement all the skills in this episode and more!

🌐 Find the full episode show notes here

🎧 #42 - Dr. Kristina Spaulding: The Stress Factor in Dogs 

🎧 #5 - Creating a Restful Environment for Our Animals 

🎧 #106 - Dr. Kelly Ballantyne: Combating Caregiver Burden 

🎧 #81 - How to do a Sound Preference Test 

📚 14 Categories of Enrichment Poster 

More from Pet Harmony
Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
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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 that supports emotional regulation and improves outcomes for both aggressive and behaviorally healthy animals.

You'll learn when and why Pet Harmony uses this technique (spoiler alert: a lot!), how it supports protected contact and training distance, and what you need to get started. This episode is all about creating safe, achievable wins, no matter where you’re starting from! 

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 

1️⃣ Protected Contact Isn’t Just for Aggression – Teaching behind a barrier can help you stay safe and build trust and success, even with behaviorally healthy pets.

2️⃣ There’s More Than One Way to Train a Skill – Emily shares two foundational strategies, but remember: this is just the beginning. You’ve got options!

3️⃣ Focus on Foundations First – Big progress starts with small steps. Build your “go to a spot” behavior thoughtfully to ensure long-term success.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic

🎧 Episode #117 – Training an Aggressive Dog Safely: The Ins and Outs of Protected Contact

📖 Canine Enrichment for the Real World

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

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What do biofeedback, brewery manners, and doggy backpacks have in common? Amber Quann, CEO and Head Trainer at Summit Dog Training, weaves them together beautifully in this episode of Enrichment for the Real World. Host Emily Strong and guest, Amber Quann dig into the nuances of dog relaxation, not just as a one-size-fits-all goal, but as a spectrum that requires thoughtful practice and an understanding of what each individual dog needs to get there.

Whether you’re curious about how to help your dog unwind after a zoomie-fueled afternoon or you’re wondering if your tiny pup can really enjoy a big hike, Amber brings science, heart, and a whole lot of actionable wisdom. Plus, you'll hear all about her Drink With Your Dog program that's making breweries more dog-friendly across the country.

Meet Amber: 

Summit Dog Training CEO and Head Trainer, Amber Quann, has been in the dog training world since her childhood days in a 4-H club. With credentials from Karen Pryor Academy, CCPDT, and TAGteach, Amber is passionate about helping people and their dogs adventure together in a way that's safe, fun, and behaviorally sound. She’s the creator of Drink With Your Dog®, a program designed to create more brewery-friendly dogs, and dog-friendly breweries. When she’s not teaching, podcasting, or presenting at ClickerExpo, she’s out hiking and hanging with her Papillon sidekick, Jameson.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 

1️⃣ Relaxation Is a Skill, Not a Switch – Helping dogs relax isn’t just about asking them to lie down—it’s about meeting their physical, mental, and emotional needs before asking for stillness.

2️⃣ Trial-and-Eval Is the Name of the Game – Whether it’s sniffaris, chew sessions, zoomies, or training games, each dog has unique needs to prep for rest. Find your pet’s recharge formula.

3️⃣ Small Dogs, Big Adventures – Don’t let short legs stop the journey. With the right gear and prep, little dogs can hike, explore, and thrive alongside their big dog buddies (and humans).

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic
✅ Relaxation Protocol for Professionals On-Demand Course
✅ Drink With Your Dog Program
✅ Full episode show notes

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

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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, it isn’t just putting up a gate or a fence), how to adjust your plan based on needs and progress, tips to avoid the temptation to rush, and advice to ensure that you’re not just relying on barriers to prevent a bite—but setting up everyone for success. 

Using a detailed case study of a dog named Archie, Allie and Emily share how his family used different types of protected contact to prioritize safety, maintain relationships, and build new skills without putting anyone at risk. 

⚠️ Important Note: This episode is here to educate and inform, not to replace personalized behavior support. Every individual animal is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If your pet is showing signs of aggression, we strongly encourage teaming up with a qualified behavior professional who can give you the custom support your unique animal needs.

And pros? If aggression isn’t already in your skillset, don’t wing it based on this episode alone. Get a mentor, get the right training, and do it the right way—for everyone’s safety and well-being.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 

1️⃣ Barriers Are Tools, Not Guarantees – Don’t assume a setup is safe just because there’s a barrier. Assess for this individual, in this context, with their current skills.
2️⃣ Slow is Smart – Move at the pace of the least comfortable team member (human or animal). Rushing doesn’t get you there faster—it just risks trust and safety.
3️⃣ Protected Contact Isn’t a Free Pass to Flooding – Barriers don’t eliminate stress. If the animal is still over threshold, protected contact alone won’t prevent problems.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic
🎧 #69 - How to Create an Efficient Enrichment Storage System – Because organized enrichment is more sustainable
🎧 #112 - Try It: Teach Your Dog "Find It" From Scratch – A foundational skill to support enrichment and agency
📚 Work Smarter, Not Harder: Visitors – Putting your pet away before the excitement happens can make a world of difference

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

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—and makes our tails wag every time. Thanks for being here! 💛

When it comes to enrichment, we often think we need fancy tools, expensive toys, or complicated activities—but what if the best enrichment was sitting in your recycling bin? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong (she/they) shares how you can use everyday household items—yes, even your trash—to bring joy, engagement, and behavioral diversity into your pet’s life.

You'll learn why pets might ignore new enrichment items at first (hint: it’s not personal!), how to safely experiment with new objects, and why a little patience and creativity go a long way. Emily offers practical tips for encouraging interaction, assessing risk, and making adjustments as needed, all while sharing real-life examples of budget enrichment in action. Whether you're just getting started or looking to spice things up, this episode reminds us to be curious, flexible, and open to futzing around and finding out.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 3 Key Takeaways
It’s all about the nuggets of wisdom. Here are the quick hits from this episode that will leave listeners feeling empowered and inspired.

🧩 Don’t Give Up Too Easily – Pets may not immediately take to a new item or activity—and that’s okay! Sometimes, a little guidance or tweaking can turn a flop into a favorite.

🎲 Futz Around and Find Out – Safe experimentation can be your best enrichment strategy. Give your pet something new (and safe) and see what they think—it just might become a hit!

🐾 Ask Your Pet – Ultimately, enrichment is about their experience. Observe their response and let that guide what you do next.

Links & Resources from the Episode

• Looking for a transcript? Go here for Arial | Go here for OpenDyslexic
• 🔗 #109 – Assessing Risk for the Safety Enrichment Category

Going Down a Rabbit Hole?
Let your audience dive deeper into the world of enrichment, behavior, and building harmony.

• 📚 Budget-Friendly Enrichment Options Blog – More DIY ideas and guidance for creating fun on a dime.
• 📦 July 2022 Training Challenge: Explore Variety Through a Cardboard Box – Who knew a cardboard box could be so enriching?

More from Pet Harmony
We’ve got a lot more to share—join the conversation!

Follow us on social media:
For all things enrichment, behavior modification, and building harmony with your pet:
Instagram: @petharmonytraining
Facebook: @petharmonytraining

For professionals dedicated to enriching the lives of pets and people alike:
Instagram: @petharmonypro
TikTok: @petharmonypro
Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://petharmonytraining.com/join/

Episode Overview:

Raise your hand if you've ever felt like you’re not doing enough for your pet. 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ Whether you're a devoted pet parent or a seasoned pro, enrichment burnout is real—and it’s sneaky. In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily (she/they) and Pet Harmony Behavior Consultant Claire Horvat (she/her) explore how perfectionism, comparison traps, and even well-meaning advice can lead to overwhelm.

They dive into how cognitive biases—like the Nirvana fallacy and wishful thinking—can shape our expectations, and more importantly, how to break free from them. You’ll walk away with practical strategies for simplifying enrichment, prioritizing what really matters, and finding joy and effectiveness in what you can do, rather than getting lost in what you can’t.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1. Something is better than nothing – Once a week may feel like a drop in the bucket, but it adds up. Don’t underestimate the power of small, consistent actions.
2. Burnout affects more than behavior – Enrichment burnout doesn’t just impact your pet; it can erode your own mental health and the relationship you’re building together.
3. Use what you’ve got – You don’t need to spend money or time you don’t have. Start with what’s already in your house—and what lights your pet up.

Links & Resources from the Episode
Transcript: Arial | OpenDyslexic

• For the Dogs Who Don’t Like Peanut Butter
• Download the "Are Needs Being Met?" checklist mentioned in this episode
• Episode #113 - Q&A: Enrichment Overload
• #93 - When You Can’t Be Your Own Consultant

Going Down a Rabbit Hole?
There’s more where that came from. If this episode sparked some thinking, check these out:

•  🎧 #113 – Q&A: Enrichment Overload – When enrichment feels like too much, here’s how to recalibrate.
•  📝 “Do You Wanna…” Game – Learn to ask your pet what they want, in a fun and practical way.
•  🎧 #29 – Breed Typical Enrichment – Curious about breed needs? Allie and Emily explore the why and how.

More from Pet Harmony
We’ve got a lot more to share—come hang out with us:
 🐾 Instagram: @petharmonytraining
📘 Facebook: @petharmonytraining
👩‍🏫 For professionals: @petharmonypro on IG + TikTok
📰 Weekly newsletter: Join here

What does gender inclusivity have to do with pet behavior consulting? (Spoiler: everything.) In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong (she/they) chats with Sami Griffin (they/them), a cat and dog behavior consultant with a passion for creating safer, more inclusive spaces—for pets and their people. Sami helps us move beyond surface-level performative action into real, effective inclusivity that doesn’t just sound good, but does good.

From busting myths around sex and gender to sharing tangible ways to practice using pronouns and avoid assumptions, this conversation is packed with insight, empathy, and action. You'll also hear how the same principles we use in behavior work—intentional practice, meeting learners’ needs, and using a descriptive approach—can help us grow as inclusive professionals. Whether you’re already deep into this work or you’re just starting to explore how gender inclusivity fits into your role, this episode offers guidance, support, and that gentle-but-firm nudge to do better—for everyone’s benefit.

Meet Our Guest: Sami Griffin (they/them)
Sami (they/them) got a bachelor’s degree in music and gender studies (with a lot of philosophy). They worked as a veterinary assistant in veterinary emergency, in shelters in the foster and behavior departments, and with a Veterinary Behaviorist as a behavior therapist focused on behavior modification. Amongst all things animal behavior, they are passionate about educating people on queerness and how all systems of oppression are interlocked. If they aren’t teaching people about the animals in their lives, they’re likely teaching people about queerness and LGBTQ inclusivity, playing indie video games, puzzling, or embroidering.

Connect with Sami on Instagram or their website

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 

• Mistakes are Normal – Nobody gets it right 100% of the time, and that’s okay. The key is how we respond: with openness, humility, and a willingness to keep learning. 
• Behavior Principles Apply to People, Too – Just like teaching a dog to sit or helping a cat love their cat tree, changing our language and habits takes practice, reinforcement, and support.
• Take a Descriptive Approach – Instead of making assumptions about pets or people, taking a descriptive, curiosity-centered approach will build trust, reduce harm, and create space for authenticity.

Links & Resources from the Episode

• Find the transcript in Arial l Find the transcript in OpenDyslexic
• Learn why Emily and Sami said it’s so important to speak out

Going Down a Rabbit Hole?
Want more ways to expand your inclusive, science-smart behavior toolkit? We have more links to resources here. 

More from Pet Harmony
We’ve got a lot more to share—join the conversation!

Follow us on social media:
Pet Parents
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

Pet Pros
📸 Instagram & TikTok: @petharmonypro

Sign up for our weekly newsletter:  https://petharmonytraining.com/join/

Subscribe & Review
If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to subscribe and leave a review! 

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 Episode

• Full Transcript: Read in Arial | Read in OpenDyslexic
• Enrichment 101
• Sign up for Behavior Observation Practice Sessions

Going 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 Harmony

We’ve got a lot more to share—join the conversation!

Follow us on social media:
 🐾 Instagram: @petharmonytraining
🐾 Facebook: @petharmonytraining
👩‍🏫 For pros: @petharmonypro on Instagram | TikTok

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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 exactly how to teach “Find It” from scratch—even if your dog has never done scent work before.

You’ll get a step-by-step guide that starts with clear floors and easy wins, then builds up to more complex searches. But this episode isn’t just about tossing treats—it’s about being strategic and observant. Emily helps you learn how to tell when your dog is engaged, tired, distracted, or discouraged so you can adjust accordingly.

Whether your goal is to help your dog focus, relax, or stop scanning the horizon for spooky stuff, “Find It” might just be the multi-tool your toolbox is missing.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 3 Key Takeaways

• “Find It” is a behavior toolbox MVP – Use it to support a range of goals, from helping your dog relax while you work to keeping them grounded when the world gets a little uncertain. 
• Set your dog up for success from the start – Begin the game on a hard, clear surface so your dog can use all their senses to build confidence and momentum.
• Use “Find It” strategically across contexts – Before creating a whole new training plan, ask yourself: could “Find It” help here?

Links & Resources from the Episode

• 🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial l OpenDyslexic.
• 🎧 #111 - Scent Work for Dogs: Enrichment That Supports the Whole Household
• 📽️ Turn the volume up to hear what a dog sounds like when they have their snuffles on. 

Going Down a Rabbit Hole?

• Watch Find It in Action – Ellen adds physical complexity to the game with her senior pups.
• Come on a CounterSurfing Safari with Me - MaryKaye’s blog on using scent work to tackle countersurfing.

More from Pet Harmony
We’ve got a lot more to share—join the conversation!

Follow us on social media:
For all things enrichment, behavior modification, and building harmony with your pet:
Instagram: @petharmonytraining
Facebook: @petharmonytraining

For professionals dedicated to enriching the lives of pets and people alike:
Instagram: @petharmonypro
TikTok: @petharmonypro
Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://petharmonytraining.com/join/

Subscribe & Review
If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us connect with others who are ready to create positive change in their pets’ lives and their own.

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 enriching without needing your full attention, or wanted to build your relationship through fun, sniffy games, this episode is your new best friend.

In this week’s episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Allie Bender and Emily Strong unpack the magic of scent work—and how it supports your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being and makes your life easier too. We’re talking about games like “find it,” scatter feeding, and what we call the “anywhere but here” protocol, with tips for tailoring them to your specific household setup (no matter how chaotic it may be).

You’ll hear why scent work is more than just a fun activity—it can be used to teach your dog independence, encourage relaxation, and even build trust in tricky situations. Whether you need something that works behind a baby gate, away from food-stealing pets, or hands-free while you hop on a Zoom call, there’s something here for you.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 3 Key Takeaways
Scent work is ridiculously adaptable.
Whether you need to keep dogs separated, avoid food on the floor, or work behind a barrier, there’s a nose game for that.

Teaching “set it and forget it” is a game-changer.
It takes effort up-front, but the payoff? A dog who can self-entertain while still engaging in healthy enrichment. Gold.

“Find it” is the duct tape of dog training.
This go-to cue can give you a pause button, channel your dog’s energy, and lay the foundation for more complex games.

Links & Resources from the Episode

📖 Canine Olfaction: Scent, Sign, and Situation – Book chapter by Simon Gadbois & Catherine Reeves
📚 Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell by Alexandra Horowitz
🔬 Study: Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs
📓 Episode #109: Assessing Risk for the Safety Enrichment Category
🎲 July 2023 Enrichment Challenge: Try a New Active Foraging Option
💻 Check out the full show notes, including more resources at petharmonytraining.com/episode111

More from Pet Harmony

We’ve got a lot more to share—join the conversation!

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @petharmonytraining
Facebook: @petharmonytraining
Instagram (Pro): @petharmonypro
TikTok (Pro): @petharmonypro

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👉 https://petharmonytraining.com/join

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If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us connect with more pet parents and professionals looking to build joyful, enriched lives with their animals.