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 common misunderstandings about anxiety in dogs and gives you the tools to actually help.

Allie, Emily, and Ellen break down the difference between anxiety, fear, and reactivity; why breed stereotypes don’t dictate destiny; and how to tell if your dog’s “happy” behavior might actually be stress in disguise. You’ll also hear why some well-meaning training advice can make things worse and what to do instead to set your dog (and yourself) up for calmer, more confident days.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 

1️⃣ Anxiety ≠ Fear ≠ Reactivity – Anxiety is anticipation, fear is reaction, and reactivity can be rooted in many things (including excitement). They look different, and they call for different kinds of support.

2️⃣ Play isn’t always “happy” – Species-typical behaviors can be fueled by stress, so look for tension and avoidance before assuming needs are met.

3️⃣ Training choices matter – Basic obedience or “just let them get over it” approaches rarely help. Instead, focus on meeting needs, building coping skills, and creating a safe, predictable environment.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic

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

📚 Gardening, Wasps, and Anxiety

✅ Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs 

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

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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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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! 💛

Pet professionals, come hang out with us! We're hosting FREE PETPro Public Office Hours. We've got Q&As, deep dives, and even a happy hour where you can meet our community and ask what it's really like to be in the program. 

See the office hour schedule, and grab your spot at http://petharmonytraining.com/experience. 

We can't wait to see you there!

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 got your back. In this "Try It" episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily shares practical, low-effort indoor activities that meet your dog’s enrichment needs when going outside just isn’t safe.

You’ll learn how to turn your dog’s favorite outdoor activities into equally fulfilling indoor options, how to tweak and test your ideas to find what actually works for your pup, and why chaos goblin play is a valid enrichment strategy. Keep it simple. Keep it fun. And keep your dog from climbing the walls this summer.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 

1️⃣ Adapt outdoor activities to indoor needs – Observe what your dog gets out of favorite outdoor pastimes (like physical exercise, sensory stimulation, or social interaction) and find creative ways to meet those same needs inside.

2️⃣ Test your ideas like a behavior scientist – Try new activities and watch how your dog responds. Did it meet their needs? Were they engaged? If not, tweak and try again.

3️⃣ Simplicity and sustainability win – You don’t need complicated setups or fancy gear. A few treats, a cardboard box, and a willingness to play like a chaos goblin can go a long way.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic

🎧 Episode #111 – Scent Work for Dogs: Enrichment That Supports the Whole Household (includes Anywhere But Here Protocol)

📚 Trash to Treasure: How We Use Recycled Enrichment to Support Natural Pet Behaviors

🎧 #86 – Q&A: Indoor Enrichment Activities Ideas

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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

Pet professionals, come hang out with us! We're hosting FREE PETPro Public Office Hours. We've got Q&As, deep dives, and even a happy hour where you can meet our community and ask what it's really like to be in the program. 

See the office hour schedule, and grab your spot at http://petharmonytraining.com/experience. 

We can't wait to see you there!

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 down their favorite summer enrichment activities into three easy categories: indoor alternatives, water-based outdoor options, and frozen fun. Whether you have a wrestling bulldozer or a scentwork-loving rule follower, there’s something here to help your pet stay safe, stimulated, and cool as a cucumber.

From ice trifles to hallway hide-and-seek, wrestling matches to misty romps through the sprinkler, this episode is packed with realistic, creative, and customizable ideas that embrace how enrichment really works when the weather is less-than-cooperative. Plus, a few pro tips on how not to end up in the ER this summer.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways 

1️⃣ Indoor Swaps for Outdoor Fun – Activities like flirt pole, tug, scent work, and food puzzles can all be brought indoors with a little creativity and adaptation for your space and your dog.

2️⃣ Water is Your Summer Superpower – Whether it’s lakes, misters, sprinklers, or DIY cooling strategies, water can turn hot weather into a safe and satisfying enrichment experience.

3️⃣ Frozen Isn’t Just for Disney – Frozen enrichment, from simple broth cubes to elaborate “ice trifles,” gives pets long-lasting activities and serious cooling power.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic

🎧 Episode #111 – Scent Work for Dogs: Enrichment That Supports the Whole Household

📚 Trash to Treasure: How We Use Recycled Enrichment to Support Natural Pet Behaviors

✅ Stuffing a Pupcicle (video)

🎧 #86 – Q&A: Indoor Enrichment Activities Ideas

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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

Pet professionals, come hang out with us! We're hosting FREE PETPro Public Office Hours. We've got Q&As, deep dives, and even a happy hour where you can meet our community and ask what it's really like to be in the program. 

See the office hour schedule, and grab your spot at http://petharmonytraining.com/experience. 

We can't wait to see you there!

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 moon bears, sun bears, shrimp paste, and cultural change with Sarah van Herpt, Director of Veterinary and Behavioral Husbandry Services for Animals Asia in Vietnam.

Sarah shares her incredible journey from zookeeper to director, the behavioral science behind their enrichment practices, and how Animals Asia is not only transforming animal lives but human perspectives, too. You’ll hear about cooperative care with bears (yes, bears!), why shrimp paste is an enrichment superstar, and what Vietnam is teaching the rest of us about compassionate progress.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 

1️⃣ Enrichment That Matters – Sarah emphasizes the importance of behavior-based enrichment with clear goals. For example, their bears receive seasonally tailored enrichment to support nesting, foraging, cooling, or hyperphagia. Shrimp paste, anyone?

2️⃣ Kindness in Action – Animals Asia approaches ending the bear bile trade not with blame, but with empathy and collaboration. Sarah explains how working with, not against, local communities creates lasting, meaningful change.

3️⃣ Cooperative Care for a Population – With over 140 bears trained using cooperative care methods, Sarah and her team demonstrate that medical procedures, weight checks, and nail trims can be stress-free—even for former bile farm bears.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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

Pet professionals, come hang out with us! We're hosting FREE PETPro Public Office Hours. We've got Q&As, deep dives, and even a happy hour where you can meet our community and ask what it's really like to be in the program. 

See the office hour schedule, and grab your spot at http://petharmonytraining.com/experience. 

We can't wait to see you there!

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 the Real World, Allie and Emily break down the science behind fear, behavior, and reinforcement and why that common advice just doesn’t hold up.

They’ll explore how fear functions differently than you may think, why your emotional state also matters, and how to tell if your pet actually wants your comfort. Plus, you’ll learn how to comfort your dog in a way that supports their wellbeing and builds resilience. Whether you're navigating thunderstorms, vet visits, or everyday stressors, this episode is packed with actionable advice for the pet parent who wants to help their pet.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 

1️⃣ Fear is not a behavior and can’t be reinforced like one

Fear is a physiological and emotional response, not a behavior that can be increased with rewards. However, behaviors associated with fear can be reinforced, which is where people often get confused.

2️⃣ Your emotional state matters just as much as your pet’s

“Your stress travels down the leash” isn’t just a cute saying. If you’re anxious, your pet likely will be too. Comforting your dog starts with regulating your own nervous system first.

3️⃣ Learn when and how to comfort your pet

Some pets want snuggles, others want space. Comforting isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Learn how to listen to your learner and become the safe space they need when they are ready for it.

For the full episode show notes, including additional resources, join us here.

Pet professionals, come hang out with us! We're hosting FREE PETPro Public Office Hours. We've got Q&As, deep dives, and even a happy hour where you can meet our community and ask what it's really like to be in the program. 

See the office hour schedule, and grab your spot at http://petharmonytraining.com/experience. 

We can't wait to see you there!

Sound enrichment is often touted as a magic solution for everything from masking triggers to helping pets chill out—but what happens when the “soothing” soundscape turns into sensory overload for you? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Ellen Yoakum, Pet Harmony co-owner, behavior consultant, and proud sound-sensitive human, gets candid about the not-so-talked-about side of enrichment: what to do when your pet’s needs and your own don’t match.

You’ll hear real-life stories, mistakes to avoid (spoiler: not all white noise is created equal), and a step-by-step approach to testing sound options that won’t make you want to throw your speakers out the window. Whether you’re neurodivergent, easily overstimulated, or just someone who really values a quiet house, this episode gives you practical ways to navigate the noise—without sacrificing your sanity or your pet’s wellbeing.

Because enrichment isn’t about trading your discomfort for your pet’s comfort. It’s about finding solutions that work for everyone. 

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways 

1️⃣ Sound enrichment is personal – Don’t just copy what you see online; test what works for your ears and your pet’s comfort.

2️⃣ Start with what feels manageable – Consider your own sound preferences and experiment with those before trying anything new.

3️⃣ Find middle ground – When your needs and your pet’s don’t match, use creative solutions or professional guidance to make it work for both of you.

For the full episode show notes, including additional resources, join us here.

Pet professionals, come hang out with us! We're hosting FREE PETPro Public Office Hours. We've got Q&As, deep dives, and even a happy hour where you can meet our community and ask what it's really like to be in the program. 

See the office hour schedule, and grab your spot at http://petharmonytraining.com/experience. 

We can't wait to see you there!

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 doors, the fallout from fireworks can be intense and dangerous. 

And hey, we know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t it a little late for firework advice?” Maybe. But let’s be honest. Most of us aren’t exactly winning awards for being proactive. So consider this your loving nudge: even if this year’s already gone boom, you’ve got a whole year to make next time better. Future-you (and your pet) will thank you.

In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily and Allie break down how to create a plan that helps your pet feel safe and secure when the fireworks start booming. With real-world examples of ways we keep our pets calm, simple tweaks that make a big difference, and how to prep ahead of time (because no one wants to be scrambling on July 3rd). If your pet’s fireworks motto is “nope, nope, NOPE,” this episode can help you prep for next year. 

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 

1️⃣ Prepping ahead matters – The sooner you start practicing safety and calm, the more options you have to support your pet.

2️⃣ Safe spaces are powerful – A thoughtfully crafted retreat can help your pet feel protected and in control during chaos.

3️⃣ It’s not just behavior—it could be pain – Noise sensitivities may be connected to underlying pain or discomfort. Don’t overlook what your pet might be trying to tell you.

For the full episode show notes, including additional resources, join us here.

Pet professionals, come hang out with us! We're hosting FREE PETPro Public Office Hours. We've got Q&As, deep dives, and even a happy hour where you can meet our community and ask what it's really like to be in the program. 

See the office hour schedule, and grab your spot at http://petharmonytraining.com/experience. 

We can't wait to see you there!

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 talk about her newest book, Dogs of the World: A Gallery of Pups from Purebreds to Mutts. You probably know Lili from her beloved body language infographics and viral artwork, and now she’s helping us better understand the complex, fluid, and very human world of breed identity.

Listen as Lili and Emily dive into why “solo dog” is a better term than “dog aggressive,” how breed traits reflect more about human ideals than actual dogs, and why terms like “pariah” and “primitive” might not mean what you think. Blending thoughtful art with a global perspective, this episode invites us to rethink breed labels and focus on what really matters: the individuality of every dog.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Breed ≠ Personality – A dog’s breed can’t predict everything about them. Breed ideals reflect human expectations more than canine realities, and every dog is an individual shaped by context, not just genetics.

2️⃣ Language Matters – Terms like “solo dog” instead of “aggressive,” and carefully choosing breed labels, can reduce harm and better reflect reality. Lili’s work challenges us to use language that is inclusive, accurate, and respectful.

3️⃣ A Broader View of Breeds – Lili breaks down the variety of dog types, like purebreds, landraces, and free-ranging dogs, and explains how understanding this spectrum can deepen our appreciation for dogs in all contexts.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic

🌐 Find the full episode show notes here

📖 Dogs of the World Book 

✅ Dogs of the World Resources and Reference List

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

✅ Pet Enrichment Poster

🎧 #60 - Kalyn Holl: Sled Dogs and Reindeer

🎧 #92 - Thea Harting: Rabbit Speed Dating

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

Pet professionals, come hang out with us! We're hosting FREE PETPro Public Office Hours. We've got Q&As, deep dives, and even a happy hour where you can meet our community and ask what it's really like to be in the program. 

See the office hour schedule, and grab your spot at http://petharmonytraining.com/experience. 

We can't wait to see you there!

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 for the Real World, Emily Strong walks you through a practical and insightful skill: identifying your pet’s ladder of de-escalation. It’s the crucial flip side to recognizing escalation, and it is just as important for supporting your pet’s full stress recovery.

Emily breaks down a six-step process to help you recognize when your pet is moving toward relaxation and how to tell the difference between “just coping” and “truly relaxed.” From self-soothing behaviors to the difference between “resting” and really resting, this episode is filled with tips, common mistakes to avoid, and why you should absolutely film your dog sometimes.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ The Ladder of De-Escalation Matters – Understanding how your pet moves down from stress is just as important as knowing how they go up.
2️⃣ Six-Step Observation Process – Learn six steps to better observe and interpret your pet’s body language.
3️⃣ Film and Repeat – Every animal is different, and context matters. Filming and revisiting behavior helps you learn about your pet and what’s consistent and what changes.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial l OpenDyslexic

🌐 Go here for the full episode show notes

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

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

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

Pet professionals, come hang out with us! We're hosting FREE PETPro Public Office Hours. We've got Q&As, deep dives, and even a happy hour where you can meet our community and ask what it's really like to be in the program. 

See the office hour schedule, and grab your spot at http://petharmonytraining.com/experience. 

We can't wait to see you there!

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
📸 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 t

Pet professionals, come hang out with us! We're hosting FREE PETPro Public Office Hours. We've got Q&As, deep dives, and even a happy hour where you can meet our community and ask what it's really like to be in the program. 

See the office hour schedule, and grab your spot at http://petharmonytraining.com/experience. 

We can't wait to see you there!