Enrichment for the Real World

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 TakeawaysScent 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

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 severity of that allergy there can be a lot of restrictions. In this episode, we discuss the allergy journies we've gone on with our own dogs and how we've created enrichment strategies around allergy restrictions. After that, we tie in how we can measure success for allergy kiddos and non-allergy kiddos. You can find the full episode show notes here.

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 category of enrichment. We'll discuss how to perform a risk assessment for your pet's enrichment strategy. You can find the full episode show notes here.  

What the heck is a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior? Find out in this week's episode with Debbie Martin! Plus, sound sensitivities, risk assessments, and puppy socialization. Buckle up!You can find the full episode show notes here.

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 throughout the journey. In this episode, we explore the foundations of exemplary client care, including some tips to help you better support your clients even more. You can find the full episode show notes here.

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 behavior challenges! In this episode, Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Kelly Ballantyne provides tips for combating caregiver burden, discusses the link between pain and behavior, and gives up-to-date information on anti-anxiety medication for adolescent animals. You can find the full episode show notes here.

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 bear crawling up a platform and nothing more? Check out today's episode to find out. You can find the full episode show notes here.Join our upcoming free live webinar for force-free behavior professionals!3 Strategies to Uplevel Your Consulting Skills to Solve Behavior Challenges: Happier pets, enthusiastic clients, and a more rewarding career using the Pet Harmony Enrichment Framework covers our #1 tip to keep clients happy, working with you, and ultimately referring to you, and so much more. Learn more and register here!

Flyball, Agility, Tracking, Rally Obedience, Trick Titling, Conformation, Herding, Mondioring, Obedience, oh my! If you're into canine sports or looking to learn more about them, Ayoka is your person. Get ready to step into the world of R+ dog sports! You can find the full episode show notes here. 

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, how do we make adaptations for humans to successfully work with and enrich their pets? Tune in to this episode to find out! You can find the full episode show notes here. Hey there, pet professional! Ready to cozy up with some CEUs? Get $45 off our Flight Training and Relaxation Protocol courses for professionals! Use code COZYUP45 at checkout to get your savings. But hurry! This sale ends Wednesday, February 5th at 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time.

The animal training industry is typically on board with non-human learners being individuals and meeting those individuals where they are when it comes to training. But what about our human learners? In this episode, Gabrielle Johnson talks about how we can meet our human learners where they are and how to support disability justice in the animal welfare industry. You can find the full episode show notes here. 

In this implementation episode, Allie and Emily delve deep into harm reduction within the pet professional industry. The discussion includes stories of Allie's Flight Cue skills, the importance of accountability, and the intricacies of managing difficult situations gracefully. Learn about the concepts of politeness versus consideration, the importance of safe and supportive communities, and practical steps to reduce harm effectively. This episode comes with a blanket content warning: in talking about harm reduction, we talk about harm, including physical, mental, and emotional. If you're not in the space to consume this content, we encourage you to sit this one out. You can always come back later! You can find the full episode show notes here.

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, the founder of the Trauma Stewardship Institute and author of 'Trauma Stewardship' and 'The Age of Overwhelm'. In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss the importance of trauma stewardship and harm reduction. Laura shares insights on reframing self-care, the interconnectedness of our lives, and the significance of systemic approaches in improving the quality of life for pets, their people, and the professionals who support them. Listeners will learn about recognizing signs of burnout, the impact of disenfranchised professions, and fostering compassionate accountability within communities. Join us as we explore these crucial topics and how to enhance well-being in our professional and personal lives. You can find the full episode show notes here.

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, and wonderful. And, what we've found, is that you can't truly get it unless you've lived it. Today's guest, Pet Harmony's own Tiffany Holmes, gets it. In this episode, Tiffany discusses the good, the bad, the ugly, and the wonderful of living with a pet with extreme behavior challenges. Whether you want to better understand what your clients or loved ones are going through with their pets or you want to feel less alone, you'll love Tiffany's story about the 4-legged love of her life, Petey. You can find the full episode show notes here.We know you're committed to being the best pet professional you can be, and we believe you deserve the chance to explore a program before fully committing. Join our FREE Public PETPro Office Hours to get expert insight from our team, experience what it is like to be a member, network with the supportive community, and see if PETPro is the right next step in your learning journey.

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 vibration collars, and what's the differenceNuanceEmily's million-dollar Shark Tank ideaYou can find the full episode show notes here.

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 week we're going to dive further into how to tell if your dog enjoys going to daycare and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:The broad applicability even if your dog isn't a daycare dogWhen you turn a corner and your dog realizes where they areThe Eeyore thingStalling vs. resignationEmily's a fun ruinerYou can find the full episode show notes here.

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 Zootechnician who has a master's degree in veterinary medicine and animal welfare. He is a Brazilian pioneer in the use of management, free of aversive and punitive stimuli, focusing on the emotions of animals. His philosophy is: “A dog should leave the daycare better than when it arrived”. And a very special thank you to Isa Daduato, for connecting us with Renato, and being our interpreter for this episode!In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Renato talk about:In group settings, the individual still matters.If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.Assessing and adjusting as you go sets everyone up for success.Healthy communication, a growth mindset, and enrichment for everyone are the foundations for successful team management.Renato and Emily both love to smell animals.You can find the full episode show notes here. It's here! The Pet Harmony Relaxation Protocol Course for Professionals gives you the skills to help pets self-regulate emotions without constant cues, avoid escalation by moving away from stress, cope with fears like thunderstorms and separation anxiety. Ready to teach relaxation as a skill? Sign up for our Relaxation Protocol Course for Professionals and empower pets to manage stress.

Last week we heard from Ryan Cartlidge and one of the topics we discussed was Building Community Through Crucial Conversations. This week we're going to dive further into how to identify your own ladder of escalation and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:The single biggest problem in communicationOso's ladder of escalationThe Silly Putty Situation. Trademark pending. Emily seeing deep into Allie's soul to call out Allie's startle responseShout out to Emily's penguinYou can find the full episode show notes here.

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Ryan Cartlidge, the founder of the Animal Training Academy, ATA. He has been working internationally since 2007, as a professional trainer across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US. He now works with both teams and individual trainers around the world, supporting those who work with both domestic pets and exotic animals. His goal is to help all trainers enhance their skills and make their biggest possible positive impact in the work they do.In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Ryan talk about:You are not alone.Community is critical.“Crucial Conversations” is universally applicable.How Ryan made eggs for buzzards.You can find the full episode show notes here. 

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 Can't Be Your Own Consultant and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:When should you and when shouldn't you be your own consultantHow Allie's therapist just tells her things that she already knows and she loves her for itWhy this episode is happeningYou don't want a yes personHumans are cute little energizer bunniesYou can find the full episode show notes here.If you have a dog that struggles with separation anxiety, know that you aren't alone. Our upcoming separation anxiety webinar will teach you foundation skills for teaching comfort home alone, how to know it's working, the puzzle piece that most people are missing, and so much more.Join today at petharmonytraining.com/separation.

Thea Harting, also known as the Badass Bunny Rescuer,  is a rabbit behavior consultant based in Brooklyn, NY. Thea is passionate about improving companion rabbit well-being and welfare, focusing on pair bonding, enrichment, low-stress handling techniques, and cooperative care. As an active volunteer for shelters and rescues for over a decade, her favorite activity is facilitating rabbit 'speed dates' to determine partner compatibility. Her approach to rabbit bonding emphasizes agency, mutual consent, and enrichment.In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Thea talk about:Bunny enrichment ideasWhat do bunny speed dating and dog park design have in common?You can't be your own bun-havior consultantWhy bunnies need our helpThea and Emily's elevator pitch for why to adopt or foster bunniesYou can find the full episode show notes here.

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 going to dive further into transforming your relationships through good-faith conversations and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:Emily tattling on themselvesWell, and Allie tattling on herself tooHow Emily and Allie have had knock-out, drag-down, good-faith conversations with one another and poor Ellen being an innocent bystanderWhen should you enter into a good-faith conversation and when should you notYou can find the full episode show notes here.On average, it takes our team 15 minutes to write a training plan. And that's not because we're special. We teach other professionals how we do this and they give us the same feedback, an effective training plan in only 15 minutes. If that sounds like exactly what you need right now, then join our 3-Day Challenge: The 15-Minute Training Plan. Just think about all the time you're about to save.

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Tiffany Chen, the owner and founder of Pawsistant, LLC, a business dedicated to helping dog professionals grow their businesses via social media and content marketing. In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Tiffany talk about:Why social media marketing isn't usually the best thing to try to DIYThe importance of meeting our learners where they're atHow to distill complex concepts into clear and simple messagesSelf-care on social mediaYou can find the full episode show notes here.  On average, it takes our team 15 minutes to write a training plan. And that's not because we're special. We teach other professionals how we do this and they give us the same feedback, an effective training plan in only 15 minutes. If that sounds like exactly what you need right now, then join our 3-Day Challenge: The 15-Minute Training Plan. Just think about all the time you're about to save.

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 into successful puppy raising and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:Babies, and also, puppiesIt's unrealistic for puppies to learn that everyone will greet them all the timeTo sit or not to sitTeenagers are any species are hardYou can find the full episode show notes here. On average, it takes our team 15 minutes to write a training plan. And that's not because we're special. We teach other professionals how we do this and they give us the same feedback, an effective training plan in only 15 minutes. If that sounds like exactly what you need right now, then join our 3-Day Challenge: The 15-Minute Training Plan. Just think about all the time you're about to save.

In today's interview episode, we're joined by Scotti Harvey. Scotti specializes in canine neonatal development and learning. Through her studies on puppy socialization, Scotti strives to mitigate behavioral issues through the careful implementation of strategic early-life experiences. By focusing on developing processing, coping, and communication skills, Scotti aims to foster courageous, inquisitive, and versatile learners.In this episode, you'll hear Scotti and Emily talk about: The importance of making hands safe and comfortingPuppy raising across the developmental periodsClicker training communication skillsHow to simplify life with a puppyHow to survive the puppy bluesYou can find the full episode show notes here.On average, it takes our team 15 minutes to write a training plan. And that's not because we're special. We teach other professionals how we do this and they give us the same feedback, an effective training plan in only 15 minutes. If that sounds like exactly what you need right now, then join our 3-Day Challenge: The 15-Minute Training Plan. Just think about all the time you're about to save.

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 Experiences Manager at Pet Harmony. In this episode you're going to hear Emily and Corinne talk about: Corinne and Emily fangirling over our own teamLeadership and teaching aren't zero-sum gamesConnection is the throughline to everything we doData tracking helps you bring in more clientsYou can find the full episode show notes here.If you have a dog that struggles with separation anxiety, know that you aren't alone. Our upcoming separation anxiety webinar will teach you foundation skills for teaching comfort home alone, how to know it's working, the puzzle piece that most people are missing, and so much more.Join today at petharmonytraining.com/separation.

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 episode, you'll hear Allie, Emily, and Ellen talk about: Go to Enrichment Ideas for bad weather days Cheap, apartment-friendly foraging activities All things chewing You can find the episode show notes here.If you're a behavior professional feeling discouraged about getting clients on board with enrichment, like there's a disconnect between what you know and how you can implement that with your clients, we have just the thing for you!Head to https://petharmonytraining.com/getonboard/ for a free video and PDF guide with our top five ways that we found to successfully get on the same page as our clients!

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 Safe Spaces for Humans and the implementation with the animals in your life.In this implementation episode, Emily and I talk about:How humans are animals tooSafety vs. comfortImplicit biases are a thingYou can find the full episode show notes here.If you're a behavior professional feeling discouraged about getting clients on board with enrichment, like there's a disconnect between what you know and how you can implement that with your clients, we have just the thing for you!Head to https://petharmonytraining.com/getonboard/ for a free video and PDF guide with our top five ways that we found to successfully get on the same page as our clients!

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 English at Yale and the content creator behind the Instagram account @gingers_naps, which explores the relationship and history between Black Americans and animals. In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Kassidi talk about:Education is empoweringWhat on earth are ecopoetics?Abolition in the 21st centuryHow we can do a better job of integrating multiple cultural views of animal careHow to find mentorship in antiracist workYou can find the full episode show notes here. 

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 into enrichment for shelters and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about: Emily's love language, which I don't love sometimesAccepting a linear time frame and accepting that Kristina Spaulding can't go back 20 years to write her book and have made past me and Emily better shelter workers The sad trombone that sometimes comes with rest as a primary strategyA turtle tiradeCross ties for lickimatsYou can find the full episode show notes here.

In this week's interview episode, we're so excited to have Mara Velez return to talk about the Shelter Playgroup Alliance's programs, and the newest addition, BEAR, Behavior & Enrichment Academy and Resources. In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Mara talk about:SPA's programs, and how they all fit togetherCultivating company culture to promote successKolb's Experiential Learning CycleThe difference between safety and comfortThe importance of mindfulness in teaching and learningYou can find the full episode show notes here. 

Last week we heard from Eileen Anderson, and one of the topics we discussed was understanding sound sensitivities and phobias. This week, we're going to dive further into how to do a sound preference test, and talk about implementation with the animals in your life. In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about: How dog snoring is the cutest, most heart meltiest soundHow Emily and I have accidentally taught relaxation through soundWhy the sleepy music stopped workingYou can find the full episode show notes here.

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Eileen Anderson. Eileen does an outstanding job of striving for accuracy while making space for personal experience and anecdotal evidence. Eileen brings expertise in music, sound and acoustics to the dog training world. In this week's episode you'll hear Emily and Eileen talk about: When it comes to sound sensitivity, volume isn't everythingAd hoc counterconditioning can be effective Why Morgan Freeman is good for dogsStay ahead of the pain, stay ahead of the panicYou can find the full episode show notes here. 

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 going to dive further into if it can have an effect, it can have a side effect, and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about: Relay racing and choosing violenceWhen you do too good of a jobHow Allie's dog is a weirdo who creeps people outA floofy fence fighter named TimothéeAnd an extinction burst for the agesYou can find the full episode show notes here. 

In this week's interview episode, we're reaching beyond the animal care industry and speaking with Kim Rose, a dually certified diabetes care & education specialist and nutrition support clinician who blends evidenced-based practice with lived experience and cultural inclusivity. There is so much we can learn from other fields when it comes to care of our pets, ourselves, and our clients. In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Kim talk about:Fiber is magicalHow to strike the balance between sustainability and efficacyThere are many paths up the data collection mountainNutrition, like behavior, is a study of oneBoundary setting for ourselves and our clientsYou can find the full episode show notes here.

In this week's implementation episode, Allie and Emily dive further into evaluating your environment for behavioral impact and talk about implementation with the animals in your life. In this episode, you'll hear Allie and Emily talk about: How our pet's senses aren't necessarily better or worse, just different Bunny bathroom habits Big Boy Oso fitting under Allie's desk.You can find the full episode show notes here. 

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, from shelter work to cruelty investigation, and for this episode, we're ecstatic Katenna agreed to talk about cats!In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Katenna talk about:New ways of thinking about pottying outside the litter boxMaking sure cats know what you're offering themCultivating a cat-centric point of viewWhy cats require precision trainingWhy suppression sometimes works, but still isn't a good ideaYou can find the full episode show notes here. 

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 Pet Harmony and Lesley thrives on demystifying unwanted behaviors, collaborating with pet parents, and approaching every animal as an individual with unique needs.In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Lesley talk about:Why shelters and rescues need more behavioral supportImproving inclusivity and support in sheltering by getting rid of dogmatic slogansWhy it's so important to get pregnant moms and baby animals out of the shelter ASAPLearn the language of the species you live withYou can find the full episode show notes here. 

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 episode Emily, Allie, and Ellen talk about: Why our pets sometimes react to things and sometimes don't Tips for helping your pet enjoy paw careWhether dogs can sleep in the bedYou can find the full episode show notes here.Join our upcoming Leash Reactivity webinar where we'll cover: What is leash reactivity? Do's and dont's for leash reactivityHow to increase comfort on walks. Register at https://petharmonytraining.com/reactivity-webinar/ to take the next step to a happier, healthier lifestyle with your dog.

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 vet visits. In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about: Why Wants Vs. Needs conversations are importantTips for thoughtful antecedent arrangement at the clinic How to determine if your pet does better with you or going in the back with the vet staffYou can find the full episode show notes here.On average, it takes our team 15 minutes to write a training plan. And that's not because we're special. We teach other professionals how we do this and they give us the same feedback, an effective training plan in only 15 minutes. If that sounds like exactly what you need right now, then join our 3-Day Challenge: The 15-Minute Training Plan. Just think about all the time you're about to save.

In this week's interview episode, we're joined by Dr. Valli Parthasarathy the owner of Synergy Veterinary Behavior in Portland, Oregon, where she helps families whose dogs, cats, birds, horses, and other species show problematic behaviors. In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Valli talk about:Common behavior issues in various speciesCooperative care for significant behavioral special needsThe ROI of sedation for medical proceduresDr. Valli's journey with a teenage Dutch ShepherdYou can find the full episode show notes here. On average, it takes our team 15 minutes to write a training plan. And that's not because we're special. We teach other professionals how we do this and they give us the same feedback, an effective training plan in only 15 minutes. If that sounds like exactly what you need right now, then join our 3-Day Challenge: The 15-Minute Training Plan. Just think about all the time you're about to save.

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 trialing gut-brain health and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:Emily falling out of the space-time continuum Nutrition is a study of oneFinding objective measures for a food trialYou can find the full episode show notes here.

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-Madison and studies a wide range of animals from turtles to domestic dogs. In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Tim talk about:Finding the balance between “save them all” and breed determinismRetraining the amygdalaWe all have 5 brainsTeaching calmYou can find the full episode show notes here.

Last week we heard from Jungle Jordan Veasley about efficient enrichment storage systems. This week we're going to dive further into enrichment storage systems in the home. In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about: Allie's love of The Home Edit Emily's rule of 3 when it comes to Kongs How molehills are sometimes mountainsYou can find the full episode show notes here. 

In this week's podcast episode, we're joined by Jungle Jordan Veasley, a zookeeper and wildlife educator. Jordan is doing such important work not only for the animals in his care but for humans too! Representation matters and he's a living, breathing example of why. In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Jordan talk about:What sorcery this is?Relating to other people when they're not ready to hear what you have to sayBoxes are funNeurodiversity, diversity, and representationImagine how hard it would be to give a bear somethingYou can find the full show notes here.

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 to dive further into creative solutions for physical exercise and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:Risk levels being on a spectrumDo you need a new solution or a different version of a current solution?Play as exerciseYou can find the full show notes here.

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 through movement. In this episode, you're going to hear Emily and Lori talk about:What exercise is and isn't aboutAssessing what types of exercise are ideal for an animalCheap and free exercise optionsThe difference between canine fitness and movement workYou can find the full episode show notes here.

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 going to dive further into avoiding common enrichment toy mistakes and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:The most annoying and accurate answer to almost every question everWhy we need to teach how to use toysHumans being humans and getting in the wayYou can find the full episode show notes here.

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 David talk about:Data-driven processes for developing enrichment toolsMeeting animals' needs in cost-effective waysTroubleshooting dogs' interest in toysSacrificial shoesYou can find the full episode show notes here.

In this week's episode, we are joined by MaryKaye Kendrick, one of our very own behavior consultants and mentors. MaryKaye is a phenomenal educator, teacher, trainer, and human with an incredible skill for empathy and compassion in each case. In this episode, you'll hear Emily and MaryKaye talk about Learner-centered teaching Broadcasting body language for childrenHow to teach very young children dog skills The importance of protected contact when working with kids and dogs.You can find the full episode show notes here.

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, and Ellen talk about: Dig pits for dogsFreeing the operant and how it relates to enrichment Handling the holidaysYou can find the full show notes here. 

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 everything in moderation and talk about implementation with the animals in your life.In this implementation episode, Emily and Allie talk about:How behaviors aren't necessarily good or badThe dangers of all-or-nothing thinkingA malamute who didn't want to runYou can find the full show notes here.