You've dedicated your life to helping animals- just like us. Emily Strong was training praying mantids at 7. Allie Bender was telling her neighbor to refill their bird feeder because the birds were hungry at 2. You're an animal person; you get it. We've always been animal people. We've been wanting to better animals' lives since forever, so we made a podcast for people like us. Join Emily and Allie, the authors of Canine Enrichment for the Real World, for everything animal care- from meeting ...
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Pet Harmony Animal Behavior And Training Podcasts
Helping you raise a well-behaved, obedient dog without the stress. Whether you’ve got a new puppy or a high-energy adult dog, this podcast gives you clear, practical dog training tips and encouragement to build a peaceful life with your dog. From potty training and crate training to leash walking and solving behavior issues, you’ll learn how to train your dog using positive methods, real-life routines, and simple strategies that actually work. Hosted by a passionate dog trainer who gets it—b ...
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In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we're talking about what you need to know before adopting a Frenchie. In this Breed Research series, I walk you through the history, temperament, common health problems, expected costs and training challenges of each breed to better help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and circumstance. …
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#140 - Try it - Strategies for Frantic Feeders
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16:59Does your dog lose their mind the second food appears? In this episode, Emily walks through a simple, science-based strategy to help “frantic feeders” relax around food. Learn how to use food to make food less exciting (yes, really), what common mistakes sabotage your progress, and how to tell when your dog’s excitement has shifted from over-the-to…
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27 | Can Dogs Eat People Food? A Guide to Safe and Unsafe Foods
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17:44In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we're diving into the dos and don'ts of sharing table scraps with your dog and what you need to know before you do. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit better into your life, you'll walk away with practical, actionable advice to help you feel more confident and co…
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#139 - Plentiful Enrichment: Creating a Full Life
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56:20What does it really mean to give our pets an abundant life? Emily and Claire unpack common myths around enrichment and abundance, where well-intentioned positive reinforcement can slip into coercion, and where saying no can actually be part of a healthy, ethical relationship. From toy-bin epiphanies to dogs “earning their keep,” this episode dives …
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26 | What Dog Training Taught Us About Life, Growth, and Ourselves ft. Leighlynn Towne, LVT
1:16:17
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1:16:17In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, I’m joined by Leighlynn Towne to explore how dog training teaches powerful life lessons about growth, patience, and perspective. We share real experiences—from training challenges to personal breakthroughs—and how learning from our dogs has changed the way we approach everyday life. Whether you're r…
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#138 - What Horror Films Teach Us About Behavior
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53:19What 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 they unpack how elements that make horror films terrifying, like the lighting, sound, movement, and unpredictability, can actually teach us how to create safer, more predictable, and more empathetic envir…
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#137 - All Work And No Play Makes Everyone a Dull Critter
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55:58So 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 think my dog is “bad.” But what if some of the hardest parts of living with our pets aren’t really about their behavior… but about the pressure we put on ourselves? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real…
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24 | Breed Research: Australian Shepherds
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34:06In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we are talking all things Australian Shepherd. If you are in the market to get a dog, this episode will help you decide if an Aussie might be a good fit for you based on common problem, training requirements, grooming, medical problems and temperament. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to…
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#136 - Try It: New Cue, Same Trick (and Why It Matters)
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13:49What 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’s the magic of cue transfers, and in this episode, Emily breaks down how to do it step by step. From teaching a reliable sit with both verbal and hand cues, to empowering your pet to recognize when the…
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In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, I'm helping you to break down the barriers of why it can be so hard to keep showing up to train your dog and how to make it easier to make progress with less shame and effort. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit better into your life, you'll walk away with practic…
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#135 - Trick or Treat? When Enrichment Isn't Enriching
1:11:48
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1:11:48Sometimes enrichment doesn’t go the way we planned. Maybe the activity is too easy, too hard, too arousing, or just plain unsustainable. In this episode, Allie and Emily pull back the curtain on the common pitfalls that turn “enrichment” into air quotes enrichment (aka, not enrichment at all). You’ll hear everything from professional confessions (y…
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22 | What Your Vet Wishes You Knew ft. Erin Kreutzer LVT
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59:48In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we explore how to prepare your dog for stress-free vet visits. I’m joined by Erin Kreutzer, a licensed veterinary technician with 15 years of experience caring for pets and supporting their owners. Erin shares insider tips on how to make the vet a positive experience, from puppyhood through adulthoo…
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#134 - Try It: Identify Your Home's Grumble & Growl Zones
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21:03Ever 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? Those tricky spaces might actually be grumble or growl zones. In this episode, Pet Harmony behavior consultant MaryKaye walks you through what these zones are, how to spot them, and simple steps you can…
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*Fixed* 21 | Exposure Therapy: The Key to Raising a Well-Rounded Dog
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21:00In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, I'm walking you through how to get uncomfortable with your dog, but in a good way. Exposure therapy (aka socialization) can unlock the world for you and your dog. It just takes practice, patience, and creativity. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit better into you…
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#133 - How to Incorporate Kids Into Your Pet's Enrichment Plan
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45:13Parenting 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 pet care easier and more fun? In this episode, Emily is joined by fellow Pet Harmony consultant (and mom of two) Corinne to talk about the why and how of including kids in your pet’s enrichment plan.…
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In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, I'm sharing my puppy potty training method and answering the most frequently asked questions I get from clients and friends. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit better into your life, you'll walk away with practical, actionable advice to help you feel more confide…
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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 sneakiest forms of self-sabotage we fall into. In this episode, Allie and Emily unpack how binary thinking shows up in our industry (and in life), why it’s such a trap, and how to start climbing out of it. Along…
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19 | Exercising Your Dog When Running Isn’t an Option
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13:24In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we're talking about how you can burn your dog's energy without needing a yard to let them run. There's so many other ways to work their mind and body that can be a better fit for you both than spending hours at a dog park. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit bette…
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#131 - Why Training Mechanics Aren't Enough
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47:02You 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 Emily dive into the four soft skills that make everything else work: observation, curiosity, flexibility, and empathy. Along the way, you’ll hear about Oso’s epic garden-bed heists, why boob pillows aren’t ju…
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#130 - Mike Agruss: A Nuanced Approach to Dog Bite Advocacy
1:06:08
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1:06:08Content Warning: This episode does include discussion of dog bites. When a dog bite happens, emotions run high—fear, guilt, anger, confusion. In today’s episode, host Emily Strong is joined by Mark Agruss, a personal injury attorney out of Illinois. For over two decades, attorney Mike Agruss has stood beside clients navigating those stressful momen…
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18 | Raising Service Dogs: Behind the Scenes with Tonya Chester
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52:35In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we dive into the fascinating world of service dogs with guest Tonya Chester, an experienced service dog puppy raiser. Tonya walks us through what it’s really like raising a future service dog, the steps to get started, and the important service dog etiquette everyone should know when interacting wit…
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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 dicta…
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In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, I'm teaching you how to prepare your dog for success around kids. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit better into your life, you'll walk away with practical, actionable advice to help you feel more confident and connected with your dog. Resources Download your tra…
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#128 - Try it: How to Find Indoor Activities for Dogs on Hot Days
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13:54When 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. Y…
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16 | Dogs Are Capable Of So Much More: Unlocking Your Dog's Potential
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11:25In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, I'm introducing you to the world of working dogs in hopes that it inspires you to tap into the vast brainpower your dog has. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit better into your life, you'll walk away with practical, actionable advice to help you feel more confide…
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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…
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In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we dive into what a good dog means to YOU and how to start training with that goal in mind. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit better into your life, you'll walk away with practical, actionable advice to help you feel more confident and connected with your dog. R…
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#126 - Sarah van Herpt: Healing Bears, Changing Minds
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54:46What 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 journe…
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14 | Abuse vs. Normal Fear: How To Help Your Dog Through It
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14:16In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, I dive into whether your dog has PTSD or is simply experiencing new things as well as how to walk your dog through scary moments into confidence. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit better into your life, you'll walk away with practical, actionable advice to help …
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#125 - Does Comforting My Pet Reinforce the Fear?
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33:25You’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,…
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13 | Surviving Small Spaces with a High-Energy Dog (ft. Joli Kelsey, LVT)
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32:16In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we explore creative ways to meet your high-energy dog’s needs—even if you live in a small space or don’t have access to wide-open areas. Guest Joli Kelsey, LVT, shares insights from her experience raising and training Border Collies and stock dogs, including tips for mental stimulation, indoor enric…
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#124 - Try It: How to Use Sound Enrichment Without Regretting It Immediately
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12:03Sound 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 cand…
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12 | When Will My Dog GROW UP: How To Encourage Maturity In Your Puppy
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6:51In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we dive into how long it takes for dogs to grow out of the puppy stage and what you can do to encourage that. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit better into your life, you'll walk away with practical, actionable advice to help you feel more confident and connecte…
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#123 - Pet Firework Safety & Security Tips
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34:11The 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 win…
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11 | Teaching Calm Greetings: Help Your Dog Stay Cool Around Guests
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9:11In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we dive into how to help your dog stay calm when people come over to visit. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit better into your life, you'll walk away with practical, actionable advice to help you feel more confident and connected with your dog. Resources Downloa…
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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 b…
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10 | How to Know You’re Doing It Right: The Confidence Crisis in Dog Training
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12:54In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we dive into why it's so important to feel like you know what you're doing in training your dog and how to build that confidence. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit better into your life, you'll walk away with practical, actionable advice to help you feel more co…
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#121 - Try it: Learn Your Pet's Ladder of De-Escalation
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15:38We 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…
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9 | Rescuing a Fearful Dog: From Zero Socialization to Confident Trust (ft. Brittany Blair)
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27:40In this episode of the Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we explore what it really takes to rescue and rehabilitate a fearful, unsocialized dog. Brittany Blair shares her incredible journey with Ruby—a dog so terrified she couldn’t be touched— and how, through patience, understanding, and the right training, they built an unbreakable bond of trust and…
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#120 - Why Your Pet Needs a Safe Space (and How to Make One)
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46:38Whether 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 (a…
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8 | First 3 Things To Train Your New Puppy (And How)
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10:45The First 3 Things To Train Your New Puppy (And How) Bringing home a new puppy? Training begins the moment your pup walks through the door. In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, I’m sharing the first three things every puppy owner should teach, even before jumping into formal obedience work. These simple but powerful foundations help yo…
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#119 - Try it: Teach "Go To A Safe Space" From Behind a Barrier
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9:16In 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 …
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7 | Leash Pulling? Your Roadmap To Loose Leash Walks
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14:38Leash Pulling? Your Roadmap To Loose Leash Walks Is your dog dragging you down the street, making every walk feel like a workout you didn’t sign up for? In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we’re tackling one of the most frustrating dog behavior issues: leash pulling. Whether you're raising a high-energy puppy or struggling with a reac…
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#118 - Amber Quann: Biofeedback, Beer, & Backpacks
1:19:21
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1:19:21What 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 spectru…
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6 | How To Train Your Dog When Life is BUSY
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10:49How to train your dog when life is BUSY Feeling overwhelmed trying to train your dog while juggling work, kids, and everything in between? In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, I'm tackling one of the biggest obstacles dog owners face—finding time for consistent training. Whether you’re raising a high-energy puppy or trying to help your…
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#117 - Training an Aggressive Dog Safely: The Ins and Outs of Protected Contact
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43:08In 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…
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5| How Having Dogs Prepared Us For Parenthood (Ft. Daniel Holbrook)
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41:10Raising dogs before having kids gave us an unexpected crash course in parenting. In this episode, my husband and I talk about how training our dogs actually prepared us for life with our son, from nighttime potty breaks to boundary-setting and patience. We aren't perfect and neither are our dogs but we are constantly evolving and growing. If you’ve…
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#116 - Try It: Budget-Friendly Enrichment from Everyday Items
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17:58When 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 beh…
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4| Crate Training 101: How To Create A Safe Haven
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9:44In this episode of Hounding Harmony Dog Training, we dive into kennel training and why it is a vital skill for every dog. Whether you're raising a new puppy or trying to help your adult dog fit better into your life, you'll walk away with practical, actionable advice to help you feel more confident and connected with your dog. Resources Prefer to r…
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#115 - Present Over Perfect: Enrichment That Matters
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1:01:16Episode 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 perfec…
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