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:
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📘 Facebook: @petharmonytraining
👩‍🏫 For professionals: @petharmonypro on IG + TikTok
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PETPro isn't just another course. It's a community, it's a framework, and it's a support system designed to help you implement what you've learned, not just learn more stuff.

Registration is open now, so if this sounds like what you've been missing, head to https://petharmonytraining.com/petpro/ to submit your inquiry form.

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: @petharmony

PETPro isn't just another course. It's a community, it's a framework, and it's a support system designed to help you implement what you've learned, not just learn more stuff.

Registration is open now, so if this sounds like what you've been missing, head to https://petharmonytraining.com/petpro/ to submit your inquiry form.

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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PETPro isn't just another course. It's a community, it's a framework, and it's a support system designed to help you implement what you've learned, not just learn more stuff.

Registration is open now, so if this sounds like what you've been missing, head to https://petharmonytraining.com/petpro/ to submit your inquiry form.