#115 – Present Over Perfect: Enrichment That Matters

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.

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