#135 - Trick or Treat? When Enrichment Isn’t Enriching

Sometimes 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 (yes, even experts have tantrums when their pets need more than expected) to client stories that remind us why individual needs matter more than breed stereotypes. Whether you’ve been tricked by enrichment guilt, overcomplicating your plan, or assuming “more is always better,” this episode will help you find that sweet spot where enrichment actually improves your pet’s quality of life.


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

1️⃣ Enrichment is about outcomes, not activities – If your pet’s welfare isn’t improving, it’s not enrichment (no matter how fancy the toy).

2️⃣ Find the Goldilocks zone – Too much, too little, too easy, or too hard all miss the mark. Matching challenge to skill level is key.

3️⃣ Sustainability matters – Enrichment should work for you too. Simple, DIY solutions often win over complicated, costly ones.

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