#113 - Q&A: Enrichment Overload- When Is It Too Much?

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

Weekly Newsletter
 Tips, tools, and real talk about behavior and enrichment—stra

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 yo