What does enrichment have to do with separation anxiety training?

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably heard me say that work-to-eat toys aren’t a cure-all for separation anxiety. And I stand by that. 

So why have I devoted a podcast to the topic of enrichment?

Here’s the thing: Enrichment is about more than work-to-eat toys, and separation anxiety training is about more than suspending absences and going at your dog’s pace.

Enrichment is about meeting your dog’s species-specific needs, and separation anxiety training needs to be a holistic approach that includes just that. 

In this podcast episode, special guest Allie Bender of Pet Harmony Animal Behavior and Training and I take a look at how this topic of meeting your dog’s needs can be incorporated into a behavior modification plan, and why it is crucial. 

In this episode of the Believe in Your Dog Podcast, you will learn:  

• How we define enrichment and a little history on the subject
• Some of the species-specific needs that our dogs have and how you can meet them
• Tips for “lazy enrichment” (so lazy, you can do it while watching TV!)
• Why enrichment is a key piece of the puzzle in separation anxiety training
• Why agency is so important and some other easy ways that guardians can provide it in our dogs’ day to day lives
• How to identity your dog’s individual needs
• And so much more! 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Pet Harmony Training Website
Pet Harmony Training on Instagram
Pet Harmony Training on Facebook
Pet Harmony Training Podcast
Pet Harmony Training Enrichment Chart 
Canine Enrichment for the Real World by Allie Bender and Emily Strong
Enriching Animal’s Lives by Hal Markowitz
Think Smart Dog Training’s Snuffle Mats
Why Dogs Need More Control Over Their Lives - article on Psychology Today
DogMinded Enrichment Resources