Most dogs lead lives mainly controlled by people… when and what they eat, when and where they walk, when they can go outside, where they sleep and when they are left alone.
Many of these constraints are obviously needed for safety and well-being, and although dogs are very adaptive to living with people, this is generally an unnatural state for them.
This can be frustrating for some dogs and can be reflected in unwanted behaviour such as barking, destructive chewing, reactive or aggressive behaviour, separation anxiety and even self-mutilation.
By giving dogs choices does not mean that boundaries and training are disregarded, but managing choices in consideration of welfare will avoid unwanted behaviour.
“… providing choices can directly positively impact animals’ affective states by giving animals a sense of control and agency, which is imperative for psychological and biological health.”
As a pet owner you are legally responsible for your pets welfare, as laid out by the governmental department DEFRA, Department of Farming and Rural affairs;
‘(a) need for a suitable environment
(b) need for a suitable diet
(c) need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
(d) need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
(e) need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.’
All of these points are relevant to the individual animal, not so much what us humans think is suitable. Every dog is different and by giving them opportunities to choose can make a huge difference to their behaviour.
There are many simple ways to offer them more choices, which in turn will make them happier and reduce the likelihood of unwanted behaviours.
Suitable Environment:
A safe, comfortable, and appropriate space to be able to move around and express natural behaviors.
Watching where they choose to lay and providing suitable bedding can prevent them possibly resting where you don't want them to be!
Having resting options in different places, out of draughts, away from busy areas, not near highly scented items, sunny spots etc.
Some dogs like to burrow or feel enclosed, like a den, so you can provide blankets or cover crates.
Allowing them to retreat there when they choose and remain undisturbed and never use their bed as a punishment spot, as it will then then just have negative associations and they wont be able to relax properly.
Improved relaxation and sleep has been shown to positively influence behavior in some dogs.
Having a pet door or an exterior door safely ajar, where possible, to allow free choice to outside.
Obviously if you have a pup, they need supervision, but you can create safe spaces that they can independently explore, play, chew and toilet.
Dogs that are used to having humans close all the time and have a no opportunities for independent exploration lose coping skills.
Learning to function independently when people are not about will prevent separation behaviour problems.
Suitable Diet:
Access to a balanced and appropriate diet.
Dogs are considered omnivores or facultative carnivores. Their teeth and digestive system has evolved to process both meat and vegetable matter and to source nutrition dogs would have spent a lot of their time foraging.
Scatter feeding or using dispensing toys will support this natural instinct and keep them mentally busy, which will promote a calmer more relaxed dog.
Adding different textures in the form of vegetable matter will support biological needs as well as add interest, just be sure it is suitable for dogs.
Some dogs prefer rain water to tap water, due to added chemicals, some dogs prefer plastic bowls to metal ones due to reflections or noise.
Ability to Exhibit Normal Behavior Patterns:
To engage in behaviors that are natural to their species, such as playing, exploring, and interacting with others.
It is natural and normal for dogs to sniff, dig, roll, chew, chase and even bark. To which extent your dog does this or needs to do this, will largely depend on breed.
Many dogs were bred for a job, whether that be hunting, retrieving, herding or being a companion and their needs will differ.
If dogs are unable to exhibit natural and instinctive behaviours it can cause frustration and boredom which can be displayed with destructive behaviour to property, items or even self.
Providing them with suitable outlets to exhibit these behaviour patterns through enrichment, alongside environmental management, will help to prevent behaviours seen as a problem.
There is a lot information on line that can guide you and my blog gives an outline of ideas https://www.politepoochesessex.co.uk/post/enrichment-what-is-it-what-is-the-point
One thing that all dogs have in common is their amazing sense of smell and a large amount of brain capacity dedicated to this. See blog - https://www.politepoochesessex.co.uk/post/how-dogs-see-the-world-the-power-of-the-nose
Providing an outlet for these natural instincts and behaviour can have a huge positive impact on welfare and behaviour.
Ability to be Housed with or Apart from Other Animals;
Animals may need to be housed with other animals or kept alone to avoid stress or conflict.
Dogs are social creatures, like us, but that does not mean they or we want to interact with everybody.
Giving dogs a choice if, when and who they receive attention from, dogs and humans, can prevent behaviour such as snarling, growling, lunging, snapping or even biting.
The behaviours listed above are displayed to create distance, the dog is basically saying “Back off/ go away”.
Not putting your dog into a position where they have to show this very clear message is the best way to prevent it, and having an understanding of your dog’s body language will help : https://www.politepoochesessex.co.uk/post/talking-dog-language
An example could be that when stroking or playing with your dog, you should pause now and then. Your dog will let you know if they want more by moving close, nudging or looking at you, if they choose to move away that should be respected.
This is especially important to teach children, as they are at greatest risk of bites. There are many resources that are child friendly to help them understand: https://kidsarounddogs.co.uk/pages/free-resources
Suitable interaction with others is also important skill for young dogs to be taught and supported towards to, known as impulse control. This will help to prevent jumping up, excessive mouthing or getting into altercations with other dogs.
All introductions and interactions, with other dogs/people/environments need to be carefully managed and every dog should be allowed the choice to move away to prevent any reactive or aggressive behaviour.
Protection from Pain, Suffering, Injury, and Disease:
To be protected from harm and suffering, and any illness or injury should be treated promptly and effectively.
This can be supported by providing a suitable environment, training and support, which will alleviate any stress related behaviour.
Making sure environments are safe, such as electrical items at home cannot be accessed/chewed, gardens are well fenced and don’t have plants toxic to dogs, regular health/vet checks and any training methods or equipment is not designed to cause physical or mental harm.
‘Training isn’t about forcing your dog or cat to perform (or stop) particular
behaviours. Think of training as a way to provide enrichment and to help your pet cope with everyday situations.’
Getting your dog positively used to being groomed, inspected and going to the vet will help with preventive treatments and for them to cope better when treatments are needed.
If you would like any more information on how to offer your dog more choices and/or how to improve behaviour, please get in touch for a no obligation inquiry email or call.
07979 44 88 49
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