Dogs and the Significance of Choice
“❗️ Choice is an option between 2 or more desirable things. Choice is not the lesser of two evils. ”
Unveiling Stress in Dogs: The Hidden Burden
At first glance, our dogs may appear content with their well-rested and well-fed lives. They don't have to deal with the pressures of adulting like we do. It's easy for us to overlook the possibility of stress in their lives. However, the reality is that we hold all the control when it comes to their daily routines - what they eat, when they exercise, where they go, who they interact with, and so much more. This level of control can significantly affect their stress levels, which for most pet guardians goes unnoticed.
Why Choice Matters: Happier, Healthier Dogs
Choice is a fundamental need for every animal. By incorporating more choice into your dog's routine, you can enhance their overall well-being in numerous ways:
Reductions in stress correlate with improved mood.
Enhanced coping skills builds resilience, meaning trigger related outburst are shortened.
Build a stronger bond between you and your dog.
In summary, giving your dog more choice equates with greater satisfaction, but more choice also makes them easier to live with. And best part of all - it's easy (and fun) to add choice into your dog’s life!
3 Simple Ways to Give Your Dog Choice
Discover your dog's preferences by conducting simple tests:
Playtime: Present a ball and a frisbee to your dog and observe their reaction. Do they show interest in one item over another? Did your dog choose the item you anticipated?
Treat: Offer two treats in different hands and see which one your dog chooses first. Repeat this exercise while switching hands. Does your dog consistently choose whatever is in your left hand (or right) or are they consistently choosing a specific treat?
Mealtime: Allow your dog to choose between a snuffle mat and a food dispensing toy for their meal. Their choice can provide insight into their preferred method for retrieving food; specifically touching an item to retrieve food or using their nose.
Learn how to add choice into your dog’s day. Chip, the dog will provide 3 demos. We hope you have fun replicating these or creating your own.
Incorporating Choice into Dog Training
Cooperative care teaches animals to consent to procedures like nail trims, teeth brushing, and more. Cooperative care has been successful with marine animals for years and is now gaining momentum in the dog training world. Imagine the convenience of having a calm and cooperative dog during vet and/or grooming appointments. Game changer, right?
If you and your pup get stressed about vet or grooming visits, it's crucial to learn more about Cooperative Training. I highly recommend resources like the Fear Free and Happy Homes website, as well as Chirag Patel's Bucket Game on YouTube. If you prefer in-person support, I am a Fear Free practitioner ready to assist you.
Choice Leads to Trust: Strengthening Your Bond
Choice serves as the foundation of trust between you and your dog. By giving them more choices, we can create a closer bond and enrich our relationship. Don't hesitate to run your own experiments and see the joy on your dog's face as they thank you with kisses!
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