THESE 5 SCIENCE-BACKED TIPS WILL KEEP YOUR DOG HAPPY AND HEALTHY

When you hear about “science focused on helping dogs live their best lives with us,” it might sound like a whimsical idea straight from a child’s imagination. However, the field of animal welfare science is very real and highly impactful.

As our most beloved animal companions and coworkers, dogs truly deserve scientific attention. In recent years, we’ve discovered more about the similarities between dogs and humans, as well as the unique qualities that set them apart.

We often focus on how dogs assist us—as companions, detection helpers, and guardians of our safety and well-being. Dog-centric research allows us to view the world from a four-pawed perspective and apply this knowledge to ensure dogs lead fulfilling lives.

Here are five tips to keep the tails in your life wagging with joy.

1. Let Dogs Sniff

Sniffing brings joy to dogs. While we often view the world through a visual lens, dogs experience their environment primarily through smell. For many dogs, a walk may be their only chance to explore beyond the confines of home, so allowing them to thoroughly sniff a tree or post provides a wealth of information. It’s akin to us standing atop a mountain, soaking in a breathtaking sunset.

2.Give Dogs Agency

Agency is a key topic in animal welfare science today. Those who experienced the frustrations of strict lockdowns during the early COVID years can relate to how being unable to go where we wanted or see who we wished affected our mental well-being.

We’ve learned that providing animals with choice and control in their lives is crucial for their mental well-being. We can enhance our dogs’ welfare by offering them more choices and opportunities to exercise their agency.

This could mean installing a doggy door so they can come and go as they please. It might involve letting them choose which path to explore during walks in the park. Perhaps you can rotate a selection of toys and allow them to pick three to play with each day. You could even place an old blanket in a sunny spot where they can relax comfortably.

Providing choices doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

3.Recognize That All Dogs Are Individuals

People often attribute specific personality traits to certain dog breeds. However, just like humans, dogs have their own unique personalities and preferences. Not all dogs will enjoy the same activities, and a new dog in your life may be very different from the last one.

For instance, one dog may love running at high speed in the dog park, while another might prefer relaxing with you, chewing on something in the garden.

There can be as much behavioral variation within breeds as between them, so it’s essential to meet dogs where they are, as individuals, to ensure their well-being.

In addition to recognizing what each dog enjoys, it’s crucial not to force them into situations they find uncomfortable. Watch for signs of distress, such as looking away, lip licking, or yawning, to gauge their comfort level.

4.Respect Dogs’ Choice to Opt Out

Even at home, it’s important to offer our dogs the option to step back from activities they may not want to participate in. Providing a quiet space where they can retreat allows them to opt out whenever they choose, which is essential for their comfort and well-being.

If you’re watching television loudly, it might be too much for your dog’s sensitive ears. Make sure a door is open to another room so they can retreat if needed. Some dogs may feel overwhelmed by visitors, so providing a safe, quiet space for them to go rather than forcing interaction can help them manage their stress.

Dogs can also be excellent role models for children when it comes to teaching empathy. We can model consent by allowing dogs to approach us for affection and giving them the choice to leave when they want. Unlike the days of exotic animals performing in circuses, dressing up dogs for our entertainment is becoming less acceptable. Most dogs would likely prefer to skip the costumes and Halloween antics altogether.

5.Opportunities for Safe Off-Lead Activity

When dogs are given the chance to run off-lead, they engage with their environment in a whole new way. They tend to explore more extensively and move faster than when they’re on-lead. This freedom provides them with valuable physical activity, helping to keep them fit and healthy while having fun.

A recent exploration of how liveable cities are for dogs mapped all the designated areas for dogs to run off-leash. Doggy density ranged from one dog for every six people to one dog for every 30 people, depending on where you live.

The study also examined how access to off-lead areas correlated with annual dog registration fees in different government regions, revealing notable disparities across greater Melbourne. We found that fees ranged from A$37 to A$84, and these amounts did not reflect the number of accessible off-lead areas.

In dog-loving countries like Australia, supporting our furry companions in living their best lives is rewarding. Science viewed from a four-paw perspective encourages us to rethink our everyday interactions with dogs, fostering positive changes that allow us to thrive together.