By Mary Green
CPDT-KA: Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Knowledge Assessed
CDBC: Certified Dog Behavior Counselor
CNWI: Certified Nose Work Instructor K9 Manners &
More Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
In the community of animal welfare and sheltering, the Five Freedoms are often the tenets or guiding principles for the welfare of the animals in their care.
The Five Freesdoms are:
1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
2. Freedom from discomfort
3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease
4. Freedom to express normal and natural behavior
5. Freedom from fear and distress
We have come a long way in recognizing these freedoms as necessary to the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of animals in our care. At the zoos and aquariums, we see more appropriate habitats or enclosures, enrichment activities, and force-free handling and husbandry becoming the norm.
Are you practicing the Five Freedoms with your pets?
Freedom from hunger and thirst: This does not mean that you leave food accessible for them 24/7 – although water should be accessible with few exceptions. It does mean that your pets are fed quality food on a predictable schedule.
Freedom from discomfort: This speaks to the physical areas in which your pets live. Crates, kennels and enclosures should be of adequate size so the pet can stretch, stand without ducking their head, turn around and be comfortable. Shelter from sun, wind and rain should always be available for any outside animals.
Freedom from pain, injury and disease: Work with your veterinarians to be sure that your pets are getting all they need. Does your senior pet need a joint supplement? Does your cat need something for hairballs? Do not forget about their teeth! Dental checkups are important in pets’ overall wellness. Sometimes a change in eating habits can be due to a mouth issue, such as a bad tooth. Does your dog have a predisposition to a certain breed trait or issue? A DNA test such as the Embark kit can test for more than 200 genetic health risks. This is fantastic information to know about your dogs.
Freedom to express normal and natural behavior: I think this is the most overlooked or misunderstood of the freedoms. Think about your pet’s ancestors. What’s in their DNA? I too often hear dog owners complain that their Border Collie chases their kids, their Coon Hound will not sleep at night or they can’t take their Great Pyrenees to the dog park because he doesn’t like other dogs. You need to find acceptable (to you and your dog) activities to allow them to express their instincts. Do your research! There are many fun ways to tap into your dog’s genetics.
Freedom from fear and distress: This is another big one for me. Your pets may be fearful of storms and fireworks — I get that — but they could also be fearful of you raising your voice or speaking harshly. They may show distress when you leave them. They may be afraid of other animals. They may be afraid of dark places or even stairs. Be a good observer and recognize what is happening when your dog is fearful or distressed. Some causes are easily remedied, while others will take time and professional guidance to alleviate the condition.
Careful, not cursory, commitment to the Five Freedoms will open an amazing relationship between you and your pets.
