Raising a puppy is a big responsibility, and we want to make sure they are happy and healthy. The Five Freedoms help us understand what our puppies need to live their best lives. Let's look at each freedom and how we can make it happen for our furry friends.
1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst
Puppies should always have fresh water to drink and enough good food to eat.
How We Do It:
Water: Make sure your puppy's water bowl is always full of clean water, near your puppy's food bowl.
Food: Feed them healthy species appropriate fresh food every day so they stay strong and happy. You can even give them treats sometimes, but not too many!
2. Freedom from Discomfort
What It Means: Puppies need a comfy place to live, with shelter and a cozy spot to rest.
How We Do It:
Shelter: Give your puppy a nice bed to sleep in and a safe place to stay, whether it's inside your home or a special climated shelter outside.
Comfort: Make sure their bed is soft and clean. Keep their living area at a comfortable temperature, not too hot or too cold.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease
What It Means: Puppies should be protected from getting hurt or sick, and if they do, they should get help quickly.
How We Do It:
Vet Visits: Take your puppy to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations.
Safety: Puppy-proof your home to keep them safe from dangerous things like sharp objects or toxic plants.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior
What It Means: Puppies should be able to do things that are natural for them, like playing and exploring.
How We Do It:
Playtime: Give your puppy toys and friends to play with and spend time playing with them every day.
Exercise: Take your puppy for walks and let them explore new places. Make sure they have enough space to run around and be active.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress
What It Means: Puppies should feel safe and not be scared or stressed.
How We Do It:
Calm Environment: Create a peaceful home environment with minimal loud noises and stress.
- Do No Harm Training: Use gentle, reward-based training methods to build trust and confidence. Avoid yelling or punishing your puppy.
Let's Make Our Puppies Happy!
By following these Five Freedoms, we can make sure our puppies grow up healthy, happy, and well-adjusted. Remember, raising a puppy is a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun. Enjoy every moment with your furry friend and give them the best life possible!
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4810049/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_freedoms
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/an_animal_welfare_history_lesson_on_the_five_freedoms
https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/upload/images/aspca_asv_five_freedoms_final1.ashx_.pdf