The Five Freedoms for Raising a Happy Puppy
Infographic illustrating the Five Freedoms for Animals with a central image of a dog. The Five Freedoms include Freedom from Hunger and Thirst, Freedom from Discomfort, Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease, Freedom to Express Normal Behavior, and Freedom from Fear and Distress. Additional text provides background information on the Five Freedoms, which were developed by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1965 and adapted by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Website URLs holisticdogtraining.org and muttsmischief.com are included.
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
Cane Corso eating fresh, nutritious food from a ceramic bowl, showcasing healthy feeding practices for large dog breeds
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
Fife dogs of various breeds resting comfortably in their individual beds inside a cozy room, showcasing a calm and comfortable indoor environment for pets.
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
Large Mastiff dog being examined by two veterinarians in a clinic, demonstrating routine veterinary care for large dog breeds.
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
Two dogs joyfully running together in an open field, showcasing playful behavior and outdoor exercise for dogs.
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
Family relaxing on the couch with their dog, highlighting the bond between pets and families in a comfortable home environment.
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