Pets, Family or Something Else?
By Rebecca Hanlon.
How often are dogs allowed to be dogs? Do we really understand the species as much as we think we do? Our dogs are captive animals. It’s not a nice way to think of them, but when you think of the actual freedoms they have it makes us realise how true this statement is. They are also owned. Allowing them few more rights than a kitchen table or a TV in the eyes of many laws in the western world.
We choose when they go out. Their movements are restricted by doors, crates, fences, and gates. They are tethered with the use of leads, long lines, ropes and sometimes chains. They eat what we choose to give them, they eat when we decide it’s time. They get to see their friends when we have time to allow them. They get to walk, forage and run when we decide they can. Some don’t get to make friends at all. They often get touched without consent or don’t get touched when they need it. They sleep where we choose, live where we choose, play when we choose. Even their sexual lives are controlled by us.
And yet, we are still constantly trying to find new ways to control them. Getting annoyed or upset when they present normal canine behaviours. Chewing, jumping, growling, humping, foraging, sniffing, digging, barking. This is why I like to think of my role, not as an owner but a guardian, an advocate, a family member. We all need boundaries, clear communication and predictability to make us feel safe. But we also need choice, freedom, autonomy, empathy, confidence and to feel empowered and happy.
Our dogs feel, think, get depressed, feel frustrated, excited, scared, just as we do. Many often wonder why their dogs are behaving in ways they don’t like. Raiding bins, barking, chewing sofas, not listening. I often wonder how they have adapted so well in our world. How do they put up with us? With all our rules and restrictions that are totally humancentric. We see dogs that have had appalling lives still learning to live in such a human world. Their behaviours that we deem to be bad never surprise me. Their ability to adapt, live with us and provide us with so much happiness that I am in constant awe of.
There are so many simple things that we can do to support our dog’s mental wellbeing. Allowing them to choose which way to walk on their walks. Allowing them to sniff the urine and feces of other animals (it’s a very natural and important part of who they are and how they gather information). Making their food more exciting. If you feed dry food, then look at adding fresh to their bowls. Think of different textures and tastes. Lower your expectations of them, recognise that many of their ‘annoying’ habits are normal species behaviours. Learn their language, listen to them and be their advocate. You have many people in your world that add to your richness of life. They just have you.
Rebecca, a Level 6 Canine Behaviour Practitioner with 30 years of experience, embraces a holistic approach to mental and physical health. Her interests span herbalism, behaviour, and gut health. Rebecca’s dedication to a whole-health approach makes her an invaluable for those seeking to nurture and understand the mental and physical health of their dogs. Click here to learn more about Rebecca.
