The Five Freedoms

I have seen a lot of justification floating around for the use of certain aversive tools, such as electric collars, with claims that these tools allow a dog “freedom.” At first glance, it can seem like a worthy trade-off to use tools that rely on discomfort or fear of punishment to teach your dog to be safely off leash. After all, having the freedom to move and play off leash can have awesome benefits for a dog! However, it is important to look at what freedom means to an animal in the first place. Us humans tend to have lofty notions of what “true freedom” looks like. When it comes to our dogs, our minds tend to envision them zooming around open fields and hiking off leash, carefree through the woods. There has certainly been a surge in dog owners valuing off leash time, and more and more are seeking help to develop a strong recall with their pups. But while exploring off leash can be great mental and physical exercise for dogs, anyone who claims that no leash = freedom for your dog—regardless of using aversives to train off leash skills—misses the mark of what freedom actually means to an animal.

So, if you were a dog, what would freedom mean to you? The Five Freedoms are a cornerstone of welfare for any animal. They were originally created and popularized to ensure the welfare of farm animals and livestock, but these values have since been translated and applied into the keeping of any animal. Dogs do not perceive the concept of “freedom” the way that humans do, and they don’t have the complicated connotations we have come to associate the word with. However, dogs certainly perceive whether or not their needs are being met. The Five Freedoms are a great way to make sure your dog’s needs are fulfilled, and can help you prioritize your four-legged companion’s welfare. Let’s take a look:

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst

This one is pretty self explanatory. Your dog should always have access to appropriate nutrition and clean, fresh water. Good nutrition can come from a variety of commercial and home-cooked diets of different price points (the most expensive does not mean the most balanced!). Always discuss your dog’s diet with your veterinarian to ensure they are receiving proper nutrition to help them feel their best.

2. Freedom from Discomfort

Your dog should live in a comfortable and appropriate environment! Depending on your dog, this might mean a safe space he can retreat to such as a crate or designated room, his own spot on the couch, or a cozy bed in your living room. All dogs can benefit from their own space to decompress and relax. No matter how you decide to set up your dog’s comfortable environment, it should be safe from hazards such as small items he may ingest, toxic plants or foods, etc.

3. Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease

Preventative measures against pain, injury, and disease is the easiest way to ensure this freedom. Choose a vet that values Fear Free veterinary visits and works with you to build a wellness plan that suits you and your dog. Accidents and sudden illnesses do happen, even with preventative care, so making sure they have a good relationship with going to the vet is key! Many hospitals offer complimentary “happy visits” to habituate your dog to the staff and environment. A rapid response to any sign that your dog is feeling unwell will allow for quick diagnostics and a treatment plan to get him feeling better as soon as possible.

4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour

Here’s where that off leash freedom can come into play! Freedom of movement can be an outlet to allow your dog to express normal behaviour, and it can be offered in a variety of ways depending on your dog and your own comfortability. If you put the time and effort into building your recall skills through positive reinforcement-based training, you may enjoy exploring off leash trails together. Maybe you are more comfortable utilizing a fenced yard or even a long line—all of these options can provide the freedom of movement your dog craves. But normal behaviour extends beyond the freedom to move. Many normal behaviours—such as digging, barking, sniffing, rolling, scavenging, etc—are seen as “bad behaviour” to many dog owners. However, all of these things are species-appropriate within the right context. How can you offer your dog the freedom to express these behaviours while maintaining your sanity? Can you set up a dig zone in your backyard, play some scentwork games or go on a “sniffari,” hide treats around your house for your dog to seek out and scavenge? Mental enrichment is just as important as physical activity. Reach out to a certified dog professional if you are struggling with your dog’s natural behaviours!

5. Freedom from Fear and Distress

Your dog is depending on you to ensure their treatment avoids mental suffering. The way you interact with and foster your relationship with your dog has a massive effect on their overall health. Avoid training with punishment and tools which work through the use of pain, fear, and discomfort. Advocate for your dog if you notice they are fearful of a certain person, dog, or environment. Learning to read your dog’s body language is key to understanding how they are feeling. What does your dog look like when he is happy? What does your dog look like when he is fearful? A reward-based training plan can help build your dog’s confidence. Proper counter-conditioning/desensitization can change scary situations into pleasant experiences.

As you can see, freedom means much more than running around off leash. Using tools that rely on discomfort and fear to offer one freedom takes others away. The good news is, all of these freedoms are possible to achieve with a mix of proper husbandry, management, and positive reinforcement-based training. Keeping the Five Freedoms in mind will help you to achieve a happy, healthy, and fulfilled dog, ensuring lasting success between you and your furry best friend!