Blogspot - Companion Animal Psychology

The five freedoms of animal welfare, the one most people miss, and what it means for pet owners. Photo: Bad Monkey Photography When you get a new puppy or kitten, no one tells you your new pet has five main welfare needs that need to be met. But maybe they should, because they provide a framework for how we should care for dogs , cats , and other pets. Read on to find out what they are, how many pet owners know them, and why they matter to you. The Five Freedoms The Five Freedoms were originally defined by the UK’s Farm Animal Welfare Council in the 1960s, and subsequently updated. They are now understood to apply to the welfare of all animals, not just livestock. The Five Freedoms are: Freedom from hunger and thirst, by ready access to water and a diet to maintain health and vigour.  Freedom from discomfort, by providing an appropriate environment.  Freedom from pain, injury and disease, by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.  Freedom to express normal behaviou...

A couple of news items: new post at Psychology Today, new article in press at the Journal of Veterinary Behavior. I have a new blog post at Psychology Today called Animal-Assisted Therapy: The Guinea Pigs' Perspective . It's about a new study by Gut et al that looked at the behavioural response of guinea pigs in animal-assisted therapy sessions with and without the option of retreat. There are implications not just for animal-assisted therapy but also for anyone with pet guinea pigs. Photo: 12071/Pixabay In case you missed it, in February I had a post on Choosing Dogs that can Breathe . I also have a paper in press at the Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Barriers to the adoption of humane dog training methods . Temporary free access is available at this link. Photo: Ksenia Raykova/Shutterstock