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...

Join the pet blogging community in supporting reward-based training of dogs, cats, and other companion animals. #Train4Rewards Are you a blogger? Do you support reward-based training for dogs and other animals? Would you like to take part in the #Train4Rewards blog party? You are invited to write a blog post about reward-based training of dogs or other companion animals, post it on your own blog on the set date, then come and share a link to it here. Bloggers from anywhere in the world are invited to take part. In the past, posts have covered the training of dogs, cats, horses and pigs. Posts on the training of rats, mice, ferrets, rabbits, and fish are all welcome too. Read on to find out more. If you are not a blogger but still want to take part, you can do so by reading and sharing the posts, and sharing a photo of your own pet on social media on 16th June with the hashtag #Train4Rewards. Here is how bloggers can take part. On Thursday 14th or Friday 15th June: 1. Publish a post on ...