Every dog needs certain things to happy, healthy and safe.
Meeting your animal’s basic needs is the foundation to good animal welfare, and having good animal welfare means your canine companion feels good.
It’s important to note that every dog has their own personal likes and dislikes. Learning what your canine companion enjoys, as well as helping them avoid things they find scary or unpleasant, is key to improving and maintaining your dog’s overall wellbeing.
Dogs that feel comfortable and happy are easier and safer to be around, both as members of our families and as a part of our wider communities.
1. Safety and Choice — the freedom to make choices like when to play, rest and relax, or spend some time alone.
2. Health and Comfort — dogs need fresh water, two meals a day, warmth in winter, shade in summer, and regular veterinary care.
3. Kind and Calm People — treat dogs gently and with kindness. Watch their body language to ensure you’re respecting their boundaries.
4. Good Company — dogs benefit from spending quality time with either their favourite people or with other friendly dogs.
5. Activity and Rest — let your dog chew, lick, sniff, and explore new objects and spaces every day. However, make sure they get adequate time to sleep, unwind, and recover.
A quiet space to rest without being interrupted or touched – Let your dog sleep without touching or waking them.
Sleep – Adult dogs need at least 14 hours of sleep a day. Puppies need even more: 16-20 hours! Dogs need to sleep during the day (4-6 hours) and overnight.
Routine – Feed, play, rest, exercise and sleep at the same times each day.
Kindness – Speak nicely to your dog. Don’t punish them by yelling or hitting when they make a mistake. Instead, show your dog what you want them to do and give them a treat when they try to do it.
Time to relax – Dogs feel calm when they chew or lick, so give them safe toys and treats. Let them sniff. Dogs sniff to learn and feel good.
Time with you and time alone – Dogs need to spend time with you every day. They also need quiet time alone. Let them walk away when they need a break.
To feel safe around other dogs (or avoid them if they don’t) – Some dogs like playing with other dogs. Others are scared of other dogs. Watch your dog and learn what they like. Don’t force them to be around other dogs if they don’t like it.
A safe home or yard – Check fences, gates and doors to make sure your dog can’t escape. Don’t tie up your dog or keep them in a crate too long.
For you to understand their body language – A dog’s body will tell you how it feels. Learn how they move their tail, ears, mouth and eyes to tell us, and other dogs, how they feel.
Not to be touched when they don’t feel like it – Some dogs love to be touched, others don’t. Learn what your dog likes. Don’t touch them if they are not asking to be touched.
If you need more personalised support, you’re not alone. RSPCA NSW is always here to help. Our behaviour helpline offers guidance and advice to support you and your dog. Please reach out via our contact us form here.
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