By Darcy Keehn and Colleen Akkerman

Article #5 of our series “Visions of Freedom through a Dog’s Eyes!” discusses the Fourth Freedom, that being Freedom to Express Normal Behavior.

In the Aquarian Age, our goal is to create a better world for all…and that includes every living thing. We can easily enrich environments for our companion dogs, giving them chances to engage in what is normal for them. If we sincerely love them, we can strive to do better!

What does the Freedom to Express Normal Behavior mean and how can we provide that?

Many people have their dogs stay in crates when they’re gone from home. With a normal eight-hour work day, that can mean the dog is in the crate for eight or more hours at a stretch. This makes adequate crate size extremely important.

In order for a dog to stretch their body fully while in the crate, correct crate size is determined by the measurement of the top of your dog’s head to the floor, and from the tip of your dog’s nose to its tail…then adding three or four inches more. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs, need one crate size larger to help them be able to breathe easier.

Puppies that are too young to go all day without relieving themselves, and older dogs who can’t make it all day without soiling their crate, are better off in a small ex-pen. One part of this pen should have potty pads, and the remaining area should contain clean bedding.

In regards to play areas, smaller breeds can be very happy in a house or apartment situation, as long as they have adequate space for running and jumping. Adding environmental enrichment equipment such as ramps, wobble disks, balls to chase, aerobic steps, etc. make life more interesting and encourages play.

Larger breeds also need enough space to also run, jump, dig, and play.

If your dog does not have a safe fenced area, taking them to a dog park or on regular walks is an alternative.

Dogs are instinctually pack animals, and it’s emotionally and physically healthier for them to have another dog living with them in their home. They need another dog buddy to be a dog with…to have someone at their level that they can cuddle, play with, and learn from. If you can only have one dog, play dates with other friendly dogs can be sufficient. However, each dog is unique, and some dogs may be happier as an “only” dog. Some dogs just don’t like other dogs.

Not providing an adequate outlet for normal instinctive behavior can lead to neurotic issues like pacing, self-mutilation, barking for hours, destruction of your home, or even biting.

Liberty: I can hardly wait for warmer weather so Darcy will take us to the field trial grounds to chase wild bunnies. I’m so excited!

Rio: It’s a good thing that we have a large fenced yard to chase each other around so we stay in shape.

Liberty: Do you think if I run fast enough, I could catch a bunny?

Rio: No, but it sure is fun trying. Darcy brings us here so we can use our excellent noses to tell her where the bunnies ran off to. She likes those big ribbons we win at the Field Trials.

Liberty: I love having the freedom of running through the brush searching for bunnies…and I love winning the big ribbons for Darcy cuz I know it makes her so happy.

Colleen, Darcy, and her Dachshunds are grateful for the opportunity to present this material in hopes that these ideas help you create a happier life for your dog.

Watch for our next column as the four of us explore Freedom from Fear and Distress, the last of the Five Freedoms for Animals.

As always, Woof Woof and Bye Bye!!!