Helping Your Dog Thrive–Brambell’s Five Freedoms
By Don Hanson, PCBC-A, BFRAP
< A version of this article was first published in 2018 as a five-part series in the January, February, March, April, and May 2018 issues of Downeast Dog News >
< Updated 2024-12-29 >
< A short link for this page – https://forcefreepets.com/brambells-five-freedoms >
We are responsible for making our dog’s life the best it can be. Your dog’s quality of life is directly under your control, not theirs. It is all your responsibility, and it is no small task.
In this post, I will discuss Brambell’s Five Freedoms and how you can use them to help your dog have a long, fun-filled life. I will examine the role of nutrition, basic husbandry, veterinary care, training, behavior, and dog management, as they all affect the quality of your dog’s life.
Brambell’s Five Freedoms originated in the United Kingdom in December of 1965. The Brambell Commission published its report almost 60 years ago, yet it is still a very applicable standard for evaluating the holistic health of any animal, including dogs.
The Five Freedoms are Freedom from Hunger and Thirst, Freedom from Discomfort, Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease, Freedom to Express Normal Behavior, and Freedom from Fear and Distress.
Fundamental to assessing an animal’s welfare is having a thorough knowledge of a species’ husbandry requirements, behavior, and how they communicate and express emotions. I invite you to consider some of the questions I will pose in this article and contemplate how you would address them within Brambell’s Five Freedoms as you care for your dog.
Freedom from Hunger, Thirst, and Malnutrition
So, if you provide your dog with food and water, have you met its needs? Unfortunately, not.
Does the type of food we feed our dog matter? The dog has the digestive system of a carnivore, an animal meant to thrive on meat, animal protein, and fat. Therefore, food comprised mainly of animal protein and fat is biologically appropriate for a dog. When you feed your dog kibble or dry dog food, they consume food predominantly made up of carbohydrates. This highly processed “far from fresh food” comprises 40% or more carbohydrates. The dog does not need carbohydrates in their diet. That is why you will not find the percent of carbohydrates listed in the Guaranteed Analysis panel on a bag of dog food. Kibble or dry dog food was not created to provide optimum nutrition for our dogs but to provide convenience for us, a long shelf life, and higher profits for pet food manufacturers. Dogs can survive on kibble, but my concern is they cannot thrive on such an unnatural diet.
In good conscience, can we say that our dog is free from hunger, thirst, and malnutrition if we feed them a sub-optimal diet? Feeding dog food that will provide them with the best nutrition possible is not inexpensive, at least when compared to grocery store kibble. However, when we start to factor in reduced veterinary bills with an improved diet, we may be further ahead when we feed the best food we can afford.
FMI – What Do I Feed My Dog and Why Do I Feed What I Do – https://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2020/12/11/what-i-feed-my-dog-and-why-i-feed-what-i-do/
Is it better to have one pet and feed her the best diet you can afford, or is it better to have multiple pets for social interaction? My wife and I have asked ourselves this question and have downsized from a maximum of five dogs to one dog. We want to do our best for Muppy, and having a single dog allows us to focus more time and financial resources on her.
What about pets on prescription diets? Sometimes, a veterinarian may recommend a prescription, veterinary, or therapeutic diet for your dog that you can only get from a veterinarian. These specialized foods are typically available in a kibble or wet (canned) formula. Prescription diets are promoted as being able to cure a specific disease or health issue; however, that has never been proven in an independent, peer-reviewed trial. Prescription diets are not the same as prescription medications. They are often much more expensive than basic kibble, but they will still be high in carbohydrates because they are kibble. Veterinarians who take a holistic approach to nutrition will seldom recommend kibble-based prescription diets, preferring to suggest a fresh, whole-food diet. Again, it comes down to choosing between optimal nutrition and our convenience. Which takes precedence?
FMI – Prescription & Veterinary Diets–Are They Medicine?, Are They Worth the Added Cost? – https://forcefreepets.com/prescription-veterinary-diets-are-they-medicine-are-they-worth-the-added-cost/
What about pet obesity? The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) reported that in the U.S., 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were classified as overweight or obese in 2022. In 2023, veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker reported, “Obesity continues to be the greatest health threat to pets, in that it kills millions prematurely, creates immense pain and suffering, and costs tens of millions of dollars in avoidable veterinary expenses.”
Obesity is typically due to overfeeding, an improper diet, and lack of exercise. Just as with humans, obesity will affect a dog’s health and welfare. It can tax your dog’s skeletal system and can even change behavior. How much of the obesity problem with our dogs is related to our feeding them diets high in carbohydrates, something they do not need?
FMI – Please, Don’t Let Your Pet Suffer– Watch Their Weight – https://forcefreepets.com/pet-obesity-is-a-major-health-issue-for-our-pets-please-do-what-you-can-to-help/
Does the source of water you use matter? If you do not choose to drink water from your tap, should your dog? Should they at least be given a choice? Dogs evolved to get most of the water they needed from the food they would naturally eat, small, live rodents. Dogs fed dry kibble are in danger of chronic dehydration.
FMI – Our Pets Most Important Nutrient – Water – https://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2022/02/23/our-pets-most-important-nutrient-water/
Freedom from Discomfort
Discomfort: an inconvenience, distress, or mild pain, something that disturbs or deprives of ease, to make uncomfortable or uneasy. – Collins English Dictionary
Many things in our dog’s life may cause pain or anxiety. This may vary in individual dogs depending on their genetics, temperament, anatomy, size, age, and other variables.
Are you familiar with how your dog expresses discomfort so that you recognize when your dog is anxious and afraid? – Dogs often indicate stress by various changes in their body language, often called calming or displacement signals. Signs such as looking away, yawning, and tongue flicks will typically occur before signals such as growling or snapping. To keep your dog comfortable, you must know how they indicate discomfort. Just because a dog is not reacting does not mean they are comfortable. Most people have not been taught how dogs communicate, yet it is one of the most important things they need to know.
FMI – Resources on Canine Body Language & Communication – https://forcefreepets.com/resources-on-canine-body-language-communication/
Is your dog’s environment free from things that may cause anxiety, stress, and pain? This will vary with the individual dog. Common causes of anxiety can include children, adults, other animals, objects, loud noises, having their picture taken, having their nails trimmed, being hugged, wearing a costume, and many more. One of the easiest ways to avoid these issues is to spend time thoughtfully socializing and habituating your puppy to novel stimuli during their critical socialization period, which occurs between 8 and 16 weeks of age but in some dogs may end as early as 12 weeks of age. However, even a well-socialized dog may find things we perceive as “safe”, uncomfortable. The dog’s perception takes precedence.
FMI – Puppy Essentials 101- Body Language & Socialization – https://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2021/07/11/puppy-essentials-101-body-language-socialization/
FMI – Book Reviews – Knowledge to Enrich the Life of You and Your Dog – The Best Dog Books of 2021 – https://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2021/11/28/book-reviews-knowledge-to-enrich-the-life-of-you-and-your-dog-the-best-dog-books-of-2021/
If your dog was older than 16 weeks of age when they joined your family, it is likely that they were not adequately or appropriately socialized. Remedial socialization is possible with an older dog, but planning such sessions carefully and proceeding slowly is even more essential. In this case, consulting with a professional fear-free, force-free, pain-free trainer is highly recommended.
FMI – What to Look for When Choosing a Dog Trainer – https://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/01/08/what-to-look-for-when-choosing-a-dog-trainer/
Have you trained your dog? When a dog joins a family, many expect them to automatically fit in, even though dogs and humans are very different species with different cultural norms. We must teach our dogs how to live in our world, which can best be accomplished through reward-based training. Failing to train our dogs and help them get comfortable in our home will almost certainly cause discomfort for them and us. This requires teaching your dog and, even more importantly, educating yourself and other family members about your dog’s needs, how they express emotions, how they communicate, and the best way to teach them.
Training must NEVER be about discipline and blind obedience. It is about ensuring your dog always feels safe and focusing on patience, kindness, and rewards for desired behavior.
FMI – What Is Dog Training? – https://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/02/05/what-is-dog-training/
Are you committed to NEVER using aversives to manage or train your dog? If you are using an aversive (shock collar, choke collar, prong collar, leash corrections, or anything designed to physically or emotionally punish) to train or manage your dog, you are making your dog uncomfortable. The very definition of an aversive is to cause discomfort, possibly up to the point of causing physical or emotional pain. Dogs trained in this manner are unlikely to be happy and more likely to become aggressive.
FMI – How What I’ve Learned in 33 Years Has Changed My Approach to Canine Behavior, Training, and Ethics – https://forcefreepets.com/eaaa-fffb-presentation-2024-03-19/
Does your dog have shelter from the elements, especially extremes of temperature, wind, and precipitation? This one seems straightforward, yet every year, dogs are left out in dangerous weather and die because of weather extremes.
FMI – Summer & Hot Weather Pet Care Tips – https://forcefreepets.com/summer-hot-weather-pet-care-tips/
FMI – Winter Weather Tips for Pets – https://forcefreepets.com/winter-weather-tips-for-pets/
Does your dog have a quiet, comfortable place where they can rest undisturbed and where they will feel safe? Dogs, like people, need downtime and a place to feel secure and safe to get adequate rest. People, especially children, must respect the adage “Let sleeping dogs lie.”
If you have multiple pets, does each pet have adequate resources? Many people have multiple pets. Do the pets enjoy each other, or is there frequent conflict? Are there sufficient resources (food, space, and attention) for all the pets? If your dog feels they do not have what they need to survive, or if they feel threatened or intimidated by another pet in your home, they are not free of discomfort.
Do you maintain your dog’s physical condition so they do not experience discomfort? – Fifty-nine percent of the dogs in the US are clinically obese. Just as with people, obesity often causes pain and discomfort. Many dogs with long coats require weekly grooming by us to prevent their coats from becoming tangled, matted, and uncomfortable.
Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease
In many ways, Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease is directly related to the previous topic, Freedom from Discomfort, as pain, injury, and disease are often the cause of extreme discomfort.
Regular and as-needed veterinary care goes a long way toward meeting this freedom, but breeding also plays a huge role, as does how we respond when a dog is injured or ill. Mental health disorders need to be considered along with physical illness.
Are you familiar with how your dog expresses discomfort so that you recognize when your dog is in pain? –Dogs can be very stoic about hiding their pain. Signs of pain may include agitation, anti-social and aggressive behavior, changes in eating, drinking, and bathroom habits, non-typical vocalization, excessive self-grooming, panting and non-typical breathing patterns, trembling, difficulty moving, changes in posture, restlessness, and anxiety. It is essential to thoroughly understand the many subtle signals our dogs use to indicate that they are under stress or anxious. Just because a dog is not reacting does not mean they are pain-free.
Is your dog a working dog, or do they compete in dog sports? More physically active dogs have a higher probability of injury than the average pet. Just like that for an athlete, appropriate physical training may be beneficial. Also, adequate time off from work and sports can be critical if the dog is injured. Depending on the injury, retirement from the activity may be the best decision. Working and competing can negatively affect mental health just as much as it can cause physical problems. If your dog does not enjoy work or sports, it is not fair to them to force them to do so.
Are your dog’s pain and injury being adequately addressed? Sadly, I remember a time when dogs were not given pain medication because it was believed they did not need it. However, today, we must ask ourselves: Are painkillers enough? Physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and acupuncture can be beneficial in alleviating pain in people and pets and should be considered.
Does your dog see their veterinarian for regular wellness exams? – Dogs are subject to chronic diseases such as anxiety, arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, periodontal disease, and more. Early diagnosis and treatment of disease help prevent pain and discomfort. Every dog should see their veterinarian at least once a year for a wellness exam, and as they age, this may need to be more frequent. Behavior and mental health should be discussed at every exam.
Is your dog obese? Just as with humans, fifty-nine percent or more of the dogs in the US are overweight. A dog that is obese is more subject to injury, pain, and disease. If your dog is a little chubby or profoundly corpulent, please see your veterinarian and learn how you can address this issue. Your dog will thank you.
FMI – Please, Don’t Let Your Pet Suffer– Watch Their Weight – https://forcefreepets.com/pet-obesity-is-a-major-health-issue-for-our-pets-please-do-what-you-can-to-help/
What is our responsibility when breeding pets? Because of their breed standard, some dogs are intentionally bred for physical characteristics that often affect their ability to breathe, move, and even give birth naturally. How does this benefit the pet? Would it not be more appropriate to breed to eliminate these exaggerated physical deformities that affect soundness and health? Would it not be better for dogs if people seeking a pet avoided these breeds?
Are you doing all that you can to prevent and avoid genetic disorders? Most purebred dogs are susceptible to one or more genetic disorders. Are breeders doing everything that should be done to eliminate these diseases and create healthier pets? When considering what breed to get, avoid breeds prone to genetic disorders.
Are you as concerned about your dog’s mental and emotional health as you are about their physical health? Animals can experience mental diseases and disorders (anxieties, phobias, dementia) just like humans. How do we reconcile that the treatments of behavioral issues are often not considered as necessary as physical disorders? Is it appropriate to breed a dog for behavioral traits that might be regarded as an asset for a dog who works or competes but might negatively affect a dog’s ability to thrive as a companion dog?
FMI – Pets, Emotions, & Anthropomorphism – https://forcefreepets.com/pets-emotions-anthropomorphism/
Do you use tools and methods for training, management, and caring for your dog that are designed to work by causing pain and discomfort? – Aversives (shock collar, choke collar, prong collar, leash corrections, etc.) are used to physically or emotionally punish a dog. Dogs trained in this manner are unlikely to be happy and more likely to become aggressive. That is why these pet care professional organizations explicitly state that tools and methods used to cause pain or fear MUST NEVER be used.
American Animal Hospital Association (AHHA) – 2015 Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines – https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/behavior-management/behavior-management-home/
American Society of Veterinary Behavior – Humane Dog Training Position Statement – https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf
The Pet Professional Guild – Guiding Principles – https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/join-ppg/principles-conduct/guiding-principles/
Freedom to Express Normal Behavior
When discussing what constitutes normal behavior, I mean behavior for the dog as a species, not what we humans believe should be “normal” behavior for our dog. As much as we might want to, we cannot dictate what is normal or abnormal for a species.
In our classes, I ask students to list what behaviors they dislike in their dog. The list almost always includes barking, begging, chasing, chewing, not coming when called, digging, eating “yuck,” getting on furniture or in the trash, growling, guarding things, humping and mounting, jumping on people, not listening, play biting, pulling on the leash, rolling in “yuck,” sniffing butts, stealing, being stubborn, and going to the bathroom inside. After reviewing the list, students learned that almost everything they had listed was normal behavior for a dog.
One of the easiest ways to create behavior problems in any animal is to deny them the opportunity to express normal behaviors. Caged animals in a zoo that pace back and forth exhibit stereotypical behavior caused by stress because they cannot do what they usually do. So, even though we find some of our dogs’ typical behaviors undesirable, we need to find ways to allow them to express these behaviors so as not to compromise their mental and emotional well-being.
Below are some questions you can ask yourself to assess whether you are adequately meeting your dog’s behavioral needs.
Do your dogs have an adequate and safe space to run, explore, and express normal behaviors? Do you provide your dog with an opportunity to do so regularly? Dogs like and need to sniff and explore. You can do this in your yard, at home, or on a walk. When you take your dog for a walk, do you allow them adequate time to sniff, or do you expect your dog to heel by your side during the entire walk? Walking the dog is very overrated as physical stimulation but can be great for mental stimulation if you allow time for exploration and sniffing.
Is the environment in which your dog lives suitably enriched so that it stimulates your dog’s mind? Mental stimulation is one of the things people often neglect, yet it is very easy to provide. Instead of constantly feeding your dog in a bowl, feed them in a Kong or several toys you hide throughout your home. Having to search to find their food and then work to get it out of a Kong is excellent mental stimulation. Walking a different route daily also provides mental stimulation; however, NEVER FORGET for your dog; the joy of walking is frequent stops to sniff and explore.
Does your dog receive sufficient interaction with family members to establish a bond and to provide ongoing emotional enrichment? Most of us get a dog to be a companion. We must provide companionship to the dog and not just expect them to be there for us when we want company from them. Like any relationship, the dog and the person are equal partners.
Are you always there for your dog when you come home from a disaster of a day? Some would argue that dogs offer “unconditional love,” so our role in the relationship does not matter. Really? The idea that a dog offers “unconditional love” is a beautiful myth. However, believing that myth is a great disservice to dogs because it sets them up to fail and allows us to presume that they will always be okay with whatever we do. Dogs want and need more from us than our love when we can offer it. Take time to cuddle, play, and do whatever you and your dog enjoy doing together.
Does your dog have canine friends? No matter how incredible our bond is with our dog, from their perspective, in most cases, we will never be another dog. Having appropriate doggie friends can be just as important for our dog’s social life as having human friends, which is vital to us. However, it is essential to make sure that your dog’s friends are well-matched so that they enjoy one another’s company.
Dogs do not automatically like all other dogs and, in some cases, may prefer to live without canine companions. We need to accept that as well.
Do you allow your dog to decline to participate in events they find stressful? Dogs often tell us with their body language, their usual way of communicating when uncomfortable. Can you read your dog, and when you see these signs, do you respect them? Just because we want our dogs to be therapy dogs and they can pass the test, is it okay to use them in that role if they do not enjoy it? Is it okay to take your dog to large gatherings of people if they do not enjoy it?
FMI – Mental Health – Does Your Dog Enjoy Public Events, or Would They Rather Stay Home? – https://forcefreepets.com/mental-health-does-your-dog-enjoy-public-events-or-would-they-rather-stay-home/
FMI – Mental Health – Respecting Personal Space & How to Interact with a Dog – https://forcefreepets.com/mental-health-respecting-personal-space-how-to-interact-with-a-dog/
FMI – How Would You Like It? – Things We Do to Dogs That Make Them Uncomfortable – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G775ppK3VEM
Freedom from Fear and Distress
I will readdress some of the same topics from Freedom from Discomfort, as fear and distress are an extension of discomfort, especially when considering our dog’s emotional state.
No psychologically healthy human would intentionally cause their pet fear or distress. However, a lack of knowledge or incorrect information about animal behavior often causes anxiety and distress in dogs.
Experiencing fear and distress is normal for any living thing throughout its life. However, since one fearful event can be traumatic enough to create a permanent and debilitating disability, it is essential we understand fear and distress and that we do everything possible to minimize its effect on our dog.
Can you readily tell when your dog is fearful or stressed? Dogs typically do one of four things when afraid. 1) They flee and run away from whatever has scared them as fast as possible. 2) They fight by barking, growling, lunging at, and attacking whatever has threatened them. 3) They freeze in place, not moving a muscle and not making eye contact with what they fear. 4) They fidget about, displaying normal behaviors (sniffing, scratching, etc.) in an abnormal context while ignoring the threat. These four are the most extreme reactions, but well before your dog exhibits any of those behaviors, they will give you subtle signs of emotional distress. It is essential that you know and understand these signs so that you can intervene early. Unfortunately, when many dog parents see their dog freezing or fidgeting about, they say, “Oh, he’s fine,” not understanding that the dog is, in fact, extremely distressed.
FMI – Resources on Canine Body Language & Communication – https://forcefreepets.com/resources-on-canine-body-language-communication/
FMI – Understanding, Identifying, and Coping with Canine Stress – coming soon
Have you and your family committed to NEVER using aversives to manage or train your dog? An aversive is anything that causes your pet fear or distress, so if you use these tools or methods, you are NOT ensuring your dog is free from fear or distress.
Aversives (shock collar, choke collar, prong collar, leash corrections, etc. ) are used to physically or emotionally punish a dog. Dogs trained in this manner are unlikely to be happy and are much more likely to become aggressive. That is why these pet care professional organizations listed below explicitly state that tools and methods used to cause pain or fear MUST NEVER be used.
American Animal Hospital Association (AHHA) – 2015 Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines – https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/behavior-management/behavior-management-home/
American Society of Veterinary Behavior – Humane Dog Training Position Statement – https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf
The Pet Professional Guild – Guiding Principles – https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/join-ppg/principles-conduct/guiding-principles/
Was your puppy well socialized? Early socialization and habituation are key to freedom from fear and distress, as is ongoing socialization and enrichment throughout a dog’s life. Inadequate socialization or inappropriate socialization is a frequent reason for a dog to be fearful in certain situations. Remedial socialization is possible, but you should work with a reward-based, fear-free trainer to avoid making things worse.
FMI – Puppy Essentials 101- Body Language & Socialization – https://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2021/07/11/puppy-essentials-101-body-language-socialization/
FMI – Book Reviews – Knowledge to Enrich the Life of You and Your Dog – The Best Dog Books of 2021 – https://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2021/11/28/book-reviews-knowledge-to-enrich-the-life-of-you-and-your-dog-the-best-dog-books-of-2021/
FMI – What to Look for When Choosing a Dog Trainer – https://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/01/08/what-to-look-for-when-choosing-a-dog-trainer/
Do you actively look out for your dog’s best interests so that you can protect them from people who do NOT understand canine body language? Most people do not realize that not all dogs want to interact with people, nor do those people comprehend the subtle signs that a dog gives that say, “Please leave me alone.” Most dogs do not want to bite but only do so when they feel they have no other option. As our dog’s caregiver, we are responsible for looking out for our dog’s welfare, which means intervening when others do not respect our dog’s right not to interact. We must also understand that sometimes, the best thing we can do for our dogs is leave them at home. Not all dogs enjoy sitting in the car in a crowded parking lot or walking in the animal shelter’s annual fundraiser.
FMI – Mental Health – Does Your Dog Enjoy Public Events, or Would They Rather Stay Home? – https://forcefreepets.com/mental-health-does-your-dog-enjoy-public-events-or-would-they-rather-stay-home/
FMI – Mental Health – Respecting Personal Space & How to Interact with a Dog – https://forcefreepets.com/mental-health-respecting-personal-space-how-to-interact-with-a-dog/
FMI – How Would You Like It? – Things We Do to Dogs That Make Them Uncomfortable – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G775ppK3VEM
Do you understand the necessity of providing physical and mental stimulation for your dog while not letting either go to extremes? A lack of adequate physical and mental stimulation can cause a pet to be distressed. However, too much stimulation and exercise can also be even more detrimental, creating a state of chronic stress. Playing fetch or going to the dog park every day can become addictive, causing chemical changes in the brain, which can contribute to distress and other behavior problems.
FMI – Understanding, Identifying, and Coping with Canine Stress – coming soon
Do you understand that while dogs are a social species, they may not like every dog they encounter, even ones you may want to add to your family? While the domestic dog is considered a social animal, some are more social than others. Dogs do not automatically like one another. If we force a dog to live with another pet they are afraid of, we are causing fear and distress.
When we bring a dog into our lives, we commit to meeting their needs and giving them the best life possible for as long as they live. If we are very lucky that might be over twenty years. Please take the time to understand Brambell’s Five Freedoms, and don’t let your dog down.