09/06/2025
Are you really aware of what your dog actually needs⁉️ .. We have seen a lot of misconceptions surrounding this topic! 😵💫
We hear it all the time from owners, foster, shelters/rescues, I give my dog food, water, a place to sleep, vet visits, and a yard. But it's not enough for most dogs. – So, what else do they need? 🤔 I'm going to use the Hierarchy of Needs pyramid to talk about this!
With The Hierarchy of Dog Needs® By Linda Michaels, we can identify the following biological needs:
* Physical safety
* Proper nutrition
* Access to clean water
* Sufficient exercise tailored to the individual
* Clean air
* Adequate sleep
* Indoor shelter
* Temperature regulation
* Grooming
* Veterinary care
The second tier involves emotional needs, including:
* Emotional safety
* Trust
* Consistency
* Love and affection
* Environmental enrichment
* Exposure to novelty
Third tier of the pyramid: Social needs:
Secure attachment
Bonding with people
Bonding with dogs
Play
The fourth tier of the pyramid focuses on meeting training needs, specifically including:
* Management
* Learning
Top tier of the pyramid: Cognitive needs:
* Choice
*Consent
*Problem solving
✨️Let's take a look at the appearance and behavior of a dog when all of its needs are met, in contrast to when those needs are not met.
This example is a 2-year-old German Shepherd working line.
He was provided with a house, food, water, neutering, up-to-date shots, and a fenced-in yard to run in.
He quickly became bitey and reactive towards other dogs. Not sure what to do or what caused the behavioral problems, she lacked the needed resources to help him, so she ultimately decided to rehome him.
When he arrived in his new home, his new owner worked diligently to help ensure all his needs were met. He bought him high-quality food, specific probiotics, and enrichment activities. He also got him groomed and started working on play and bonding with him and his other dog.
Once secure bonds were made with him and the German Shepherd and with his other dog, he then hired a trainer to help him learn and heal from his behavioral problems.
After about 7 months of committing to a new lifestyle for his new companion, he began to thrive. His hot spots went away, his anxiety went down, he no longer reacted to other dogs– and was no longer bitey!!!
Interesting how that works!!!
~Ashley~
https://www.donoharmdogtraining.com/hierarchy-of-dog-needs-presentation
Ashley : [email protected]
Mike: [email protected]
Www.hacklesandhidek9.c
