TulsaPets Magazine November 2021

36 TulsaPets • November/December 2021 TRAINING TIP The Five Freedoms By Mary Green CPDT-KA: Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed CDBC: Certified Dog Behavior Counselor CNWI: Certified Nose Work Instructor K9 Manners & More Broken Arrow, Oklahoma I n the community of animal welfare and sheltering, the Five Freedoms are often the tenets or guiding principles for the wel- fare of the animals in their care. We have come a long way in recognizing these freedoms as nec- essary to the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of animals in our care. At the zoos and aquariums, we see more appropriate habitats or enclosures, enrichment activities, and force-free han- dling and husbandry becoming the norm. Are you practicing the Five Freedoms with your pets? Freedom from hunger and thirst: This does not mean that you leave food accessible for them 24/7 – although water should be accessible with few exceptions. It does mean that your pets are fed quality food on a predictable schedule. Freedom from discomfort: This speaks to the physical areas in which your pets live. Crates, kennels and enclosures should be of adequate size so the pet can stretch, stand without ducking their head, turn around and be comfortable. Shelter from sun, wind and rain should always be available for any outside animals. Freedom from pain, injury and disease: Work with your veter- inarians to be sure that your pets are getting all they need. Does your senior pet need a joint supplement? Does your cat need something for hairballs? Do not forget about their teeth! Dental checkups are important in pets’ overall wellness. Sometimes a • Complete Veterinary Care • Surgery • Ultrasound • Geriatrics • Dentistry • Dental Radiography • Nutrition • Pharmacy • Cat-Friendly 3750 S. Peoria • Tulsa, OK 74105 • 918-748-4400 • www.riverbrookpetvet.com Lauren R. Davied, DVM / Jana K. Layton, DVM / Rachael E. Baldwin, DVM Where you and your pet are family. OKLAHOMAK9PT.COM (918) 609-2018 EXERCISE. STRETCHING. MASSAGE. Helping senior dogs DECREASE PAIN and IMPROVE MOBILITY with canine PT. The Five Freesdoms are: 1. Freedom from hunger and thirst 2. Freedom from discomfort 3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease 4. Freedom to express normal and natural behavior 5. Freedom from fear and distress