Introducing Choice 

We control so much of our dogs environment, where they sleep, what they eat, when they have company, when they get outside, when they get inside. Finding ways to introduce choice into your dog’s day can be empowering for them, providing them with a sense of control in parts of their life which is important for mental health.

What to do

 Your dog’s walk is an easy way to start introducing choice. Next time you take your dog for a walk, pause as you leave the house/driveway. Take the opportunity to introduce choice to your dog by allowing them to decide which direction you turn. Initially they might look at you bamboozled but give them an opportunity to start sniffing and see which direction their nose takes them.

• Let your dog decide direction

• Let your dog decide where the walk takes them.

• Let your dog determine the pace. Resist the urge to move them on when you have decided they have sniffed the same blade of grass for long enough! 

 Behavioural benefits

• Building resilience – a sense of autonomy is important for building resilience, feeling like you can control outcomes for yourself is linked to ability to bounce back from challenges.

• Combat learned helplessness – showing your dog that they can have control over outcomes, helps confidence in trying new things.

• Time for sniffing – relaxing / brain work