Dogs and their free will: give them their own space

Before domestication, dogs were animals that made a series of independent decisions. They had, and perhaps still have, a significant need for the right amount of freedom and the occasional opportunity to make decisions on their own in their lives.

Often, pet owners don’t consider that their dog needs freedom and space to move independently. In the case of an urban dog, essentially every decision is made by the owner, yet it is highly likely that most dogs crave a bit of independence. 

Choice of options

In reality, the urban dog ownership culture does not allow animals to have freedom. In smaller villages and towns, animals have much more space to express such desires, as they can move around more freely due to their environment. Fundamentally, an urban dog is restricted. Everything is controlled by the owner, even though it is indeed necessary for dogs to have their own independent decisions. According to Jill Beitel, owner and lead trainer at Courteous Canine, it is crucial to provide choices to the dog during the training process and to allow them to exercise their free will. This is a very important aspect of developmental processes.

Free will in the training of your dog

Most pet owners think of training as teaching the dog to follow commands and obey them in the future. Many places suggest that a dog will be obedient if you are the pack leader and control them. This theory is increasingly being challenged for good reason. For a dog to develop a healthy personality, a certain balance is also necessary. Just because you give your dog some freedom in making decisions does not mean they will dominate you.

The importance of choice

Through years of experience, Jill Beitel has realized that a very effective method in dog training is to offer the opportunity for free decision-making in certain situations. She believes that if you not only give commands but also view dogs as intelligent beings, they will understand the message you are conveying. This approach leads to much better results in training. It allows the dog to learn some degree of independence, which in turn fosters more complex thinking and personal development.

Why give your dog more freedom?

Jill provided an example from her own experience: for a long time, she did not allow her dogs to sniff around during walks, as she was always an advocate of purposeful, short-leash walking. Over the years, she realized how important this experience is for dogs, as exploration and satisfying their hunting instincts ultimately result in a much more balanced and happy dog. The freedom of make decisions increases trust, reduces stress, and elevates the relationship between dog and owner to a higher level.

Everyday practice

Next time, try taking your dog to a dog park instead of controlling the walk yourself. There, you can let your dog roam freely, run around, and sniff to their heart’s content. It’s beneficial to create small decision-making opportunities, such as presenting two toys and letting them choose which one they prefer. You can also give your dog choices regarding food or walking routes. According to experts, these practices will result in a much more balanced and happy dog.