Experts Say Giving Pets More Choice Can Lead to Better Behavior

Content reviewed by Jennifer Sperry, DVM, Medical Director at IPG

In recent years, the concept of agency and choice in pets has gained significant traction, evolving from a mere trend into a fundamental aspect of modern pet care. This approach, grounded in animal behavior science, suggests that allowing our soulful sidekicks more control over their environment and daily routines can lead to improved well-being and stronger human-animal bonds. It's a shift that's changing the way we think about pet care.

What does “agency” mean to our pets?

When we talk about agency in the context of animal behavior, we're referring to an individual's capacity to make choices and exert control over their actions and environment. For our pets, this translates into having opportunities to make decisions about various aspects of their lives - from where they prefer to sleep to how they interact with their surroundings. It's about giving them a voice in their day-to-day experiences.

From an evolutionary standpoint, animals in the wild constantly make choices central to their survival. Domesticated pets, while safe from many of the dangers their wild counterparts face, still possess these innate decision-making abilities.

Providing opportunities for choice allows them to engage these natural instincts in a controlled, safe environment. It's like giving them a taste of their wild roots, with training wheels.

The science supports pet agency

Research has shown that animals given more control over their environment exhibit lower stress levels. This reduction in stress can manifest in various ways, including decreased cortisol levels and fewer stress-related behaviors such as excessive grooming or pacing. Essentially, we're helping our pets feel more at ease in their world.

Offering our pets more choices in their day to day lives provide them with increased mental stimulation, which can help prevent boredom and the destructive behaviors that often result from it. It's a form of environmental enrichment that keeps their minds active and engaged. Think of it as puzzle-solving for pets - it keeps them sharp and entertained.

Plus, when pets have more agency, they often become more active. This increased activity can lead to better physical health, helping to prevent obesity and related health issues. It's a win-win situation - they get to make choices, and those choices often lead to more movement and better fitness.

As more people live in urban environments with limited space, there's a growing awareness of the importance of both physical and mental pet wellness. Providing choices and agency has become a way to enrich the lives of dogs and cats who may have less physical space to explore, addressing the challenges of modern pet-keeping in creative ways.

It strengthens human-animal bonds, too

As we become more attuned to our pets' preferences and choices, we often develop a deeper understanding and stronger bond between human and animal. This improved relationship can result in more positive interactions and a more harmonious household. It's like learning a new language—the language of your pet's preferences.

Theory to practice: Bringing choice home

Now that we've explored the "why" behind pet agency, let's dive into the "how". Implementing choice in your pet's life doesn't require a complete overhaul of your home or routine. Instead, it's about making thoughtful adjustments that open a world of options for your soulful sidekick. Let's explore some practical strategies to transform your space into a choice-friendly environment.

Create choice-friendly spaces

• Provide multiple resting areas with different textures and elevations

• Offer various types of toys and rotate them regularly

• Create safe outdoor spaces where pets can explore freely

• If your dog’s behavior safely allows it, let them free roam indoors rather than securing them in a crate.

Empowering pets’ daily routines

• Allow pets to choose the pace, length, and direction of walks. Scent or “sniff walks” are a great way to practice dog-led strolls.

• Provide options for feeding times and locations

• Let pets initiate play and interaction when possible

Respecting social preferences

Give your pet the choice between interaction or solitude

• Allow them to approach new people or animals at their own pace

• Provide safe spaces where they can retreat if overwhelmed

• Try consent testing before forcing physical affection

As always, balance is key

While choice is important, it's still important to maintain balance and be mindful of your pet’s overall well-being. Dogs and cats still require structure and guidance and, in many cases, thrive with it!

The goal is to provide choices within a framework that ensures their safety and welfare. This might mean offering two or three good options rather than unlimited freedom. It's about finding that sweet spot between structure and autonomy.

One size doesn’t fit all

Not all pets will respond to increased choice in the same way. Factors such as age, breed, personality, and past experiences can influence how an animal reacts to having more agency. It's important to observe and adapt to your pet's individual needs and preferences.

For pets accustomed to a more controlled environment, introducing choice should be a gradual process. Sudden changes can be stressful, so it's important to introduce new options slowly and observe how your pet responds.

While increasing agency is beneficial, it should never come at the cost of safety. All choices offered should be within safe parameters for your pet. When in doubt, your veterinarian is an excellent resource and will likely be happy to offer advice.

From ownership to guardianship

The growing popularity of agency-focused pet care reflects a broader shift in how we view our relationship with animals. Increasingly, our culture is moving away from the concept of "ownership" over their dogs and cats towards a model of pet "guardianship" or even "pet parenting." This change in terminology reflects a bigger change in attitudes, where pets are seen less as property and more as sentient beings deserving of respect and autonomy.

Interestingly, this approach also echoes trends in human parenting. Just as many parents are moving towards more respectful, child-led approaches to raising their children, pet parents are applying similar principles to their animal companions.

And we can’t understate the role that advancements in animal behavior science have played in this cultural shift. As we learn more about animal cognition and emotions, it becomes harder to justify traditional, more restrictive pet care methods. This scientific understanding, combined with growing empathy for animals, has created a perfect storm for change in the pet care industry.

Happy pets, healthy pets

Ultimately, the move towards more empowered pet parenting reflects broader social trends towards respect for individual autonomy, mental health awareness, and a more nuanced understanding of relationships. It suggests a society that is becoming more attuned to the needs of all its members - human and animal alike.

By recognizing and respecting our pets' ability to make decisions, we not only improve their quality of life but also deepen our relationship with them. As research in this area continues to evolve, the principle of animal agency is likely to become an increasingly integral part of responsible pet parenthood. And that’s something we can all say ‘yes’ to!

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.