Dogs want to choose. And they have every right to.

More and more research shows that choice isn’t a luxury — it’s a biological need.

Animals — including dogs — cope better with stress, show more confidence, and stay more motivated when they have real control over their environment.

The problem?

Dogs are often stripped of that control.

In daily life, humans decide everything:

When to walk. Where to walk.

When to eat. When to rest.

When to pee. When to play.

Who they can meet — and who they can’t.

The dog just… complies.

That lack of agency can lead to frustration, tension, and a drop in emotional resilience.

But even simple choices matter:

Which way to go on a walk.

Which toy to play with.

Where to lie down.

Just having the option — even if they don’t use it — builds a sense of agency.

And agency is key to emotional well-being.

Giving your dog choices doesn’t mean chaos or giving up all control.

It means making space in everyday moments for your dog to “say” something — and be heard.

To make decisions about their own body and experience.

That doesn’t just support mental health.

It strengthens your bond — based on trust and mutual respect.

---

📚 Englund, M. D., & Cronin, K. A. (2023). Choice, control, and animal welfare: definitions and essential inquiries to advance animal welfare science. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1250251. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1250251