24/05/2026
The Five Domains of Animal Welfare remind us that caring for dogs goes far beyond meeting their basic needs.
A dog’s mental wellbeing is shaped not just by physical health and good nutrition, but by the environment they live in and the behavioural interactions they experience every day… each domain plays a vital role in helping dogs thrive — not just survive.
Safe spaces, enrichment, positive human interaction, and opportunities to express natural behaviours, all play vital roles within the Five Domains of Animal Welfare.
That’s why reward-based training matters. Instead of relying on fear, force, or coercion, reward-based methods encourage dogs to participate willingly and confidently in the learning process. By giving dogs choice, predictability, and positive experiences, we support both their physical welfare and mental state.
Even in everyday interactions, choice and agency matter. When meeting strangers, protocols like Treat & Retreat allow dogs to approach at their own pace, helping them feel safe while building positive associations without pressure.
Training should build trust, strengthen communication, and help dogs feel safe in our world. When welfare is at the centre of our approach, learning becomes something dogs can enjoy.
Shoutout to our Principal Trainer Candy Lim-Soliano, and fellow panellists Dr Emmanuelle Titeux, Behaviour Medicine Specialist from and Marc Wong from The Positive Focus.
A big hats off to and for creating this heartwarming pet education event that transported us through the changing environmental landscape of Singapore from the kampongs in the 70s, through high-rise urban living since the 90s, and towards this era’s science-based approach to pet guardianship.
Thanks to everyone who dropped by to join us - and especially to + Ms Ginger for being our pawdel! 🤩
