Dog Owners Advised to Spend 3 Hours Daily with Pets, But It’s Quality That Counts

Officials in the ACT have unveiled proposed regulations aimed at ensuring the welfare of dogs. A notable provision that has garnered interest is a guideline mandating that all dogs receive at least three hours of human interaction each day. The intent of this code is to encourage that dog owners spend time meaningfully with their pets, helping them fulfill their responsibilities under the current animal welfare legislation in the ACT.

This legislation acknowledges dogs as sentient beings—capable of experiencing both pleasure and pain—and emphasizes that these emotions matter deeply.

If we acknowledge that dogs possess sentience, we must consider their well-being and how to ensure they have the best possible life. Therefore, does three hours of human interaction assure a quality life? Three hours within a 24-hour timeframe is likely feasible for numerous individuals, especially when you account for walks, petting, feeding, and some companionship at home.

However, I believe that simply requiring a specific number of hours is not the solution. The most important factor is how you engage with your dog to address their unique emotional and physical needs – as well as the duration for which you leave them unattended.

Human contact is a good thing for dogs

Countries globally are increasingly recognizing the needs of dogs. In Germany, legislation mandates that owners must walk their dogs twice daily for a minimum of one hour each time. Swedish regulations state that “dogs must have their social interaction needs met.” Dogs are descendants of the grey wolf – a species that would undoubtedly struggle to assimilate into a human community.

Over the course of thousands of years, humans have intentionally bred dogs to desire and rely on human interaction. We have genetically influenced dogs to seek our company, which has regrettably resulted in many struggling to handle solitude. The new draft code from the ACT acknowledges this, stating that “dogs are social creatures and should not be left alone for extended durations.”

An estimated 14–29 per cent of dogs have problems related to separation from their owners.

Signs of separation-related problems may include:

1) barking
2) escaping
3) destructive digging
4) destructive chewing.

Other problems for inactive dogs might include being overweight, feeling bored or even getting depressed.

Quality time matters most

The quality of time we spend with our dogs is probably more significant than the amount of time. Some dogs enjoy lounging on the sofa while binge-watching the latest series with you. Others may favor extended walks or an intense game of fetch. Additionally, dogs have varying needs. A one-year-old dog might relish a long walk, whereas a 12-year-old dog suffering from arthritis may experience discomfort. Some dogs are enthusiastic about chasing balls, while others prefer to observe the grass grow.

Additionally, the duration a dog can tolerate being alone is contingent upon the individual animal. For some dogs, just five minutes apart from their owner may be sufficient to trigger a complete meltdown. What truly matters is how you engage with your dog during your time together to fulfill their needs. To complicate things further, dog owners have different preferences regarding how they wish to spend time with their pets.

This is why this guideline may face challenges in gaining community acceptance. Responsible dog owners understand that the quality of interaction with their dog is paramount and should be customized to address the dog’s emotional requirements, rather than simply adhering to a specific time target.

Considering this, the suggested legislation could prompt all dog owners, including those who may not be as vigilant, to think about whether they are allocating enough time for their pets. Furthermore, it might encourage potential dog purchasers to assess their capacity to commit three hours each day.

This law could also motivate people to think about fun activities to do with their dogs, like creating or sustaining a play routine. Participating in imaginative play can strengthen the connection between dogs and their owners.

An easy bonus we can give our dogs is to be present with them

If three hours feels unmanageable, focus on what you can achieve and attempt to dedicate quality time with them (possibly by minimizing your screen usage when feasible). The key aspect is to monitor their behavior when they are by themselves (you might consider installing a camera). Make adjustments as needed and consult a professional if you notice any signs that their well-being is in jeopardy.

An important discussion

Enforceable rules are essential for effectiveness. It is improbable that adequate resources will be present in the ACT to monitor the daily time all dog owners spend with their pets. The method for calculating and documenting this time is still uncertain. However, even if the three-hours-a-day recommendation is removed from the ACT’s final regulations, it has sparked a significant conversation and will ultimately enhance the welfare of dogs.