Adopting the Hierarchy of Dog Needs® as a Core Belief

We are very pleased to announce that the Hierarchy of Dog Needs®, developed by Linda Michaels, MA, will now serve as a foundational framework for ICLAC.

This model beautifully captures what dogs truly require for their physical and emotional well-being. It places essential needs, such as safety, emotional security, enrichment and proper nutrition, as the foundation, with higher levels addressing social connection, play, and cognitive enhancements, including best practices in training.

It aligns perfectly with our commitment to humane, force-free, and compassionate dog care. We fully endorse and believe in this approach. It provides clear, practical guidance that puts the dog’s perspective and welfare first, and we are proud to make it a central part of our philosophy.

A special thank you to Linda Michaels, MA for creating such an influential and dog-centred model. We are grateful for her contributions to the field and delighted to promote her work within our community.

We encourage everyone to explore it and consider how it can inform their own interactions with dogs.

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