Understanding what dogs truly need for a fulfilling life is essential for ensuring good welfare. In their 2023 study published in Animals, Karen E. Griffin, S. Arndt, and C. Vinke sought to translate Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs into a model specifically tailored to dogs. Their goal was to help owners, trainers, and shelter staff move beyond human-centered assumptions and accurately recognize dogs’ physical, emotional, and social requirements.
Using a Delphi consensus-building approach, the researchers collaborated with a panel of canine science experts to identify and categorize 37 distinct dog needs derived from the scientific literature. These were grouped into seven need clusters and organized into a five-level hierarchy reflecting priority and interdependence. The model mirrors Maslow’s human hierarchy, starting with basic physiological needs and progressing toward higher-level psychological and relational wellbeing.
The adapted hierarchy emphasizes that dogs’ welfare is multi-dimensional, encompassing health, nutrition, safety, social relationships, mental stimulation, and opportunities for autonomy. Experts generally agreed on the hierarchy’s structure, although some debate remained regarding whether specific needs should be prioritized differently for certain populations, such as senior dogs or shelter animals. The study represents an important step toward developing an evidence-based tool for assessing quality of life in dogs before and after adoption.
By clarifying the hierarchy of dogs’ needs, the study provides a valuable framework for owners and professionals alike. Recognizing that dogs have unique psychological and social motivations—distinct from humans—encourages more empathetic and informed care, enhancing the human–animal bond while supporting ethical welfare practices.
Source: Griffin, K. E., Arndt, S., & Vinke, C. (2023). The Adaptation of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to the Hierarchy of Dogs’ Needs Using a Consensus Building Approach. Animals, 13, published August 1, 2023.
