Editor’s Note: Temple Grandin, Ph.D, is famed for her decades-long work in improving the lives of animals. Her most important triumph has been her success in inventing — and then gaining industry adaptation of — humane treatment techniques to improve the quality of life and death for farm animals. In her recent book with co-author Catherine Johnson, Animals Make Us Human, she works from the premise that "an animal is a conscious being that has feelings," a notion that, remarkably, is still disputed by many. wowOwow sat down with Dr. Grandin recently and asked her how the typical dog owner can give their beloved pet their own best life:

1. Stroke, don’t "pat" your dog. Patting the top of the dog’s head is not always interpreted by the animal as a friendly touch, and in some cases, dogs interpret that action as hitting. Instead, long, firm strokes that start at the top of the head and move down the back and involve the use of the whole hand most resemble the action of the mother’s tongue, and produces a happier dog.

HBO will premiere its movie about Temple’s life, "Temple Grandin," on February 6. Click here to see pictures from the movie, starring Claire Danes, Julia Ormond and Catherine O’Hara.

2. Practice "deep pressure calming" for a nervous dog. For dogs who are fearful, whether during the occasional thunderstorm or on a more regular basis, Grandin notes that some trainers are noticing the calming effect of direct pressure applied around the dog’s midsection. This has been shown to be effective both casually, such as snug-hugging the dog’s midsection, or in more extreme cases — some trainers are using a snug tee shirt or wide elastic bandages around the dog’s midsection.

3. Dogs need off-the-leash playtime and exercise for brain health. Dogs interpret leash time as "working" time … they’re either guarding you, following you, heeling, taking care of business, etc. For a truly full life, dogs also need off-the-leash running, trotting or just "being" time — just like humans do. Studies show exercise has important beneficial impacts on a dog’s brain.

4. Doggie Day Care? Don’t laugh. Dogs left by themselves during the day could be made much happier through doggie day care. And if that isn’t in your budget, dropping off your dog with a lonely neighbor, senior citizen or petless child could be a nice addition to both your pet’s and your neighbor’s life.

Click here to order Animals Make Us Human from Amazon.com.