Dog training- cooperative care - Canine Consent Test- For Petting

Teaching your family to do “consent tests” with your dog is a practice that could prevent a lot relationship rifts and potential bites that could’ve been prevented with a better understanding of dog body language, and give you information about your individual dog’s preferences. A consent test is when you invite the dog into your space by presenting your hands in line with your knees, petting for 3 seconds and then stopping to give them space to either lean in for more or step away. A consent test offers us a way to gauge how the dog is feeling about the interaction, or even just certain elements of the interaction. I know that my own preferences change even hour to hour on what level of affection I’m interested in from my own family members. Our dog’s aren’t much different. Some dogs might enjoy a chest scratch, but try to escape if you pat them on the top of the head. Other dog’s may lean into the head pat for an ear rub. Every dog is different. In this video Yuka, the grey Husky, is less interested in touch than the black dog Juno. It is usually Juno who wants less “touch” and Yuka who wants more. By using the 3 second consent test I am able to invite each dog into the interaction instead of imposing myself onto them. Signs that your dog wants you to resume petting can include, stepping in to you if you step away, putting their head or body into your hands, leaning against you, rubbing on you, pawing at you to keep petting. Signs that your dog wants the interaction to stop include, turning their head away, walking away, licking their lips, yawning, shaking off.