Petting

Considerate Handling & Consent Test

Because people love to pet dogs and puppies, it’s really important to learn how to properly execute a consent test for petting. This helps our dogs tell us if they are into being pet at this time or not. Dogs are just like us, sometimes we don't want someone in our personal space or touching us  - the same goes for our furry companions! A consent test is important for both known and unknown people interacting with your dog. Check out the videos at the bottom of this page to understand how a consent test works.

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A dog who is enjoying a pet or scratch will likely ask for more when you withdraw your hand from a consent test. We call it pet, pet, pause. If we pet our dog for a few seconds and then stop, we give our dogs a chance to ask us to continue or to signal that they are all done. When we listen to our dog's body language and give them the ability to consent to our touch, it deepens our relationship with our beloved pets.

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Consent Test Steps

Step 1: Don't approach, instead, ask your dog to come to you (see considerate approach below). If you're dog is not up to the request, try again later.
Step 2: Pet your dog lightly with one hand, then once more, then pause. Let your dog ask for more by pressing into your hand. If your dog doesn't move away but doesn't press into your hand, try the pet, pet, pause once more and watch for signals.

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There are some signs your dog may give you if stopping is preferred. Lip licks, yawns, stiffness, looking away, and attempts to move away are subtle signs that should be taken seriously. Growling and showing the teeth are more obvious signs.A commonly misunderstood cue is a dog that licks your hand or face. This can be a "kiss to dismiss" instead of a sign of affection.

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Dogs appreciate a well executed consent test! Some things many dogs don't love:

• Hugs

• People bending over them

• Walking to them in a straight line

• Staring

• Strangers in their space or petting them

If you have a close relationship with your dog, it's likely that your dog does like eye contact and closeness. A consent test will always help, even for treasured pets we've had for a long time.

 

Many dogs love a good chest rub, chin scratch, back pet or hip tickle. Remember to pet, pet then pause to check if you're dog is into it!

 

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Considerate Approach

Considerate approach includes best practices to approach a dog that maximizes comfort for the dog (and safety for the humans). These practices apply to all people in your dog's life, including strangers:

• If you’d like to interact with your dog, prompt with a “touch” cue or your recall cue such as "come". It’s ok if they don't come. Interaction may not be desired at that moment. This is being considerate to wants/needs at the moment.

• If it is necessary or you decide you would like to approach, do so slowly in an arc or semicircle (some dogs find quick, forward-walking approaches threatening)

• If someone is standing next to your dog and you sense discomfort, ask the person to turn sideways and avoid direct eye contact. If discomfort continues, increase the distance by asking them to move away or by you moving away with your dog. If your dog is still worried, exit completely.

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Advocacy

You are your dog's advocate. Since they can’t speak human, it’s our job to help. Your dog is always more important than a stranger wanting to pet. It’s ok to say, “Sorry, s/he doesn’t want to interact right now” – or “we are in training and my trainer doesn’t want anyone to interact with them for the next few weeks.”

If someone has a dog and wants their dog to greet yours on leash, please avoid this at all costs. Blame it on us! This is a recipe for accidents. Even if a person thinks his/her dog is friendly, it’s unknown how it will react to yours, especially when movement is restricted by leashes.

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