Consent- it’s not just for humans. Our animal companions can also give or withhold consent, and they appreciate being asked for it as much as we do. Asking for your dog’s consent and respecting when they say no not only deepens your relationship with your canine companion, but also ultimately leads to a more cheerfully compliant pup. Julie Fudge Smith and Tina Spring discuss the importance of asking your dog for consent, and learning how to recognize when they say yes or no.
Resources:
Article in the Whole Dog Journal: Does Your Dog Opt In? How to Communicate With Your Dog.
Book: Co-operative Care: Seven Steps to Stress-free Husbandry
Zuzu doing agility: Life is Short. Play with your dog.
Dog Body Language:
Blog: Can you hear me now? Or Learning to Effectively Communicate with Fido.
Podcast: What Does Friendly Look Like?