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Consent tests
Not all dogs want to be petted at any given time. Many humans think all dogs want to do is be petted. We give consent to humans to touch us but don’t often think about our dogs
How to know your dog likes to be petted
· They approach you and initiate by moving into your space
· They put their head or body under your hand or against you
· They pull your hand towards them with their paw
· Facial muscles are relaxed
· Eyes get droopy
· They flop their body down around you like a rag doll near or onto you
Dogs who don’t want to be petted
· They move their head away when you put your hands near
· They move away
· They look away
· They walk away
· They shrink back from you, or your hand
· They yawn
· They scratch themselves
· They lip lick
· They lift a paw (into their body not towards you)
· Show whale eye
· Growl or snap
Steps
1. One way to see if a dog wants to continue and enjoys the activity is to stop the activity and see if they want to restart it. This is called a consent test
2. When your dog is relaxed set up somewhere comfortable, like on the ground, at their level or in a chair (you)
3. Don’t trap your dog
4. Pet your dog where you think they like it the best like the chest or shoulder. Do it for 3 seconds, stop and see if they say YES or NO. If they say no. by showing the above body language stop immediately, do not continue, if they say YES continue.
5. No food is needed for this
Other ways you can use Consent Tests
DISCLAIMER: The content of this website and community is based on the research, expertise, and views of each respective author. Information here is not intended to replace your one-on-one relationship with your veterinarian, but as a sharing of information and knowledge to help arm dog parents to make more informed choices. We encourage you to make health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with your vet. In cases of distress, medical issues, or emergency, always consult your veterinarian.