I first learned about consent petting about 3 years ago from one of @shelterplaygroupalliance seminars. I never even gave this concept a thought beforehand. Consent petting has forever changed how I interact with all animals and I truly believe it has strengthened my relationships with the animals I interact with and their trust in me!
Consent petting is allowing the animal to have choice in the interaction. It is asking the question “are you enjoying this?” In other words, it is where the animal gives (or doesn’t give) the human consent for touch. I STRONGLY recommend doing this for animals you are unfamiliar with or just getting to know, but I also encourage doing this with your own pet! You may learn something new about them!😉
Consent petting is simple. First you offer gentle petting for about 3 seconds. Second, you take your hand away. Third, you observe their reaction. Lastly, based on the animals reaction, continue or stop petting. If the animal nudges you, turns back toward you, or any other behavior to get your attention, then continue offering pets! If they move away or don’t try to gain your attention, then that is when you know you can stop offering petting and they have most likely have had enough.
The frenchie in the video jumped up on the couch next to me and began nudging my hand. I also know he is quite an affectionate dog, but I still wanted to give home choice in our interaction! After taking my hand away the third time (not shown in video) he got more forceful with his nudges, so I stopped taking my hand away to avoid building any frustration. I ended the petting when I was ready to stop petting because he could’ve sat there for hours!
{Click the link below to view the video}
