Consent Tests: Yes, please! or No, thank you!

This piece appeared in the February 19, 2024 issue of our newsletter.

Animals deserve the right to say no to human interaction, just as they should have the opportunity to opt out of playgroup or any other enrichment activity. How do we ask for consent? The definition of consent is “agree; to give assent or approval” according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary. When petting a dog (or any animal) we can offer frequent “consent tests”.

A consent test is distilled down to “pet pet pause”. Offer your hands to the dog for them to move toward you to initiate the petting. Offer two pets, or two seconds of petting, then stop and re-offer your hands. If your dog moves away, they are signaling being done. If your dog nudges into you again, they are giving a “keep going” signal to consent to more touching. Some animals may reposition themselves so you’re petting the area they want to be touched (butt scratches vs chin scratches).

Offering frequent consent tests when petting gives the animal choice and agency in their interactions with people. Providing animals choice can reduce problem behaviors (Guidelines pg14, cited Shogren, et al., 2004) and the ability to control one’s own outcomes is a primary reinforcer (Guidelines pg14, cited Friedman, 2018).

Everyone benefits from consent tests. Shy and fearful animals learn it is okay to move away to end an interaction. Moving away is generally preferable to having them escalate up the ladder of aggression to end unwanted touching. Animals who are over-aroused by touching benefit from consent tests, as frequent pauses can allow time for self-regulation. For animals who are over-stimulated and continuing to consent, pairing pauses with a lickable food reinforcer or a snuffle mat can help them regulate enough to genuinely move back into consenting.

References:

Shelter Playgroup Alliance Guidelines for Inter-Dog Playgroups

Friedman, S. (2018). Please Sir! May I have some food, water, and ... control? ClickerExpo, Irvine, CA.

Shogren, K., Faggella-Luby, M., Sung Jik, & Wehmeyer, M. (2004). The Effect of Choice-Making as an Intervention for Problem Behavior: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 6(4), 228–237.