Dog Consent: Yes, It’s Real, Here’s Why We Should Care

However, it can create strong divisions among individuals who are well-acquainted with the idea.

The concept of obtaining the consent of canines is viewed as an important aspect of owning a pet by some, while others find it ridiculous.

Indeed, there are difficulties in using the term “consent” when it comes to animals. It contradicts the conventional perspectives we have of our animal companions, and there are individuals who find the idea too complex to grasp.

However, do not misunderstand, the existence of canine consent is legitimate, and we anticipate that it will emerge as a more prevalent subject in the upcoming years.

Although it may be difficult to comprehend at first, it is something that every caring pet owner should take into account, as well as anyone who hopes to lower their chances of being bitten by dogs.

Therefore, let us delve into the topic of acquiring consent from canines – not only exploring the significance but also the proper way to solicit consent from your furry companion.

What Is Dog Consent, Anyway? 

Basically, the concept of consent for canines implies that dogs are conscious entities and should possess autonomy- a means to express themselves in their existence.

One example of what dogs should have the ability to do is decide whether, when, and by whom they receive affection. Additionally, they should have the ability to revoke their agreement at any time and if they desire.

Canine consent extends to situations such as dogs determining whether they want to snuggle on the sofa or remain on the floor solo. It implies that they should have the freedom to discontinue training sessions when they become disinterested and terminate walks at their own discretion.

This also implies that we should avoid compelling them to wear attires and outfits if they have no interest in it, regardless of how much pleasure it gives us.

While it may seem that some dogs actually like wearing clothes, the important thing is to let your dog choose what they prefer in such scenarios.

Are Dogs Even Capable of Consent?

We acknowledge that the concept of obtaining permission from dogs may seem unusual or modern to some, giving the impression that it is a trendy idea born from the younger generation.

Although it may be difficult for some to comprehend, dogs are capable of giving or refusing their approval to partake in different actions.

Have you ever experienced your dog shying away from you when you attempt to cuddle with them? Or have you observed your pet retreating to their crate when your lively and boisterous little nephew pays a visit? These instances signify your dog’s polite refusal by saying, “Thank you, but I would rather not participate.”

Although we have the ability to extend the concept of canine consent to various scenarios, we will concentrate on how dogs indicate their approval or disapproval of being touched, stroked, or hugged in this piece.

While some of us presume that every dog desires affection, a majority of them will assert that it only applies in specific situations.

Why Does Dog Consent Matter? Why Are Dogs Special?

Once we acknowledge that dogs are capable of determining their interest in participating in a particular undertaking (and that it’s imperative that we value their inclination), we must explore a further concern: What makes us prioritize our dogs’ capacity for consent in social exchanges, while neglecting a similar concern for countless other animals?

Although a majority of sentient beings can give consent, we as humans tend to disregard the issue of whether or not animals have given their consent to our actions towards them or our engagements with them.

We consistently ignore the consent of numerous animals, and although some individuals may contend that this is unacceptable, most of us have come to terms with the fact that killing animals who do not wish to be killed is necessary to maintain a level of comfort in our lives.

Although farm animals may not receive the respect they deserve when it comes to their desires to avoid being slaughtered, there is a general consensus in support of granting them more humane conditions that provide some measure of independence and mimic their natural habitats.

Given the fact that we ignore the consent of many animals on a regular basis, what sets dogs apart? Why is it necessary to obtain their consent when we neglect to do so for numerous other creatures?

It could be argued by some that a dog’s capability to provide consent is indistinguishable from that of a pig, cat, or bird.

A significant distinction is that our bond with dogs is genuinely distinctive and has grown increasingly significant in the past decade. The younger generation now considers their pets as four-legged children, resulting in a heightened emotional attachment and a more conscientious approach towards pet parenting.

Historically, humans have had a completely different perception of dogs until this momentous change in mindset.

In the past, humans considered dogs as useful objects, as we were busy fulfilling our basic needs and did not have the luxury to concern ourselves with the emotional well-being of these animals that cohabited with us.

Our early ancestors utilized dogs to catch food, deter predators, and provide warmth during the night. Our intention was purely utilitarian, and we only provided care that helped them accomplish these duties. Our priority was to ensure their well-being, so they could successfully hunt bears and capture rabbits.

However, there have been some alterations in the past 30,000 years.

Apart from working dogs, we no longer expect our dogs to carry out such duties. Furthermore, we do not consider our dogs as mere belongings (although legislation has been slow to catch up with societal changes in this aspect).

Instead, we now view our dogs as bona fide members of the family.

We bring them on our trips, bestow them with gifts on their birthdays, and capture their moments in family portraits. Likewise, we disclose their playful acts on social media just like parents do with their kids, and we cater to their dietary and medical requirements as we do with the human members of our household.

In short, we prioritize the happiness and holistic welfare of our dogs, which encompasses their psychological and emotional dimensions.

Undoubtedly, this is a positive development. Without a doubt, people and their furry companions are experiencing greater contentment in the present era than ever before.

But in the pursuit of maximum mutt happiness, we have to alter our approaches to canine care. We have to think about things we’ve previously ignored and be willing to question our prior practices.

We must examine whether our dogs desire to perform some of the activities we anticipate from them.

Dogs are sentient beings and possess a variety of emotions, although they are not humans.

Canine Consent Isn’t Always Crystal Clear: What Do You Do When You’re Not Sure What Your Dog Wants?

Whenever I practice the Pet Pat Pause with my dog, I often witness him remaining motionless and not showing any signs of distraction or interest by sitting steadily in one place without any movements or gaze shifts towards me or elsewhere.

Owners may feel unsure about whether to keep petting their pet or to stop.

This indicates that he does not desire to receive any petting according to the Pat, Pet, Pause protocol.

It is important to ensure your dog’s response to the petting consent test is clear and unequivocal, indicating a desire for more scritches with enthusiasm.

If your dog does not give such a reaction, it means he is indicating that he is not interested.

As responsible caretakers, we should honor the word “no” as well as the response of “uncertainty.”