Constructing Canine Consent: Conceptualising and adopting a consent-focused relationship with dogs

Summary

The concept of canine consent is far more than simply a buzzword in modern dog training practices. In its current form, consent is a distinctly human concept, designed by humans and for humans. Looking beyond species boundaries can help us not only consider concepts of canine consent and autonomy, but it can also help us to apply these concepts in our everyday interactions with dogs, which is fundamental for any professional working with dogs as well as for everyday dog caregivers. This canine-indexed definition of consent includes a model of five major categories: Touch/interaction-based consent, cooperative care using learned consent behaviors, activity consent, consent-based learning, and substitutive consent. These categories involve a two-way communication system, integration of salient choices, teaching consent behaviors and incorporating existing training protocols that adhere to the Humane Hierarchy of best practices, and an evaluation of dependent decision-making in extenuating circumstances. This book aims to merge the existing literature and new understandings about canine consent to paint a complete picture. It will challenge the current expectations of dogs and dog behavior in our society with an intention of considering their perspectives, experiences, and emotional needs.