by Jaime Knowles, CPDT-KA, FFCP (Trainer), Dip. CSBT
www.GoodDog-Academy.com
In recent years, the concept of consent has become a growing area of focus in the professional dog training community. Rooted in compassion and evidence-based practice, consent-based training not only respects the emotional and physical well-being of our canine companions but also fosters trust and strengthens the human-animal bond. As trainers and behaviour professionals, we have a responsibility to educate our clients on what consent looks like in a dog-human relationship, and how we can honour it at every stage of interaction.
What Is Consent in Dog Training?
Consent in dog training refers to a dog’s voluntary and enthusiastic participation in a given activity, whether it be grooming, handling, training, or veterinary procedures. It is about giving dogs the choice and agency to say “yes” or “no” to what is being asked of them.
Unlike us humans, dogs do not use words, so their consent is expressed through body language.
Consent-based training isn’t about letting dogs “run the show,” but rather giving them opportunities to opt in, and creating conditions where they want to participate.
Why Does Consent Matter?
Respecting a dog’s consent is foundational to a fear-free, cooperative relationship. When we honour a dog’s boundaries, we reduce stress, build trust, and promote emotional safety. It’s especially vital when working with fearful, reactive, or previously traumatized dogs, but it applies to every dog, regardless of temperament.
In practical terms, consent-based work can help:
- Reduce fear and resistance during grooming, handling, and vet visits.
- Increase motivation and engagement in training sessions.
- Foster a more resilient and confident dog.
- Strengthen the guardian-dog relationship.
Explaining Consent to Clients
Many dog guardians are unfamiliar with the idea of consent in training. As professionals, we can play a key role in demystifying it.
Use simple analogies: for example, “Just like people, dogs don’t always feel like being touched or handled. If we respect that, they’re more likely to feel safe and come back to us next time.”
Demonstrate in real time: show a dog offering a chin rest or willingly stepping into a harness, then contrast it with a situation where the dog turns away or stiffens. Ask the client, “Which dog looks more comfortable?”
Use positive language: rather than saying “Don’t force him,” try “Let’s invite him and see if he’s ready.” Emphasizing cooperation over control can shift the client’s mindset from managing behaviour to supporting emotional wellness.
Tips for Implementing Consent-Based Practices
- Learn to read subtle signals.
Dog body language is nuanced. Teach clients to look for early signs of stress or disengagement like sniffing, turning the head, or pausing. These are all ways dogs communicate discomfort. - Use start buttons.
Start button behaviours like a chin rest, standing on a mat, or stepping onto a platform allow the dog to say “I’m ready.” If the dog breaks position, that’s the cue to pause and reassess. - Give the dog an out.
Incorporate a “yes means yes, and no means no” mindset. Allow the dog to walk away or disengage without penalty. Reintroduce the task later, using appropriate reinforcement or changing the approach. - Reinforce opt-in behaviour.
Reward the dog not just for performing a task, but for choosing to participate. Enthusiastic approach behaviours, tail wags, and soft eyes all indicate consent and they’re worth reinforcing. - Support clients with guidance and patience.
Consent-based work requires a shift in perspective for many guardians. Validate their efforts, celebrate small wins, and remind them that respecting a dog’s voice is not only ethical, it leads to better long-term outcomes.
As professionals, we are at the forefront of a culture shift that prioritizes empathy, choice, and collaboration. By modelling consent-based training and educating our clients, we promote a future where dogs are not simply trained, but truly understood and respected.
Consent isn’t a trend, it’s a cornerstone of ethical dog training, and one we can proudly champion in every interaction.
