If you’re following this page, I’m going to assume one of your family members has four legs and a wagging tail. 🐾
So here’s a question for you…
How much opportunity does your dog actually have to make their own choices?
As trainers, we still hear terms like “dominance” or “alpha behaviour” being used to explain our dogs lines of communication.
But… is it really dominance?
Or is it simply that we control almost every aspect of their lives?
Think about it…
- When they go for a walk
- When they exercise
- When they eat or drink
- When they toilet
- Where they sleep
- Which areas of the home they can access
We make the decisions. Every single day.
So is it dominance… or is it lack of agency?
🐶 Allowing our dogs choice and control (agency) can have a huge impact on their mental wellbeing.
It helps to:
✅ reduce stress
✅ build confidence
✅ strengthen trust
✅ deepen the human–dog bond
That’s why I want to start talking about something incredibly important…
🌿 CONSENT-BASED INTERACTIONS
Ask yourself…
Do you allow your dog to choose to come to you and initiate contact?
Or do we decide for them…to cuddle, groom, hug, or even kiss them, without checking how they feel about it?
Do you watch your dog’s body language before interacting?
Because those subtle signals are everything…
They tell us if our dog is comfortable, unsure, or asking for space.
💛 Building trust starts with listening.
This is the beginning of a really important conversation…
🎥 Below is a video of me with both my girls.
You’ll notice that Poppy is just chilling out on my legs, completely relaxed, while Maddie starts to interact.
Watch closely…
I gently rub behind Maddie’s ear… then I move my hand away.
Now watch what she does.
Does she ask for more?
Does she move away?
Where does she choose to settle eventually?
That right there… is consent!
That right there… is choice!
This is the beginning of a really important conversation…
Source: Wagology Dog Behaviour & Training