Constructing Canine Consent: Conceptualising and Adopting a Consent-Focused Relationship with Dogs

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 behaviours, activity consent, consent-based learning, and substitutive consent. These categories involve a two-way communication system, integration of salient choices, teaching consent behaviours 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 behaviour in our society with an intention of considering their perspectives, experiences, and emotional needs. It will be important reading for veterinary professionals, dog trainers and behaviourists, those involved in work with therapy dogs, and anybody working with or caring for dogs.

Erin Jones is a scholar, author, and applied behaviour consultant. Her master’s and doctorate research are specifically rooted in Critical Animal Studies. She combines her applied practice as a certified dog trainer and certified dog behaviour consultant with a deeper academic background in how society treats dogs and the entanglement and complexities of multispecies relationships. She has a BSc. in psychology and anthropology from Trent University, Canada, an MSc. in anthrozoology from Canisius University, USA, a PhD in Human-Animal Studies from University of Canterbury- Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha (at the New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies), and a Pg.Dip. in Animal Welfare from Thompson Rivers University in Canada. She also is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) with the Certification Counsel for Professional Dog Trainers, an Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT) and Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants, She also works independently and contractually in several sectors of animal studies research, including topics beyond the dog-human relationship, including everything from ethical veganism to topics in critical animal studies. Erin operates Merit Dog Project; an educational platform used to educate and inspire industry professionals and front-line specialists working primarily with dogs/dog behaviour. She currently lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.