Handling and Cooperative Care
Handling is a regular part of your dog's life — from putting on a leash to grooming and vet visits. When your dog knows how to willingly participate in handling, it becomes less stressful for them and you!
Consent based handling means respecting your dog's comfort and ensuring they feel safe during interactions. Instead of forcing handling, we teach dogs to willingly participate by offering choices and reading their body language.
Why Consent Based Handling Matters
Forcing handling can damage trust, increase fear, and lead to defensive behaviors like growling or biting. Consent-based handling builds trust and cooperation by making experiences more positive and less stressful.
Signs Your Dog Is Comfortable Signs Your Dog Is Uncomfortable
Loose, wagging tail Freezing or stiffening
Soft eyes Lip licking, yawning, or turning away
Relaxed body posture Ears pinned back
Leaning into touch Tail tucked or low
Curious and engaged Growling or baring teeth
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward calm, cooperative behavior during handling with treats, praise, or play. Keep sessions short and end on a positive note!
Break Handling into Steps
Instead of overwhelming your dog, break tasks into small steps with lots of rewards.
Example: Nail Trimming - Over Time
Touch your dog’s paw lightly. Reward.
Hold the paw for a few seconds. Reward.
Place the clippers on the ground. Reward.
Hold the clippers in your hand. Reward.
Tap one nail lightly with the clippers. Reward generously.
Clip one nail. Reward and take a break. Don’t push for more!
This could be broken down into even more steps as needed. Ask a trainer if you need help!
Respect your dog’s "No"
If your dog shows discomfort, don’t force them. Pause, give space, and adjust your approach to reduce stress.
What Is Cooperative Care?
Cooperative care is a training approach that teaches dogs to actively participate in their own handling, grooming, and veterinary care. Your dog learns that they have a choice and a role in the process. This helps them relax and makes them more willing to participate!
Examples of Cooperative Care Behaviors
Muzzle Training: Your dog willingly puts their nose in a muzzle.
Chin Rest: Your dog rests their chin in your hand while you clean their ears.
Paw Presentation: Training your dog to offer their paw for nail trims.
Stationing: Teaching your dog to stay on a mat or platform during grooming or vet procedures.
If the dog refuses to do their trained behavior, such as getting on their station or giving their paw, you would not continue! Take a break and try again later.
What If It Can’t Wait?
If it is an emergency and you know you can’t let the dog say “no,” then don’t use your trained cooperative care protocol at that moment! How you handle the situation will depend on your dog and the situation. Talk to a trainer if you’re unsure!
When we use a trained cooperative care protocol, we are asking our dogs for permission. If you ask for permission but ignore their answer, you will damage their trust.
Most of the time, handling is not an emergency, and we can just try again later.
Benefits of Cooperative Care
Reduces stress for both dogs and handlers.
Builds trust and strengthens your bond.
Helps prevent fear-based behaviors like growling or snapping.
Makes grooming and vet visits smoother and more efficient.
Resources
Cooperative Veterinary Care Facebook GroupPositive Veterinary Care Position Statement- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
Conditioning to a Harness- Chirag Patel
Cooperative Care Nose Target- Chirag Patel
Teaching Paw Handing- From Dusk Till Dog
Cooperative Care Webinar- Heather Clever for Every Dog