Agency (mass noun): action or intervention producing a particular effect.
Whether it’s general dog training or cooperative care, giving your dog agency or control over the situation or procedure is crucial. It fosters two-way communication between you and your dog, maintains good well-being in your dog, and establishes you as a figure they can trust.
Cooperative care is a huge topic with many applications. In today’s video, I demonstrate ways I give my partner, Windy, agency when doing husbandry work (in this case, nail grinding).
- Teach your dog a Start button behavior. This can be a down, offering a paw, chin rest, eye contact, and the like. The Start button behavior will dictate the pace of the procedure because your dog will offer it when they’re ready.
- Make each repetition as easy or as short as your dog can handle. Then, give a reward for calmly taking the procedure.
- Look for the Start button behavior again and before doing the next repetition.
- Give your dog breaks from the procedure in between—lots of them, if needed.
- Don’t rush your dog if they’re not ready to continue the procedure.
Cooperative care is ultimately a conversation between you and your dog. It’s important to let them have a say in how they want to be handled or groomed.
Happy training! 🐾
— Stef, Windy, and Brooklyn, @diwadogstraining
Diwa Dogs 