Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
If you'd like to earn a certificate of attendance for continuing education or get links to additional resources, please watch this video on Maddie's University university.maddiesfund.org/products/maddies-insights-consentful-contact-pilot-study-on-human-dog-touch-on-demand
Maddie's® Insights is our ongoing webcast series with practical tips based on current research to help pets and people.
Program Host:
Kelly Duer, Senior Shelter Solutions Specialist, Maddie's Fund
Presenter: Amir Sarrafchi, DVM, MSc, PhD, University of Guelph, Toronto, Canada
Understanding and respecting an animal’s signals during interactions can significantly enhance their welfare and improve the human-animal interactions. In this presentation, Dr. Amir Sarrafchi will discuss his research on how dogs respond behaviourally when allowed to choose or refuse human contact. Drawing from his work on animal agency and consent, Dr. Sarrafchi will explore how these concepts can be practically applied in everyday animal care, shelter environments, and adoption programs.
Participants will gain insights into how allowing animals to exercise choice, such as initiating or avoiding touch, can reduce stress and support more positive interactions. The session will translate research findings into simple, effective strategies that caretakers, trainers, and shelter staff can use to promote consent-based handling and improve welfare outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
· Recognize behavioural indicators that reflect a dog’s comfort or discomfort during human interaction.
· Understand the importance of agency and consent in enhancing animal welfare and fostering a more humane relationship between humans and animals.
· Apply practical strategies for incorporating choice and consent into daily care, training, and shelter routines.
Visit Maddie's Pet Forum to comment, follow a discussion or ask questions: https://maddies.fund/InsightsJanuary2026
If you'd like to earn a certificate of attendance for continuing education or get links to additional resources, please watch this video on Maddie's University university.maddiesfund.org/products/maddies-insights-consentful-contact-pilot-study-on-human-dog-touch-on-demand
Maddie's® Insights is our ongoing webcast series with practical tips based on current research to help pets and people.
Program Host:
Kelly Duer, Senior Shelter Solutions Specialist, Maddie's Fund
Presenter: Amir Sarrafchi, DVM, MSc, PhD, University of Guelph, Toronto, Canada
Understanding and respecting an animal’s signals during interactions can significantly enhance their welfare and improve the human-animal interactions. In this presentation, Dr. Amir Sarrafchi will discuss his research on how dogs respond behaviourally when allowed to choose or refuse human contact. Drawing from his work on animal agency and consent, Dr. Sarrafchi will explore how these concepts can be practically applied in everyday animal care, shelter environments, and adoption programs.
Participants will gain insights into how allowing animals to exercise choice, such as initiating or avoiding touch, can reduce stress and support more positive interactions. The session will translate research findings into simple, effective strategies that caretakers, trainers, and shelter staff can use to promote consent-based handling and improve welfare outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
· Recognize behavioural indicators that reflect a dog’s comfort or discomfort during human interaction.
· Understand the importance of agency and consent in enhancing animal welfare and fostering a more humane relationship between humans and animals.
· Apply practical strategies for incorporating choice and consent into daily care, training, and shelter routines.
Visit Maddie's Pet Forum to comment, follow a discussion or ask questions: https://maddies.fund/InsightsJanuary2026
