Be Your Dog’s Hero: Advocacy, Considerate Approach & Handling

We can all be our dog's hero by being their advocate!

At Wiggle Butt Academy, one of our core principles is advocacy—standing up for your dog’s comfort, safety, and emotional wellbeing. Since our dogs can’t use words to tell us how they’re feeling, it’s our job to listen with our eyes, our hearts, and our awareness. Let's walk through how you can be your dog’s best advocate out in the world.

🐾 Advocacy: It’s OK to Say No

Picture this: You’re walking your dog, practicing all the skills you’ve been working on, when a stranger approaches, reaching out to pet or asking if their dog can say hi. Sound familiar?

It’s completely OK—and encouraged—to say no. Here’s what you can say instead:

• “My dog doesn’t want to interact right now.”

• “We’re in training and our trainer doesn’t want anyone to interact with our dog for the next few weeks.”

Even better? You can blame it on us (we really don’t mind!).

💡Important note: Never allow on-leash greetings between dogs. Even if both dogs are “friendly,” leashes restrict natural movement and body language. This can quickly escalate into uncomfortable or dangerous interactions.

🧠 The Considerate Approach: Let Your Dog Choose

Just because someone wants to interact with your dog doesn’t mean your dog wants to interact with them. Dogs, like humans, have boundaries—and they deserve for those boundaries to be respected.

Best Practices for Approaching a Dog:

• Use a “touch” cue to invite your dog into the interaction. If they don’t respond, that’s totally okay—respect that boundary.

• Approach in an arc or semicircle, not straight on. A direct approach can feel threatening to many dogs.

• If your dog seems uneasy with someone nearby, ask that person to turn sideways and avoid eye contact. If your dog is still uncomfortable, create distance or leave the area entirely.

This isn't just polite—it’s considerate and emotionally intelligent dog handling.

👐 Considerate Handling: The Petting Consent Test

We all love giving pets and cuddles to our dogs—but do they want it?

Enter the Consent Test—a simple but powerful tool to ensure your dog is enjoying physical affection. This is especially important for:

• Puppies in socialization stages

• Rescue dogs learning to trust

• Any dog who needs space or has a history of discomfort with touch

Here’s how to do it:

1. Pet your dog for a few seconds.

2. Pause and stop.

3. Wait and watch—does your dog come back for more?

If yes—awesome! Keep petting.If no—give them space and respect their choice.

Here are a few videos about consent tests

Dog Kind Petting Consent Tests movie

WagTheDog Consent Tests Video with Examples

Eileen and Dogs Consent Tests

💛 Bottom Line: You Know Your Dog Best

Being an advocate doesn’t mean you’re overprotective. It means you're listening, observing, and doing everything in your power to honor your dog’s needs—emotionally, mentally, and physically.

At Wiggle Butt Academy, we believe every dog deserves to feel safe and heard. You’re not just your dog’s guardian—you’re their voice. And remember: If anyone gives you a hard time about setting boundaries for your dog? Blame it on us. 😉