Maddie's Insights: Consentful Contact: Pilot Study on Human–Dog Touch (On Demand)
Recorded On: 01/08/2026
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Maddie's® Insights are monthly webcasts with practical tips based on current research to help pets and people.
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 behaviorally 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 behavioral 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.
Presenter: Amir Sarrafchi, DVM, MSc, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Guelph
This webinar has been pre-approved for 1.0 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credits by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and by the National Animal Care & Control Association. It has also been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval through 11/3/2027. Complete the quiz to earn continuing education credit for CAWA and NACA.
Visit Maddie's Pet Forum to comment, follow a discussion or ask questions: https://maddies.fund/InsightsJ...
keywords Maddie's Insights, Dr. Amir Sarrafchi, animal adoption, dog behavior, canine stress in an animal shelter
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LockedAmir Sarrafchi, DVM
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Guelph
Dr. Amir Sarrafchi is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Guelph. His PhD research focused on animal behaviour and the impact of providing animals with agency and consent on their welfare during human-animal interactions. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a Master’s in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology.
During his PhD, Dr. Sarrafchi investigated how allowing animals, particularly horses and dogs, to exercise choice during interactions with humans influences their behavioural and physiological responses. His recent work explores how promoting agency can improve welfare outcomes in both companion and working animals. Dr. Sarrafchi is passionate about bridging the gap between science and practice to enhance the daily care, handling, and understanding of animals.
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