Somatic Safety & Consent Checklist
Use this checklist to monitor the "Window of Tolerance" for both yourself and your dog during somatic sessions.
1. The "Opt-In" Signals (Green Light)
These indicators suggest the nervous system is regulated and open to learning or connection.
- The "Soft Eye": Pupils are normal size (not dilated) and the gaze is relaxed rather than fixated.
- The Shake-Off: A full-body shake (like drying off from water) after an intense exercise; this signifies the successful discharge of arousal.
- Weight Shift: The dog shifts its weight into its hindquarters or leans its body weight into your touch.
- The Deep Exhale: A long, audible sigh or a softening of the ribcage.
- Re-Engagement: When you stop a movement (like Resistance Feeding), the dog stays in your bubble or offers a gentle "nudge" to continue.
2. The "Pre-Flight" Signals (Yellow Light)
These are subtle "whispers" of stress. Pause the exercise and offer a "Sniffie Break" or "Connected Breathing."
- Licking & Yawning: Lip licking or "stress yawning" when there is no food or tiredness present.
- The "Head Flick": Suddenly turning the head away from you or the task.
- Panting (Out of Context): Heavy breathing that isn't related to physical heat or recent exertion.
- Scanning: The dog's eyes begin moving rapidly to check the environment rather than focusing on the handler.
- Muscle Stiffening: A "locking" of the jaw or shoulders.
3. The "Opt-Out" Signals (Red Light)
Stop immediately. The dog’s nervous system is overwhelmed and survival instincts (Fight/Flight/Freeze) are taking over.
- Whites of the Eyes: "Whale eye" (showing the sclera) or a "hard," unblinking stare.
- Freezing: The dog becomes statue-like or refuses to move.
- Hyper-Vigilance: Complete inability to acknowledge the handler; fixation on a distant trigger.
- Disengagement: The dog physically moves away or hides behind objects/the handler.
- Frustration Barking: High-pitched, repetitive barking that feels "heady" rather than grounded.
Self-Regulation Check for the Handler
Because of the Mirror Effect, if you are in Red, your dog cannot stay in Green.
Implementation Note: The "Three-Second Rule"
When practicing Touch Without Talk, apply the three-second rule: Touch for three seconds, then remove your hand. If the dog moves toward you or leans in, they have given somatic consent to continue. If they remain still or move away, they have opted out for now.