Introduction
Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) are often centered around the human being – their development, learning process, and emotional experience. However, with a growing ethical awareness, another key figure moves into focus: the animal as an acting subject.
How voluntary is the animal's participation in therapeutic settings? How much influence do they have on the type, duration, and intensity of the interaction? And what can we do to provide them with real choice and control?
A promising approach lies in the deliberate use of cooperative signals – particularly start button and stop signals. These are more than just tools for communication; they are mechanisms of shared decision-making and real autonomy.
From Tool to Partner – A Paradigm Shift
In the early days of AAI, animals were often perceived as “natural reinforcers” or “therapeutic tools” – essentially, means to achieve human-centered goals. This perspective neglects the animal’s agency and individuality.
Thanks to the rise of Human-Animal Studies, animal ethics, and interdisciplinary welfare research, this understanding is evolving. Today, animals are recognized as sentient, perceptive beings with decision-making capacity. In AAI, they are ideally treated not as tools, but as partners.
What Are Cooperative Signals?
Cooperative signals are trained or observed behaviors through which an animal actively signals its willingness to participate in a specific action or situation.
Originally developed within the field of medical training, these techniques allow animals to engage in procedures (like grooming or vet care) voluntarily and with reduced stress. Their relevance in AAI is equally powerful.
Example: A dog touches a nose target to indicate, “I’m ready to begin” or “You may now touch me.”
Start Button Signals – The Voluntary Beginning
A start button signal is a clearly defined behavior initiated by the animal to begin an interaction. Unlike traditional cue-based interactions (where humans direct the animal), the control lies with the animal.
Scientifically, this aligns with operant conditioning, where the animal learns that a specific behavior gives them predictability and influence over a situation.
Crucially: If the start button signal is not shown, the interaction does not start. That’s what makes it a real choice.
Stop Signals – A Clear “No Thanks”
Just as important as the ability to say “yes” is the option to say “no.” A stop signal allows the animal to end or pause an ongoing interaction.
These can be explicitly trained (e.g., stepping away from a target, turning away), or observed through subtle body language cues such as freezing, lip licking, or averting gaze.
The essential part: We must take these signals seriously and respect them, recognizing them as valid communication.
Why Autonomy Matters in AAI
Autonomy is a basic need – not just for humans but for animals too. Studies show that animals who have choice and control over their environment show lower stress levels and higher engagement.
In AAI, this dual benefit means:
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Improved animal welfare
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More effective and authentic interventions
Putting It Into Practice
Incorporating cooperative signals into AAI takes knowledge, training, and mindfulness. It starts with asking:
“What does my animal need to feel safe – and how can they tell me?”
Using tools like target training, close observation, and respecting withdrawal, we cultivate a culture of voluntary and respectful interaction.
Preview of Part 2:
In the next article, we’ll explore how voluntariness can be observed and measured, including stress signals, welfare assessment tools, and context factors.
Conclusion
Introducing start button and stop signals is a milestone in creating ethically sound and animal-centered AAI. They empower animals to participate in relationship, not subordination – enriching the quality of both their lives and the intervention itself.