Desensitization
or counter-conditioning is a process to help dogs get over their fears
and anxieties. With proper desensitization, the anxiety producing object
loses its power.
This can help if
your dog reacts to cars, noises, people, other dogs or animals, or anything
your dog may be uncomfortable with. I'll refer to the above as "Scary
Object."
You have to start
working this at your dog's comfort distance. This could be 50ft away,
100ft away, or even more from the Scary Object. You have to be able
to get his attention on you. If you cannot get his attention, you are
too close from the Scary Object.
You will want to
use very high-value food treats (liverwurst, roast beef, teriyaki chicken).
Something very delicious, something your dog doesn't get all the time.
Save these special treats just for your desensitization training.
As soon as Scary
Object is in view start feeding your dog the delicious treats. Little
pieces just keep feeding and feeding do not stop feeding until Scary
Object is out of view. It's very helpful if you can set up the viewing
and the distance from scary object.
You will want to
start with only a few minutes, and keep the exposure to the Scary Object
very brief. Today you see scary object for 1 minute, tomorrow 2 min.,
etc. You'll build up time of exposure as you go along. Remember to feed
while Scary Object is in view and stop as soon as Scary Object is not
in view.
After your few minutes,
turn around and go in another direction away from Scary Object.
Keep doing the above
and always work at your dogs comfort distance. Always look for opportunities
to use the desensitization process. Keep the viewing a short duration.
Next you will start
reducing the distance to the Scary Object. Instead of being 100ft away,
try only 90ft away. Never rush !! You always want to be able to maintain
your dogs attention, if you can't keep his attention then you are moving
to fast. It's harder in the beginning but if taken slowly, things will
move faster towards the end. It can take months to desensitize but is
well worth it when you reach the end.
Eventually, what
you're hoping to happen is for your dog to see the Scary Object and
turn to you automatically. The Scary Object becomes the dogs cue to
look at you "Hey, I see a dog over there, I look at my owner, I
get a treat!" This is a huge breakthrough.
You can help this
process along by:
- Being
relaxed. Any anxiety or nervousness you feel will run right down the
leash to your dog.
- Be
alert and aware so that YOU notice the scary object before your dog
does.
- When
scary object is in view SMILE at your dog and feed delicious treats.
- Feed
only when scary object is in view.
- Turn
and walk away in a different direction when dog is agitated or exercise
is over.
- ALWAYS
set your dog up to succeed. This means being prepared and keeping
the distance at the dogs comfort level.
Eventually you will
be able to move in closer and closer to the scary object and extend
the amount of time spent in the vicinity of the scary object.
By Cynthia Castillo |
