What Is Desensitization and Counterconditioning?

Don't Scold Your Dog

Do not scold your dog if they react in an unwanted manner، but instead reward your dog when they don't react so they can begin to associate the trigger with a positive outcome. Over time، your dog may even begin to ignore the object. Eventually the item will be close to your dog، but they will have realized that there is nothing to be afraid of، or desensitized. The dog will also associate the item with something positive like treats، toys، praise، and petting due to the counterconditioning training that was done concurrently.

Start Small

The combination of these two training techniques can be utilized in similar ways for smells، sounds، and even people that cause your dog to react in an unwanted way. Start with a faint smell or quiet sound and work your way up to a stronger smell or louder sound if those things are the triggers. If the trigger is a person، start with the person being far away and over time have them move closer، just like you would with an object.

Be Patient

Despite the type of trigger، it's important to remember that these training sessions are on your dog's timeline، not yours. Discuss your training plans with your veterinarian. They may have some supplement recommendations that can help decrease anxiety and improve learning progress. If a pet is nervous about something، helping to decrease these feelings should speed the training process and improve outcomes.

If you try and rush things، desensitization and counterconditioning will not work. You do not want to overstimulate، scare، or force your dog into anything، as it could make things worse. You instead want your dog to slowly become comfortable and associate the trigger with something positive. This can only be done by being patient and observant of your dog's reactions.