Learning to live in a human world can be difficult for dogs. Baths, nail trims, haircuts, fireworks and vast non-poopable areas are not found in the wild. In order to live with us, dogs have to cope with the strange things people do to them—not an easy task.
Desensitization is a way that people can help dogs cope. It involves exposing the dog to a manageable amount of a scary thing, so they get used to it. Our graphic novel, Alfie and the Clipper’s of Doom shows Alfie being desensitized to nail trims.
How to Desensitize Your Dog
Imagine for a moment your dog is scared of other dogs. The best way to resolve the issue isn’t to throw him in a dog park filled with dogs. If they don’t react, it’s not because they have gotten over their fear. It’s because you have exposed them to so much they shut down. This is called “flooding” and it can make the fear worse.
Instead, get a partner with a calm dog to work with you somewhere there is a lot of space. Have both dogs on leash so you can control how far apart they are. Find a point where your dog can see the other dog but isn’t reacting in a bad way.
When your dog has seen the other dog but isn’t reacting to it in a bad way (he’s looking and alert perhaps, but not barking or lunging) reward him with a treat.
Over several lessons, you can narrow the area until the dog can be close to another dog without reacting. This must go at the dog’s pace, and handlers should watch the dog’s reactions closely to be sure they are not overwhelming the dog.
If you have never worked with a dog on desensitization before, hiring a certified fear-free dog trainer may be a good choice to help you help your dog.
Similar Posts:
- Alfie and the Clippers of Doom
- How To Trim Black Dog Nails
- Dog Vocabulary: Barrier Frustration
- The Five Freedoms for Your Chihuahua
- Why Nail Trims Matter
