Systematic Desensitization Techniques for Dogs

If your dog suffers from specific fears, there’s something owners can do about it – systematic desensitization may help him overcome his anxieties. Read our guide for more details!

Fear-reactions in dogs occur when their consciousness becomes saturated with fear; therefore, the four-legged friend cannot just suppress or alter it on his own; therefore, systematic desensitization should be used to help get used to any stimulus that triggers his fear, and learn that there is no harm from it.

Are You Feeding Fear to Your Dog? Consider Desensitization Therapy.

Systematic desensitization is an effective and gentle way of helping your dog overcome his fear. He will gradually be exposed to whatever triggers his anxiety; for instance, if your pup panics at seeing an object for instance, first facing it from a safe distance so he remains relaxed rather than becoming anxious; once he understands there’s no risk, your four-legged friend can approach the object during training sessions with care.

As with the dog above, the confrontation with fear-inducing stimuli should gradually increase until they remain completely non-threatening for your pup. After this stage is completed, a counterconditioning process would follow, in which these fearful stimuli would be linked with something positive like giving a treat that replaces their feeling of fear with joy.

Desensitization can be an arduous journey.

However, this training method cannot be carried out overnight – usually taking several weeks before the stimulus no longer triggers fear. A dog owner requires time, patience, perseverance and sometimes professional assistance from a specialized dog trainer or animal psychologist for systematic desensitization. A gentle hand must also be applied as success depends on ensuring the correct dosage of confrontation with fear triggers – too soon may result in setbacks.

Imagine having a fear of heights. Step by step, you gain more comfort knowing nothing will harm you or cause fear, until someone suggests going all the way up. At that point, panic might set in and prevent any future training sessions from being productive. That is why it’s so essential to treat fearful dogs with great kindness and patience as we work to build trust between owner and animal during training sessions so behavior modifications will have maximum success.