The need to be methodical when addressing the behavioral challenges of these dogs is critical. One of the challenges dog trainers face is clients who are inclined to shop for solutions. They work with one trainer, dont get what they want fast enough and switch to another. For many dogs simply being introduced to a predictable system is enough to lower their stress (being able to predict what is likely to happen next reduces stress) and they can learn new skills. This is true even of systems that may be less humane than others. But simply working is not my criteria for success for suggested practices in this group. The least aversive first step is to provide the dog with living conditions in which they feel safe and have no reason to become anxious about what might happen to them next. They learn they will not be forced to do things that scare them, they will not have things done to them that scare them, they learn they have control over their bodies, even if its in a restricted area. When this occurs we will often see an increase in experimental behavior. This behavior can be reinforced. We begin desensitizing and counterconditioning to triggers, including our appearance if that is required.
Posted on: Mon, 26 May 2014 12:03:16 +0000
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