When using classical counterconditioning to change a dogs feelings about a trigger the delivery of food or a toy is only contingent on the dogs awareness of the trigger. If the dog is too wary or scared to enjoy the food or toy, move away and offer it to them again. And next time set up so that the dog will be able to enjoy it when aware of the trigger. This means paying attention to the parameters of the situation. How close is the trigger? How big is it? How many of them are there? How long is it around for? Is it moving? How is it moving? By observing when a dog is cool enough around a trigger to enjoy what it predicts we then can begin increasing the challenge for the dog, gradually adjusting the parameters. Waiting to reward a dog for a behavior when they are in the presence of something that troubles them is like refusing to let a kid leave the table until they eat their fried liver and onions. We may ultimately get them to swallow it, but theyre likely not loving it, and when it comes to people or other dogs, our aim is to have our dogs love them. They may only love them under specific conditions. My own dog can be fine around people who he learns will not try to touch him, and who demonstrate their ability to toss frisbees. I am willing to compromise so that I get what I need and my dog gets what he needs. There is usually a middle ground we can both agree on.
Posted on: Sun, 08 Jun 2014 11:29:31 +0000