Mary Allen
If a dog is afraid of something, it reacts in panic or even aggressively to a certain stimulus. This can be optical, acoustic, or of another nature. The fear reaction is deeply anchored in his consciousness, which is why the four-legged friend cannot simply suppress it or influence it himself. He needs help to get used to the stimulus that triggers his fear and to learn that it is not dangerous – with the help of systematic desensitization.
Dog is Afraid: Systematic Desensitization
Systematic desensitization gently takes away a dog’s fear. He is introduced to the fear trigger step by step so that he gets used to it. For example, if your dog panics at the sight of a certain object, it will first be confronted with it from a safe distance – so that it remains relatively relaxed and not afraid. If your four-legged friend now understands that there is no danger, the object is carefully approached during the next training session.
In this way, the confrontation with the fear trigger is slowly increased. The whole thing is carried out until the dog remains completely steadfast. The next step would then be counterconditioning, in which this fear-inducing stimulus is linked to something positive. The feeling of fear should be replaced with joy with the help of a treat, for example.
Desensitization Goes a Long Way
However, this training method cannot be carried out overnight. It often takes weeks for the stimulus to stop triggering fear. A dog owner needs a lot of time, patience, perseverance, and usually professional support from a specialized dog trainer or animal psychologist for systematic desensitization. A sensitive hand is also required. Because it depends on the right dose of confrontation with the fear trigger. As soon as you strive for progress too quickly, setbacks can occur.
Imagine you had heights. You climb a level from time to time and understand more and more that nothing will happen to you and you don’t have to be afraid. But then someone comes and urges you to go straight to the top. You will most likely panic and not be receptive to the next training session. That’s why it’s really important to be very gentle and patient with your anxious dog and work on it together with him. A close bond between dog and owner is essential. Behavioral training only bears fruit if there is a certain basis of trust.