How do you desensitize a rescue dog?

Desensitization is a behavior modification technique in which you purposely and gradually expose your pet to a stimulus that has triggered a fear response. The stimulus is always controlled, starting at a very low level, so that your pet does not experience fear or display signs of stress. Over several sessions, you gradually increase the intensity of the stimulus, as long as there is no sign of fear. Manage the distance from the trigger, beginning far away and gradually getting closer. If the trigger is a noise, adjust the volume, going from low to high. If the trigger is a moving object, such as a bicycle, change the speed at which it moves, working from slow to fast. Break the trigger up into components: Some triggers are composed of multiple parts, such as sound, motion, sight, and smell. For example, if your pet is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, begin with the vacuum turned off and stationary. Desensitization and counterconditioning are often used together when treating fearful pets. For desensitization and counterconditioning programs to be successful, it is necessary to have good, safe control of the pet, a strongly motivating reward, good control over the stimulus, and a well-constructed desensitization gradient.

It is our job to work with them, to show them that what they may perceive as scary or a threat is, in fact, safe. Desensitizing can help not only overcome fear but build confidence going forward. I was able to safely and slowly introduce him to this new thing and help him recover from this fear within about 45 minutes. After positively and patiently introducing him, he was now desensitized to this scary new thing. Desensitizing can be done at any age. Educating children on how to interact with dogs is important but ensuring your dog can tolerate being pet the wrong way, having their legs touched, tail touched, ears tugged, etc, will create a sound dog. Certain things, like touch, are useful before introducing a dog to children.