How do I desensitize my reactive dog?
Jeanette Conn
2025-07-22 11:15:24
Count answers
: 6
Working to change a dog’s emotional response to their triggers is one of the most important parts of a behavior modification program, and it’s done through a process called Counterconditioning & Desensitization. Counterconditioning & Desensitization (CC/DS) uses principles of classical conditioning to change the emotional responses our dogs have to their triggers, from negative, to neutral or positive. Remember, no negative feelings, no more reactions. The sweet spot for Counterconditioning & Desensitization is when your dog is just at threshold in relation to their trigger. By allowing your dog to observe their trigger at this low intensity, and providing them extra yummy treats at the same time, we’re allowing their mild feelings of concern to dissipate – instead of escalating into a full-blown stress response – and be replaced with feelings of relaxation. With repetition, the presence of a trigger at that intensity will no longer cause even mild concern. The goal with controlled CC/DS sessions is to extinguish any negative emotional responses to the trigger at the current level of intensity, before moving on and increasing the level of intensity.
Read also
- How to get a dog to stop being aggressive towards people?
- How do I stop my dog from reacting to people?
- How to fix frustration reactivity in dogs?
- How do I desensitize my dog to other people?
- How do I stop my dog from being aggressive towards visitors?
- How to stop dog aggression towards family members?
- How to build frustration tolerance in dogs?