Counter conditioning is a psychological technique that helps change our response to something that makes us fearful or anxious. It involves replacing our negative reaction with a positive one through repeated exposure to that thing in a safe and controlled environment.
Full definition
For separation anxiety, one effective option
for counter conditioning is to develop an association between being alone and something your pet loves, such as a favorite treat.
Separation anxiety can be resolved by
using counter conditioning and desensitization techniques (see out handouts: «Separation Anxiety» and «Stress Relief for Your Pet»).
The question of how much and how long will depend on the dog's history, severity of anxiety, and the time that the owner and / or groomer is able to dedicate to the protocol
of counter conditioning.
We also love the San Francisco SPCA's video
on counter conditioning for preventing problem behaviors & introducing new situations to your dog.
We'll take a look at Ms. Lindsay Wood's great protocol for food guarding and how it illustrates the interplay between classical and
operant counter conditioning.
Food is a powerful motivator
in counter conditioning because there are circuits in the brain that turn on the hunting circuits in a dog's brain and turn off the fear and anxiety circuits.
This, as opposed to a constructional approach where operant behaviors are built, and problematic emotional reactions are changed via positive reinforcement and
counter conditioning protocols.
This is the first in a short series of videos with Michael Ellis, talking at a puppy class in his school in California, about fear periods in dogs and how to
counter condition dogs that become nervous over people, places and things in his environm...
Counter conditioning entails changing the dog's emotional response to that handling from fear or anxiety to anticipation and pleasure instead.
Dogs with major fear and anxiety may require additional visits
involving counter conditioning and desensitization, as well as some homework to help the animals feel more comfortable in the salon and with the procedures that will take place there.
Trainers & Behaviorists A basic that should be in every expert's library, this booklet is essential to send home with clients to ensure compliance and consistency with step - by - step desensitization and
counter conditioning programs.
Separation anxiety can be resolved by
using counter conditioning and desensitization techniques (see our handout: «Separation Anxiety»).
I called the amazing Sarah Owings to come help me work with some desensitization and
counter conditioning with the gates as well as Paisley sharing space with Shira.
Don't ever use punishment, collar corrections or scolding to teach him the commands, as the point
of counter conditioning is for him to associate pleasant things with the thing that frightens him.
This is the third in a short series of video lectures taken at Michael Ellis» School for Dog Trainers in California
on counter conditioning sharp, shy puppies.
Training / behavior consults, puppy socialization classes, one - on - one training, exotic / small animal training, desensitization and counter conditioning sessions
How the implementation sequence differs between classical and operant counter conditioning
Desensitization,
counter conditioning techniques and managing a dog's exposure to stressors, along with humane teaching methods and confidence building exercises, can really help to minimize stress.
That doesn't mean that you shouldn't continue to take your specifically prescribed drugs made to
counter this condition, but if you want to supplement them with an inexpensive alternative, taking some flaxseed lignan capsules or sprinkling some ground flaxseed on your meals is a good idea.
You have to actively reduce the stress (like a Tetris player clearing lines) through management, desensitization,
counter conditioning, and general stress reduction techniques.
It may involve a variety of exercises to
counter condition and rehabilitate the problem behavior.
Try to isolate the stressor and do
some counter conditioning to the stressor.
Counter Conditioning is where you are working to chance the dog's emotion towards the trigger.
Counter conditioning is a useful strategy to help dogs change the way they feel about things that scare them.
The standard behavioral modification «treatment» for separation anxiety can include independence training, change of departure / return routine and
counter conditioning.
This will reduce their arousal, increase their focus, and allow you to begin
the counter conditioning process.
Keep it short and positive and
counter conditioning and desensitize slowly.
This means that they don't actually have to see each other to start
the counter conditioning process.
Later working on
counter conditioning & desensitizing exercises, mill dogs often can be helped to get over this fear of doors.
The success of a reactive dog team relies on making sure they stick to your proven plan that revolves around desensitization,
counter conditioning, classical conditioning, and some foundation obedience cues.
Many more products, and a description of how to desensitize and
counter condition are listed here.
Wonder if there is a way to
counter condition this behaviour.