Dog
and cat pet tips - on Pets.ca
Cat illness, dog is sick, behavior
problems....Once a week Pets.ca will publish a pet tip.
Tip
- 34 - Dog training - Desensitizing dogs
PROBLEM - AFRAID OF,
OR DOESN'T LIKE, BEING TOUCHED:
The secret, is to desensitize the dog to reacting to being touched, especially
when cleaning paws. Start by touching casually WITHOUT making eye contact since
eye contact is always seen as a threat by a dog. The touch is to be just a
light brushing movement with your hand. Pick a place where you get the least
response (often this will be the rear or flank). If the dog growls when touched,
this isn't too serious BUT if the dog wrinkles nose, this means he is likely
to bite. It also means that your touching has gone too far and you should back
off immediately.
The actual method of touching that you should use is important. It involves
using distraction. First, get down to dog level with your head level with the
dog's. Use the command "Touches, Touches", then distract dog by showing,
and then giving him a treat while you gently lay your hand on the dog's body.
Continue doing this over time until you can run your hand over the dog's entire
body without a negative reaction. Always be non-threatening by not looking
at the dog, being at its level and talking in a calm, soothing voice. The idea
is that the dog will eventually associate food with touching.
The secret to desensitizing a dog to anything they are fearful of is to present
the dog with a very low level of what they are sensitive to and distract them
away from the negative stimulus. Probably the most effective distraction is
food and they will quickly associate stroking and fondling with food. As they
become more comfortable with the triggering stimulus, you can slowly increase
the severity of the threatening stimulus.
Be warned, however, that some fearful responses can be quite strong, and a
fearful dog may bite. Be patient, and don’t rush things. If the dog snaps
at you, or if its reaction makes you nervous or fearful it is probably time
to seek professional help to get you through the first stages of the process.
© Copyright Stanley
Coren, reproduction by permission only.
See the
other pet tips here:
© Pets.ca 2003
www.pets.ca
