Desensitization Can Change a Dog’s Behavior

Reactive dogs have an abnormal arousal level to everyday things, but choice-based training can help them cope.

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Do you have a dog who has concerns about particular scenarios or triggers? It’s normal for any given dog to be uncomfortable about certain situations or sentient beings of some sort. After all, humans are as well. As humans, we can avoid some situations/people/triggers that cause us concern.
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2 COMMENTS

  1. HI JoLaine,

    I’m wondering if you have a reactive dog. You don’t say what he or she does, but the instant reactions sounds like that’s possible (“over the threshold”), especially if they involve barking or lunging. Maybe look at these two articles:

    https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/what-is-a-reactive-dog-understanding-reactivity/

    https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/dog-sports-for-reactive-dogs/

    In addition, I think this article is very helpful in understanding dog temperaments.

    https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/understanding-dog-temperament/

    I hope it helps.

    Cindy Foley, Senior Editor, Whole Dog Journal

  2. I’ve heard people say that their dog gives no warning signals. That suddenly they’re over threshold with no warning. My inclination is to doubt that this is true. I certainly know my dogs’ signals well, but I’m unsure if there truly are dogs that give no warning, or the human just hasn’t learned to identify the warnings.