Gradually exposing a dog to something they find difficult, at a low enough intensity that they stay calm, then slowly increasing that intensity over time.
Desensitisation is the process of gradually exposing a dog to something they find difficult, at a low enough intensity that they stay calm, then slowly increasing that intensity over time. The goal is to help the dog become less reactive to the trigger through careful, controlled exposure.
It's often used alongside counter-conditioning, where the low intensity version of the trigger is also paired with something the dog enjoys, building a positive association alongside the gradual exposure.
For a dog who's fearful of other dogs, desensitisation might start with viewing another dog from a distance far enough away that the dog stays relaxed. Over many sessions, that distance is very gradually reduced, always keeping the dog under threshold, meaning calm enough to cope, rather than pushing them into a reactive state.
The pace is set by the dog's response, not by a fixed schedule. If a dog shows signs of stress, the intensity or proximity is reduced back to a level they can handle, rather than pushing through.
Moving too fast is the most common problem. Increasing intensity before the dog is fully comfortable at the current level tends to set progress back rather than speed it up.
Desensitisation focuses on gradually reducing a dog's reaction through controlled exposure alone. Counter-conditioning specifically pairs the trigger with something positive to change the dog's emotional response. The two are frequently used together.
It depends entirely on the individual dog. Some dogs progress through stages relatively quickly, others need much smaller, slower steps. The dog's response guides the pace, not a fixed timeline.
Milder cases can often be worked through at home with patience and a clear plan, but more serious fear or reactivity usually benefits from guidance from a qualified trainer or behaviourist.
Changing a dog's emotional response to a trigger by consistently pairing it with something the dog already likes.
The point at which a dog moves from being able to think and respond calmly, into a reactive or overwhelmed state.
Physical and behavioural signs that a dog is finding a situation difficult to cope with, ranging from subtle tension to clear distress.
