09/06/2023
Desensitisation
What does it mean and how can it help you
If you have seen my previous post where Bella - bully type, who was ball obsessed and would jump, lunge and snap at a ball, was desensitised enough to be able to enjoy playing with the kids at a family BBQ.
How is that possible in 2 training sessions?
When you put your dog on the lead, do not let them wander around, sniff or walk off. Make them stand with you. A simple check on the lead to let them know you do not want them to do anything but stand and wait for a command.
This stops your dog from wandering off in their mind as to what they want to do and gets them to focus on you and wait for the next command
When your dog is calm, take the thing that they fixate on - ball, another dog, bike, car and find the distance that your dog will stay “with you” and get the obstacle to move around, roll the ball, roll the bike, very gently at first, using the command “leave it”.
When the dog loses their calm, take a small step back, correct gently and use command “leave it”. Continue until the dog is not fazed by the object of its desire being moved around, and slowly decrease the gap.
This takes time and energy, but IT WORKS
As always , if you need help or would like to come and have a session or just a chat then please let me know on 07709 431153
Sue