02/01/2025
Flooding is an aversive technique used as a psychological weapon in both humans and animals. The IAABC made a statement in opposition of any trainer using flooding: "Flooding is defined as the exposure to a fear-inducing stimuli without the possibility to escape. Fear-inducing stimuli are aversive to the learner, meaning that the learner would choose to avoid these stimuli. The use of aversive techniques is punishment and holds no place in behavior modification or animal training."
Sometimes, you might accidentally put your pet in such a position, like if you didn't realize how important cooperative care is for nail trims or vet visits. Or you failed to see the signs your dog was giving at the restaurant patio that showed they weren't comfortable in that environment.
However, aversive "trainers" use flooding as a way to psychologically subdue a dog -- to make them so afraid to be punished that they completely shut down. The fear of punishment outweighs any other option.
So, how do we combat the adverse effects of flooding? We give our pets agency: this toy or that one? Walk this way or that way?
We provide opportunities to reset: play dates, sniffaris, foraging games, decompression walks.
We are going do as Cynthia Erivo said and "hold space" for the needs of our pets. But, let's be real: this post isn't just about dog training. This is also about the very real flooding that is happening right now for us, too. So be sure to protect your peace and look for ways to combat the harmful and hateful situations we're being forced to confront.
Stay strong, and stay kind.
