Dog Behaviour Adjustment Training

Behaviour Adjustment Training can be used for dogs suffering from fear, frustration or anxiety. Even if the above has displayed aggression B.A.T. is still a helpful tool. It involves gradually introducing the dog to the stimulus but in a very controlled fashion. This type of training is often arranged with ‘set-ups’ e.g. your buddy with a mobile phone up the end of the footy field. You can let him know when to appear from behind the brick building and when to disappear. Perhaps he will have a decoy dog with him if the problem has been with other dogs. The scenario acts like a rehearsal for real life situations.

The dog is exposed to the stimulus and receives reinforcement for any behaviour which is acceptable. If the dog has a reaction e.g. lunges toward the stimulus then the trainer has moved too fast as the idea is to always work under the dogs threshold. The trainer waits for a cue such as body language to indicate a level of ‘calm’ before retreating from the stimulus. Even a brief ‘look away’ would do. Gradually the distance is reduced.

It is only your dog, which chooses to move closer to the predicted stimulus. He may move anywhere he wishes except for to be making a ‘bee-line’ for the stimulus in an aroused fashion. The stimulus is usually 2 to 3 times the distance than what would usually cause a reaction in that dog. The beauty of this method is letting the dog choose the behaviour.

Leah & Angela OMeara Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)