Counter Conditioning: the Conditioning of an unwanted behavior or response to a stimulus into a wanted behavior or response by the association of positive associations with the Stimulus. For example: when training a dog, you would create a positive response by rewarding the dog when he sees the stimulus, usually before or just barely as he reacts fearful or anxious . Therefore this will associate the positive response with the presence of the stimulus.
Systematic Desensitization: the process of gradually exposing a dog to something it fears at distances or intensities that do not cause the dog to react with fear or aggression. For example: when training a dog you expose the dog to a stimulus at a distance where the dog does not react fearful, anxious, or aggressive.
When using Counter Conditioning and systematic desensitization (ccd) if the dog shows any signs of stress, then you have moved too close to the stimulus too fast. Start at a longer distance. Reward the dog when he is looking at the stimulus but is relaxed or alert. You want him to be curious about the stimulus but at the same time you do not want him to become reactive to that stimulus. He should be able to look at it and not become afraid or anxious. When the dog has mastered this at low exposures to the stimulus, you can begin to move closer, have the stimulus move around, and/or increase the amount of stimuli.
Remember: if the dog will not take the reinforcer you provide (usually treats) then the dog is TOO STRESSED. This means that the dog is not able to think clearly and therefore is incapable of learning and progressing. In order for the dog to succeed, you must move the dog away from the stressor and give him some time to relax. THEN you can begin again at a lower exposure.
Systematic desensitization and Counter conditioning is a scientifically proven method, meaning it is tried and true. This method is what positive trainers use to decrease aggressive/reactive behaviors in dogs. Instead of punishing the dog for reacting (which can lead to increased or redirected aggression), you are preventing the dog from reacting and then rewarding the dog for making good choices. This is the LEAST STRESSFUL and MOST EFFECTIVE way to rehabilitate an aggressive dog.
Systematic Desensitization and Counter Conditioning
I will make a video on this since Tiki is the perfect test subject. Stay tuned!!
I do not own the images above
