Fred & Moku: Desensitization and Counterconditioning in the "Real World"
- Liz R. Kover
- Jun 26, 2016
- 2 min read
When dog trainers talk "desensitization and counterconditioning for fear based reactivity and aggression"...they are, in a very real and real-world sense, describing what Moku and Fred's friendship has done -- and continues to do -- for Fred.
In structured training scenarios, the reactive dog and a second, more balanced dog, are "set up" in a thoroughly controlled fashion. In the very beginning, both are on leash, and the non-reactive dog is "presented" to the reactive dog (i.e. brought into his line of sight at a safe distance) as the predictor of rewards. In other words, each time the balanced dog "appears", the reactive dog is given high value food, affection, toys, etc. The desensitization part comes with repetition. The counterconditioning comes when negative associations with the reactive dog's trigger become positive over time and many trials. The reactive dog's non-reactive behavior can then be reinforced through rewarding him for any alternate behavior at the appearance or in the presence of the trigger.
We did some of these more structured trials with Fred in the beginning...but (namely because I was working alone) a lot of it has happened organically, *with the same desired effect.
Moku is a completely non-reactive, goofy, sweet and silly lab, who absolutely adores Fred, and has let him know from the very start of their friendship that he "comes in peace"; his energy and actions are 100% non-threatening to Fred. The more time the two dogs have spent together, the safer Fred has begun to feel in social situations, and in context of what once were very powerful triggers. Because Moku has reminded him that hanging out with other dogs (most times) is safe, fun, and rewarding in and of itself, he has become more and more relaxed, and positive associations have been paved over the crumbling, negative ones that, before, caused rifts and potholes across Fred's mental roadmap.
Two months ago, it would've been unthinkable to have Moku in Fred's space, in his bed even, sharing hooves with him. Needless to say, this scene makes me incredibly happy...and so proud of my boy!
(* This is not to say that "seeing what happens and hoping for the best" is a viable replacement for actual training in a safe and controlled environment, working with a professional trainer! Because I am a professional trainer, I have monitored -- and continue to monitor -- Fred's interactions with other dogs very closely; and I do a great deal of "energy management", making sure only to put Fred in situations I am certain he can handle (and still be under threshold).
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