Dog Rehabilitation Tip
This is a reprint from the September 2023 newsletter.
Rehabilitating a dog and training a dog are two different things.
Training is teaching the dog a task such as sit, down, stay, etc. This can be done relatively quickly, and depending on the dog and the complexity of the task, some tasks can be taught in just a few sessions.
Rehabilitation, also called behavior modification, involves changing the dogs perception of something they fear, and their reaction to the thing they fear. Changing the way a dog perceives something they fear (aka trigger) takes a very long time. This is not something you can accomplish quickly, it is a very slow and gradual process. Depending on the length of time the dog has feared the trigger, it can take years to rehabilitate the dog to the point that they are no longer reacting negatively when exposed to the trigger. Depending on the severity of the case, some dogs may never fully recover.
Give your dog, and yourself, some grace when doing behavior rehabilitation. It is a very slow and gradual process and anyone who embarks on this journey is to be commended.
Always remember:
Slow and steady wins the race!
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Note and disclaimer: All information in the blog posts on this site is my opinion based on my own experience rehabilitating an aggressive dog. I am not a professional behaviorist or otherwise involved in the Veterinary profession. If you are dealing with an aggressive dog, I recommend you seek the advice of a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist.
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