Desensitization & Counterconditioning
The basics about DSCC
Desensitization and counterconditioning (DSCC) are techniques we use to help your dog feel better about triggers ("scary things") at a pace that doesn't cause your dog to be afraid.
.png)
Watch this 2 minute video by Susan Hill, a respected service dog trainer review the basics.
Desensitization
Desensitization is "gradual exposure of a dog to the thing that frightens him, beginning at such a low level that he doesn’t react at all and slowly increasing the level of exposure without provoking a stress response, with the goal of reducing or eliminating fear, anxiety, or stress" (Becker).
​
Counterconditioning
"Counter-conditioning means changing the pet’s emotional response, feelings or attitude toward a stimulus. For example, the dog that lunges at the window when a delivery person walks by is displaying an emotional response of fear or anxiety. Classical counter-conditioning would be accomplished by pairing the sight, sounds and approach of the delivery person with one of the dog’s favored rewards to change the emotional state to one that is calm and positive" (Horwitz).
To put it simply, counterconditioning allows us to change the dog's association from something scary to something that predicts great things like favorite treats.
Monsters are Scary
Monsters predict great things!
Here is another way to say the same thing with a few important points to follow.
Putting it Together
In the graphic below, you'll see where we work. It's in a place where the dog notices the trigger but does not react. Your dog's body language will tell you when you get to the caution point. When you see the signs, increase distance slightly. Pairing the sight (or sound) of the scary thing with really special treats will change your dog's association from negative to anticipation of good things.
.png)
Think about distance from the trigger as your dog getting in over his head if too close.
Additional Resources
Download Suzanne Clothier's PDF on the different element of how we can influence threshold.
Article by ASPCA Pro on Desenstization and Counterconditioning
References
Becker, M. (2018). From Fearful to Fear Free. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications.
​
Horwitz, D. (n.d.). Introduction to Desensitization and Counterconditioning. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/introduction-to-desensitization-and-counterconditioning