Remedial Socialization – Bring the Junkyard Home

OBJECTIVE: To help a neo-phobic dog habituate to novel objects in their environment.

Dog/handler teams are appropriate for this exercise when:

The dog is well bonded with and trusting of the handler.
The handler is very sure that this exercise will work. If there is any doubt, consult with a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) that is experienced in working with fearful and reactive dogs before proceeding.

The handler will need:

To read the recommended resources at the end of this document.
A hungry dog with a properly fitting harness or collar, one that they cannot remove or slip off. Shock, choke, or prong collars should NEVER be used.
A standard, 6-foot leash.
High value treats such as freeze-dried liver, meat, or cheese.
A yard and/or room large enough that the dog has space to feel secure in the presence of a novel object.
A variety of novel objects that they can place in their home or yard.

When to Start:

During a quiet time when your dog is not overly stimulated or excited.
Enter the room/yard so that the dog is as far away from the novel object as possible.
As the dog notices the object, give treats to the dog as long as they are not fearful or reactive.
The goal is for the dog to see something in the distance and anticipate a yummy treat.
Graduate to walking around the object.
With success move closer to the object in future sessions.

Training Sessions:

Are short and very fun – quit before the dog is sated, typically within five minutes.
Happen frequently and are repeated in the same location until successful (don’t introduce a second object or a new location until you can be with the dog, giving treats, within 10 feet of the object without your dog becoming fearful or reactive.
Are at the beginning level of difficulty until the dog sees something new and promptly looks toward its handler for the yummy treat.
Are only gradually increased in difficulty as the dog is successful.

The goal is to be able to:

Sit in a room/yard with different types of novel objects without your dog becoming anxious or reactive.

Help! My Dog is Aggressive, Reactive, Fearful, Anxious, etc. – What do I do? – WWM – APR2017 – http://bit.ly/HelpDogAggx

How Can I Tell When My Dog Is Anxious or Fearful? – http://bit.ly/DogsSignsofFear

Management of An Aggressive, Fearful or Reactive Dog – http://bit.ly/BhxManagement

Remedial Socialization – People – The Watch the World Game – http://bit.ly/RemedialSocializationPeople

Reward Based Training versus Aversives – http://bit.ly/RewardVSAversive

Understanding, Identifying and Coping with Canine Stress – http://bit.ly/Canine-Stress

What Is A Pet Behavior Consultant? – http://bit.ly/WhatIsPetBhxConsulting

What Should I Do When My Dog Does Not Let Me Take Something They Have Stolen and Snaps or Tries to Bite Me? – http://bit.ly/StealGuardGrowlSnap

What Should I Do When My Dog Growls? – http://bit.ly/DogGrowls