Counter-conditioning for Fearful and Anxious Dogs: How to Get it Right with Dr. Zazie Todd

When a dog is frightened, we often make use of classical conditioning. Counter conditioning is a very effective tool to help dogs learn to like things they were previously afraid of, but many people make mistakes in its implementation—and then think it hasn’t worked. This talk will give an overview of those all-important details and why they matter.

The details include how to make a clear contingency, when and how to combine counterconditioning with desensitization, and the role of an element of surprise. Plus we’ll talk about the best ways to explain these ideas in client-friendly ways. Along the way there will be nods to the science of counter-conditioning and how it has changed since the days of Pavlov.

Learning Objectives

1. Spot common mistakes that people make in counter-conditioning
2.  Understand the role of an element of surprise
3. Develop and perfect counter-conditioning plans

Your Presenters- Dr. Zazie Todd

Zazie Todd PhD is an animal behaviour expert and the award-winning author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy. Her third book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog, will be published in October 2024. Todd is the creator of Companion Animal Psychology blog and has a column at Psychology Today. She has a PhD in Psychology, is an honours graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, and has an Advanced Certificate of Feline Behaviour (with Distinction) from International Cat Care. Originally from the UK, she lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, a dog and a cat.

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