Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning for Aggressive Dogs

Written by Lauren Tsao, MS, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Dogs can become aggressive for a variety of reasons, whether it’s due to fear, insecurity, frustration, mistrust of strangers, or just a general lack of socialization. Whatever the reason may be, dog owners need to be aware of the signs of aggression in their dogs and how to properly (and safely) address it. One way to help an aggressive dog is through desensitization and counter-conditioning. In many cases, aggressive behaviors like lunging, barking, and growling can be decreased through this process.

While these are two separate concepts, they are often used together in dog training and behavior modification. Desensitization involves gradually exposing the dog to the thing that triggers the aggressive behavior, starting at a level that does not elicit a response. From there, the level of exposure is gradually increased until the dog is no longer reactive. Counter-conditioning, meanwhile, involves teaching the dog to associate the trigger with something positive, such as treats. When done properly, desensitization and counter-conditioning can help to change an aggressive dog's emotional response, paving the way for a more peaceful relationship.

Identifying Your Dog’s Triggers

The first step in using desensitization and counter-conditioning to help an aggressive dog is understanding what sets off their aggression. It could be something as specific as being touched on the head or being approached from behind. In other cases, it might be a general fear of anything new or unfamiliar. 

Once you’ve identified the trigger, you need to find a way to expose your dog to it in a controlled setting where you can monitor their reaction. For most dogs, this is best done on a leash and with a basket muzzle on to protect you and those helping you. If your dog’s aggression is triggered by people approaching them, for example, have a friend stand at a distance and you gradually move closer with your dog. You will want to keep your dog under threshold, which means your dog shouldn’t be barking, lunging, or displaying other reactive behaviors during this exercise. Some dogs may require a large distance between them and the trigger to keep them under threshold (think a football field for some dogs!) Don’t worry though! You will be able to move closer in the future as your dog begins to associate the trigger with more positive outcomes. It is better to start too far away, than too close.

Changing Your Dog’s Response

Once you’ve identified the trigger and found a way to expose your dog to it in a controlled setting, you can begin working on changing their reaction. The goal is to get them to associate the trigger with something positive instead of something negative. This can be done by giving them high-value treats whenever they encounter the trigger. The idea is to expose your dog to his triggers in a controlled way so that he can begin to associate them with positive experiences instead of fear or aggression. What makes counter conditioning different than regular dog training is that the treat is contingent on the presence of the trigger - not your dog’s behavior.

While it can feel strange to give your dog treats while they are reacting aggressively, keep in mind that the aggressive behaviors are just symptoms of the underlying issue; your dog’s negative emotional response to the trigger. By addressing this emotional response, the other behavioral symptoms of aggression start to resolve as well. If your setup is correct, however, you shouldn’t be often giving treats while the dog is reacting anyway. The key is to move slowly and take baby steps so that your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed and regress to their old ways. If your dog will not take treats when the trigger is present, this is a sign that your dog is still uncomfortable with the distance between them and the trigger and you should add more distance. With time and patience, though, you should be able to help your dog become more comfortable around their triggers.

Desensitization and counter-conditioning are powerful tools that can help your aggressive dog overcome his fears and learn to respond more positively. However, these procedures should only be attempted with the help of a certified dog behavior consultant or a certified professional dog trainer who has experience working with aggressive dogs. If you think your aggressive dog could benefit from desensitization and counter-conditioning virtually or in person in the Jackson, MS area, please contact me for professional dog behavior consulting and behavior modification services. With patience and persistence, you can help your furry friend lead a happier, less stressful life.