Tag Archives: Counter-conditioning and desensitization

A Comprehensive Guide to Safeguarding Dogs with Fireworks Anxiety on the 4th of July

dog-fireworks-anxiety

by Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, (Dog BEhaviorist), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant   Part 1: Understanding the Situation and Preparation Understanding your dog’s anxiety and providing the right comfort is imperative, especially on occasions such as the 4th of July when fireworks are inevitable. Fireworks can be a source of terror for dogs, who […]

Treat and Retreat Dog Training

Treat and Retreat Dog Training

Treat and Retreat: An Overview of Suzanne Clothier and John Fisher’s Systems by Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist,) Certified Behavior Consultant. Dog training is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. It involves teaching dogs new behaviors and reinforcing desirable behaviors through positive reinforcement techniques. While there are several approaches to dog training, […]

Understanding Thresholds and Canine Body Language : The Key to Successful Counterconditioning and Desensitization

Canine Thresholds

Understanding Thresholds and Canine Body Language: The Key to Successful Counterconditioning and Desensitization by Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist) Certified Behavior Consultant If you have a dog with anxiety, fear, phobias, reactivity, or aggression, changing these emotional states and their corresponding behaviors is through a behavior modification process known as counterconditioning and desensitization (D/CC.) […]

Dispelling the Myth: Feeding a Scared Dog Will Not Make It Worse

Feeding a scared dog will not make it worse

Dispelling the Myth: Feeding a Scared Dog Will Not Make It Worse by Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Behavior Consultant. As a Certified Behavior Consultant and Certified Professional Dog Trainer, it is essential to dispel myths and misconceptions about dog behavior and training. One of the most persistent and harmful myths is […]

Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) Revisited: What the Critics, Experts, and Science Have to Say?

behavior adjustment training bat revisited what the critics Experts and Science Have to Say

Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) Revisited: What the Critics, Experts, and Science Have to Say? by Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, Certified Behavior Consultant (Dog Behaviorist.) This article will uncover the facts behind BAT training for dogs. We will look at what BAT is and how it works, the history of BAT, the pros and cons, […]

What is the Relaxation Protocol for Dogs?

Relaxation protocol for dogs

Picture courtesy of Labradoodle Home What is the Relaxation Protocol for Dogs? What is the relaxation protocol for dogs? By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist) Certified Behavior Consultant. Relaxation protocols have been developed for dogs who exhibit anxious, fearful, and aggressive behavior. Karen Overall, a renowned veterinary behaviorist, has created a relaxation protocol […]

Look at That Dog Training: How to Train Reactive Dogs Effectively.

Look at that dog training (LAT)

Look at That Dog Training: How to Train Reactive Dogs Effectively. Look At That Dog Training: How to Train Reactive Dogs Effectively by Will Bangura, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Behavior Consultant. Training a reactive dog can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Look at That (LAT) Dog Training is a practical, positive […]

How Do You Deal With an Aggressive Dog?

How do you deal with an aggressive dog

How Do You Deal With an Aggressive Dog?   How do you deal with an aggressive dog? By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Behavior Consultant. Aggression is a common behavior in dogs that can have severe consequences if not appropriately addressed. Aggressive behavior can range from mild warning signs, such as growling, […]

Counter-conditioning and desensitization: Exposure therapy for dogs

counter-conditioning and desensitization for dog anxiety

Counter-conditioning and desensitization: Exposure therapy for dogs    By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Counter-conditioning and desensitization for dogs are two commonly used techniques for helping dogs overcome fears and phobias. These techniques involve changing a dog’s emotional response to a specific stimulus by associating it with something positive. […]