What is it?
Key Concepts & Techniques
- Desensitisation: Gradually exposing an animal to a triggering stimulus (like a loud noise or approaching stranger) as a very low level so they do not react with fear or arousal, then slowly increasing the intensity over time.
- Counterconditioning: Changing an animal's negative emotional response to a trigger into a positive one by pairing the trigger with a high-value reward, such as a treat or toy.
- Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding desired actions immediately to encourage the animal to repeat them.
- Extinction: Reducing an unwanted behaviour by completely withholding the reward or attention that previously reinforced it.
- Environmental Management: Restricting access to triggers or setting up safe spaces (like a crate or quiet room) to prevent the animal rehearsing the behaviour while new training takes place.