helping dogs overcome the fear of objects
Is your dog afraid of ordinary objects? Does he freeze or try to run away when he sees a bag blowing in the wind? Does he bark or growl at cardboard boxes, ladders, or brooms? There are many reasons why dogs may be fearful of certain objects, including exposure to something scary during the developmental period, lack of early socialization, or even a negative experience with the object (perhaps the broom or ladder tipped over and startled the dog). Fortunately, you can help put your dog at ease by creating positive associations with objects that he may fear.
In this video, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP) Charissa Carvell and her dog, Bailey, demonstrate how to create positive associations with the “Say Hi” game. During the game, the dog learns to step toward the scary object, sniff, and then come back to you.
Training Steps:
- Set up the object at a safe distance from your dog. The first time you play the game, choose an object that won’t be too scary. In this video, the object is a brown paper bag.
- Use a hand target to guide your dog toward the object. To reset, use high-value treats to reward your dog away from the object.
- Continue targeting closer to the object until your dog feels confident
- As you get closer to the object, change to a verbal cue to “say hi.”
- If your dog offers to target the object without your hand cue, click and treat!
Over time, and with repetition, your dog learns that objects he was once fearful of are not only not harmless, but that their presence means good things!
What different objects can you teach your dog to “say hi” to? The possibilities are endless! For more training tips check out our KPA blogs.
If you want to enhance your understanding of modern, effective, positive dog training, build a stronger bond with your dog, or take the next step toward a fulfilling career as a dog trainer, our Dog Trainer courses will support you every step of the way.
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