Skip to content
Preview mode. Sample member data shown for review. Real members see their own account when sign-in is live.
Dashboard / Training Progress / Skill detail
Back to progress overview
Manner First introduced in Kindergarten

Desensitize

Gradual exposure that reduces over-arousal to specific stimuli.

  • Teaching
  • Reinforcing
  • Proofing
  • Maintenance

Maple's stage at Elementary

Success indicator

Dog can be exposed to a known trigger without reactivity.

Feet/Paws/Ears/Mouth

What it is

Handling encompasses physical interaction with your dog. You need your dog to not be triggered by situations. For that, you need to desensitize your dog.

How we teach it

  • Identification: Recognize triggers that cause negative reactions during handling.
  • Desensitization: Gradually expose your dog to triggers in controlled settings, rewarding calm behavior.

Practice at home

  • Be patient and consistent with your training. It may take some time for your dog to learn to accept being handled.
  • Take Photos or Videos: Capturing your progress back at home or outside will help us provide additional feedback.

Go deeper

Does your dog cower at fireworks? Flinch at the vacuum cleaner?

Read the Desensitization guide

Maple's record

No record yet

This skill has not been assessed for Maple yet. It will appear here after a trainer records it.

Add structure to your week

See where Desensitize fits in Maple's personalized training plan.