Touch Sensitivity Training
- Have various treats ready. Reserve the highest value treats for the areas the dog is most sensitive to being touched.
- With your body turned sideways, crouched at her level or in a chair, begin by touching her in an area she is not sensitive. Say good or click and reward for relaxed behavior.
- As the dog becomes more and more relaxed during the sessions slowly progress to the more sensitive touch areas, always rewarding when she is calm during the touch.
- If she starts to stiffen at any time you are moving too fast. Go back to the last successful step and try again. Do not continue to work at the level that makes her uncomfortable.
- If she starts to stiffen at any time, you are moving too fast. Go back to the last successful step and try again. Do not continue to work at the level that makes her uncomfortable.
- If introducing to strangers tell them her favorite places they are allowed to pet, do not allow them to touch the sensitive areas.