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Aim for Habituation not Sensitisation.

by Cara Williams MA - Animal Behaviourist

Habituation
When we teach our animal companion to not be fearful of novel, possibly threatening situations or objects, we are using habituation. By gradually presenting the situation/object so as at no time is the animal's fear reinforced, the animal learns that it is 'ok'. Habituation requires:

• The gradual presentation of the situation/object
• It be carried out in a variety of different environments and contexts.
• The situation/object to be presented often so the animal does not revert to his original fearful response.

Our animal companions can be habituated to various situations that they need to encounter on a regular basis.

Horses can become habituated to:

• People
• Other animals (dogs, cows, pigs, sheep).
• Veterinarian procedures
• Hoses
• Trailers
• Rugs etc

• People
• Other animals (dogs, sheep, cats).
• Veterinarian procedures
• Grooming
• Cars
• Hoovers etc

• People
• Dogs
• Veterinarian procedures
• Being groomed etc

Sensitisation
Sensitisation is the opposite of habituation. When our animal companion is sensitised to a situation/object, the more it is presented the more fearful he becomes. This is because the fear is reinforced through, for example, pain or surprise. As far as the animal is concerned, the fearful response is justified and so the response strengthens. Sensitisation not only causes the animal to be fearful of the particular situation/object in any environment, when the animal is sensitised he reacts fearfully to other aspects of the environment and his ability to learn or listen to you is reduced. If the rules of habituation are ignored, we risk our animals becoming sensitised to that we want him to accept as being safe.

DR MEGAN KELLY interviewed on SAFM.

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