One in a series of 6 parts
There are many tools for teaching dogs to cope with life. However, many problems still don’t get ‘fixed’. SATS (the Syn Alia Training Systems) tools often work in the most difficult cases. They can fix difficult problems, and the problems tend to remain fixed, even when the dog returns home to a loving, but inexpert family. Here is a look at those tools and some reasons why they are effective.
The short answer: Perception Modification is a process to empower dogs to cope with stresses and manage their emotions. It is based on two tools: Conditioned Relaxation and Cycles. Conditioned Relaxation is the process of teaching an animal to recognize his own mental state, an opposing mental state, and to switch between the two, on command. The skill of relaxing by choice is then used with Cycles to solve the real life problems. Cycles are progressive steps used to present the trigger while the dog rehearses relaxation.
Next time: More on Perception Modification!
Note from Kayce: Thanks to Collin Richards of Manorly Mutt (http://manorlymutt.com/) for help in editing this post!