Desensitization progression is defined as...

• A. Presenting low levels of emotion-eliciting stimulus and gradually working up to full-blown stimulus.
• B. Avoiding exposure.
• C. Punishing for reactions.
• D. Exposing to full stimulus immediately.

Answer: (A)

Desensitization progression means presenting the dog with a stimulus at a level that does not provoke a strong emotional reaction and gradually increasing the intensity as the dog remains calm. The idea is to build tolerance by starting very softly, rewarding calm behavior, and only moving to a more challenging level when the dog shows relaxed responses at the current level. If the dog starts to become stressed, you stay at that level or step back until calm again, then proceed more slowly.

This approach is preferred because it reduces fear without triggering overwhelm, unlike avoiding exposure which keeps the fear intact, punishing reactions which heighten anxiety, or exposing to the full stimulus all at once (flooding), which can panic the dog and hinder learning.