Effect of a standardized 4-week desensitization and counter-conditioning training program on pre-existing veterinary fear in companion dogs

Dogs were recruited with pre-existing veterinary fear to assess the efficacy of a 4-week counter-conditioning and desensitization training program on behavioural and physiological indicators of fear. For dogs that were randomized to receive training (n=15), their owners were instructed to perform exam-style handling on their dog and visit the veterinary clinic on a weekly basis for 4-weeks. For control dogs (n=22), owners were not given any instructions between testing. Dogs were assessed during arrival at the clinic entrance (entering clinic and weigh-in) and during a routine standardized examination before and training.