BAT helps animals gain confidence and social skills. BAT is a natural method that creates an emotionally safe interaction with minimal intrusion. BAT is especially useful when the “triggers” for frustration, aggression, or fear are living beings, for example when dogs bark at or bite other dogs or people.

Here are some benefits of BAT 2.0, which I explore further in my book and other resources (DVD, streaming, online courses, etc.).

BAT effectively teaches social skills.

teaches social skills. BAT is humane and lives in the least intrusive parts of the Humane Hierarchy. [Read more here]

and lives in the least intrusive parts of the Humane Hierarchy. [Read more here] BAT gives animals maximum control of safety and other significant events in their lives.

and other significant events in their lives. BAT arranges safe scenarios where animals can socialize naturally and interact with triggers in socially acceptable ways.

What to Practice:

Once you have the leash skills down, you can do a BAT set-up.

BAT in Brief: Follow your dog on a loose leash. Any direction is okay, except for straight at the trigger.

Tip: If he walks toward the helper in a focused way, slowly stop him. If you see any signs of increasing stress, call your dog away.

More info on BAT is available as a printable PDF on our handouts page. Look for handouts on BAT Basics, BAT Leash Skills, and BAT Troubleshooting.

How Do I Learn More? This page is just a brief intro to BAT. If you really want to use or teach this technique, please dig into these in-depth resources: