The current VIN date & time: Eastern

VIN Rapid Reversal of Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats (BHVR901) Self-Study

This course is a self-paced, non-interactive course.

Presenter: Sophia Yin, DVM, CAAB, M.S. Animal Science (1966-2014)
Course Open: January 1-December 31, 2022
Total CE Credit: 1.5
RACE Category: 1.5 hours Medical

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Course Information:
Flooding, desensitization, classical counter-conditioning and operant counterconditioning are the 4 methods of behavior modification; but which one should you use? Many people are familiar with the terms and techniques but may lack the full knowledge needed to apply them appropriately. Improper or unskilled application can cause animals' behavior to worsen. Discover how understanding the underlying principles and observing the animal's response can increase your level and speed of success.

To earn a certificate of completion the participant must complete all learning modules and score 80% or better on the end-of-course test. Completion of the course will take a minimum of 85 minutes. Participants must complete the participation requirements by December 31, 2022 to be eligible for a certificate.

To learn more about the requirements for earning a non-interactive CE certificate, please refer to Non-Interactive CE Certificate Requirements.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, the participant should be able to
  • utilize the 4 methods of behavior modification: flooding, desensitization, classical counter-conditioning, and operant counterconditioning.
  • understand why desensitization and counterconditioning are generally safer, faster, and more effective than flooding, which can be associated with adverse effects.
  • recognize the common mistakes that people make when trying to desensitize and counter-condition.
  • recognize the factors that are essential for performing the techniques safely and efficiently.

Level and Prerequisites: This basic VIN CE self-study course is open for enrollment to veterinarians and veterinary support staff actively interested in rapid reversal of fear and aggression in dogs and cats. This course is open to VIN and VSPN members only.
Accreditation: This non-interactive course is approved for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit by RACE for veterinarians and veterinary technicians/technologists. (RACE 20-842035)

Course Agenda:

Module 1: Rapid Reversal of Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats
Total Time: 75 minutes
Video: 75 minutes
Polls: 5

Module 2: End of Course Test
Total Time: 10 minutes
Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course.

Module 3: Course Evaluation

To learn more about the requirements for earning a non-interactive self-study CE certificate, please refer to Non-Interactive CE Certificate Requirements.


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Tuition: VIN/VSPN Member $35
Prices are listed in US dollars.

*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.

  1. Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to VIN member and non-member veterinarians. Veterinarians enrolling in a VSPN CE course must be a VIN member. Veterinary support staff must be a VSPN member to enroll in a VSPN CE or a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
  2. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
  3. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext. 797 or email . Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.

Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to starting the course. If you wish to withdraw after you have started this self-study course, please contact the VSPN office 800-846-0028, ext. 797 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.

*For more information on VIN's upcoming CE courses, check the VIN Course Catalog.

Katherine James, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM)
VIN Education Director

VIN CE Services:
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 797
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01 45 222 6154
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 02 6145 2357