Behavior Adjustment Training 2.0: New Practical Techniques for Fear, Frustration, and Aggression: New Practical Techniques for Fear, Frustration, and Aggression in Dogs

by Grisha Stewart

Empower your dog to gain confidence and social skills

With BAT 2.0, trainer/author Grisha Stewart has completely overhauled Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) to create a new efficient and practical tool for dog reactivity. BAT 2.0 builds resilience and self-reliance by giving dogs safe opportunities to learn about people, dogs, or other "triggers." Clear enough for all listeners to follow, this book also includes technical tips and bonus chapters just for dog behavior professionals.

Learn how

Rehabilitate aggression, frustration, and fear.

Use survival skills to prevent reactivity on walks and at home. Use a long line to safely maximize your dog's freedom of movement.

Apply Grisha's BAT philosophy to all dogs and puppies...and get your life back! What experts are saying about Behavior Adjustment Training

BAT 2.0 is a must-listen for anyone who has or works with reactive dogs. For years, dogs all over the world have benefited from the successful philosophies and empowering techniques in BAT, but Grisha Stewart has taken it to the next level. A clear appreciation for the canine experience and easy to follow, practical techniques is what makes BAT 2.0 so beneficial for dogs that experience frustration, anxiety, or fear in any social situation.

Stewart gives control back to the dog allowing a delicate balance of freedom, the ability to make choices and safety. I highly recommend BAT 2.0 to anyone who is struggling with a reactive dog or who wants to gain a better understanding of their canine companion. Victoria Stilwell, author, Train Your Dog Positively

When I ask behavior professionals, "What are your eyes for?" they enthusiastically reply, "To see!" But when I ask, "What is your behavior for?" conference rooms fall silent. In BAT 2.0,

PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals, Reference

Audible Audio

Published September 30, 2024

Reviews

[Laura Friis · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Behavior Adjustment Training 2.0” by Grisha stewart, M.A., CPDT-KA

“He knows how to cope with the world as it is, because his handler gave him time to check things out.” - Grisha Stewart

Why did I get this book?
Well, I have a reactive dog, and this was advertised as the bible of reactivity, so I gave it a shot.

What does this book do?
This book provides the reader with a quite large toolbox to help their reactive dog, and a few other things. The book is the second edition of the BAT-manual and contains improved protocols compared to the old one, so even if you are familiar with the original BAT-book, this edition will still be informative.
The book is thorough all the way through, and covers step-by-step guides for everything from leash techniques to using BAT in every-day life. Each chapter is accompanied both by wonderful illustrations by the lovely Lili Chin and quality photos to help you understand the content best.
On top of the main content, the book also includes a section on socialising puppies using the BAT-protocols and a section specifically for dog professionals. If you’re a pet parent, you can skip this section, but if you’re a dog professional, this section is a very good reason alone to pick up the book as it covers how to integrate the methods in your client work.
Lastly, the book includes 4 appendixes where one is directed at the beginner as it provides an introduction to the foundations of clicker training and step-by-step instructions for fun foundation games that are helpful for any dog, such as Name Game, Silky Leash, and the Lassie Protocol. The other appendixes are slightly more techical, but also quite informative, covering functional rewards, Geek Speak and trainer testimonials.

What does this book not do?
Well… obedience. But this makes perfect sense since reactivity can’t be “obedienced” away. However, this book is not an easy read and it can be a very heavy read. So if you are not good with technical reads, I would suggest Sally Gutteridge’s book “inspiring resilience in fearful and reactive dogs” as an alternative for your reactive dog.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to review books like this. It was fine, not a particularly thrilling read. But, the information seems to be about correct, and going forward using it is a reference manual during actual practice would probably prove fruitful. So, I suppose that is alright.

I wish the book covered a bit more of what I would consider 'adjacent' issues. I suppose you need to scope a manual somehow, but, it feels like there are some things that need to be addressed that are likely to be part of the problem which do not seem approachable through simple desensitization.

I continue to be amused by the similarity between dog and child manuals.

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a good starting place, but too repetitive for me compared to what I’ve read / learned before. It misses a part in setting realistic expectations I feel - just “going somewhere without dogs” is not possible for a lot of dog owners living in tightly populated areas. Not meeting off leash dogs is also impossible (because people don’t always abide to laws). I missed that being addressed, how to deal with that as an owner.

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a canine behaviorist BAT is the tool that is used most in my toolbox. It is effective because it empowers the dog and the dog learns to make choices that are not directed by the human. At times the human needs to cue the dog to make the right choice but this is minimal. The newest book by Grisha emphasizes the importance of allowing the dog to make the choices. In the initial BAT 1.0 the human made more choices for the dog and as Grisha developed this technique she realized that the human needed to step into the shadows more and that BAT would then progress better for the dog. I applaud Grisha for evolving BAT and not remaining stuck on 1.0. Good trainers evolve and learn and rewrite training plans after learning over time what works and what does not. This is an excellent book and I recommend it to anyone who owns a dog whether they are reactive or not there is something in this book that every dog owner can take away to enhance the lives of their dogs. After completing this book I went back and tweaked the training protocol a bit for two of my current cases. We can always learn something new if we are open to it.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 or 2'75

Some good ideas/explanations, graphics and prompts thru the book, but honestly towards the end I just wanted to finnish it already. I don't know if it was because I was tired, but found out that towards the end it took me re reading three times sometimes to understand something or quite grasp it.

[Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that this is my favorite training methodology out of all of the ones I've read, though of course classic and operant counter conditioning is also invaluable. I doubt that I'll get the chance to have real BAT setups because finding helper dogs is tooough, but applying the concepts in real life is easy enough. It's a great manual and it's all very well explained.

[Amanda Zinni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems great in theory! Love the approachability, simplicity, and that it's in the realm of positive reinforcement training type. It is unique in its approach, as the idea is to set the dog up to succeed by cherry picking the environment (during training sessions). You empower your dog to make the better choices on their own by ensuring success before hand. I like that!

I haven't put it to practice yet so no way to say if it works for me or my dog or not. I will say there are a lot of good things in here. I dont see myself able to replicate the true BAT experience, BUT, I will absolutely be able to apply techniques discussed in both training and everyday moments.

[Elise]

Def a change of pace from my usual reading LOL. I enjoyed this book and am eager to try her suggestions. It was a very cool change of pace from most of what I've learned on this subject- emphasis not on treats or aversives but on empowerment and control over antecedents. Sunbul did try to eat it at one point- I guess she doesn't want her behavior adjusted.

[Lisa Keuss · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book really focuses on reactive dogs, but I found a few tidbits for fearful ones. The "BAT setups" would be a challenge for many. Having someone readily available and committed to working with your dog's trigger is a big ask. But I do like the concept of trying to create new experiences that avoid triggering the fearful behavior, and will try to implement that on our walks.

[Dita · Rating 4 out of 5]

BAT 2.0: Give it a try

I really like this version of the behavior adjustment training. Using environmental reinforcers allows so much more learning freedom for the student. Probably going to have to read again for more details.

[Harlan Milano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for behavior modifcation

Very eye opening for people that want specialize in behavior modification profession, well done, looking for more knowledge from your youtube channel and website

[Alexhounder · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could time travel, I would apologise to every dog I ever worked with.
Then I would introduce them to BAT 2.0, and we'd get cracking on it together.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love! I've recommended it countless times and will continue to do so 🙌

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a professional service dog trainer, so can't always use BAT in training, but this is sound stuff from someone who knows what she is talking about.

[Hannah Ouston · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, ethical style of dog training that is working wonders with my 18 month collie. The book itself is intelligent, easy to read and supported by picture. A really good read.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving the changes to BAT in 2.0! It's an even lower-stress approach that just feels so much more natural, and my fear-aggressive pit mix is improving even faster with this revised method. I'll also add that it's even easier to implement on walks and in 'real-world' situations, and perhaps that's what's making the difference- along with fewer prompts and distractions/interventions.

Improvements I've noticed over only the past few weeks of implementing 2.0 on walks include my dog deciding to stop on her own before reaching threshold (I used to have to do slow-stops previously), then choosing to break away without any prompts. We're also starting to establish a threshold with other dogs, whereas she couldn't even look at them in the past. To others this might not seem like much, but with her history of reactivity its HUGE. I think we're finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Loving the book and how easy it is to follow, thanks so much Grisha! :-)

Just thought I would also add for other readers dealing with the same issues that we are currently chelating her from mercury (via Alpha-lipoic-acid only version of the Cutler protocol) and noticing definite improvements in her stress tolerance, and being able to come down from stress quickly. Wish more trainers would discuss the role of vaccinosis in aggression and reactivity since I believe it's the driving force behind the massive spike in cases. JMHO.

[Laurla2]

---stopped on page 10

-once you know the functional reinforcer (the consequence that is the purpose of your dog's reactive behavior. has your dog learned that barking at strangers makes them move away?) for your dog's current behavior, the next step is to find target behaviors that your dog can do that would reasonably lead to that same reinforcer for him. this is also called a replacement behavior. in other words, how can the dog earn that same reinforcer using behavior you can live with? what do you want to see more of instead of the reactivity? for example, you can reinforce your dog's choice to turn his head away from approaching strangers instead of barking at them. the dog gets what he needs, and so do you.
-instead of feeding a treat when the dog does an alternate behavior, you can provide the functional reinforcer that's maintaining the behavior you're trying to reduce. that way the dog can still achieve his goals.
-a naturally occurring reinforcer comes from the environment' it isn't delivered by the trainer as a consequence for behavior.

[Marsha De Blieck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Een interessant boek van Grisha Stewart met de vernieuwde versie van haar BAT methode. Het eerste boek heb ik niet gelezen dus ik kan niet veel zeggen over de verbetering van haar methode ...

Voor iedereen met een uitvallende hond is dit een zeer interessant boek. Ook voor instructeurs staan er tips in hoe je de BAT methode kan gaan toepassen bij je klanten.

In het boek staan diverse foto's en afbeeldingen om betere uitleg te geven bij de tekst. Het is echter wel verstandig om hulp te zoeken wanneer je zelf met deze methode aan de slag wilt gaan.

Via YouTube zijn er gelukkig ook wat (gratis) video's te bekijken waarin bijvoorbeeld het vasthouden van de lijn beter word uitgelegd.

Mijn herplaatser is nu 3 maanden bij ons en ik ben sinds 3 weken haar alleen aan het uitlaten. Dat helpt al heel erg in haar reactieve gedrag. Ik kan nu redelijk in de buurt van andere honden komen zonder een uitval.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really torn when it comes to a rating. Concept-wise, and technique-wise, it is very valuable for everyone with a reactive dog and it stands out as it stresses the ability for dogs to make their own choices rather than being guided by us every step of the way, and teaching them to make good choises on top of that.
But this is certainly not a read like some of my favorites, which are infused with some humor and lighter passages, and that made it a pretty tiresome read. I had to put it down quite a bit and mix it up with other behavior literature before I could pick it back up.
In the end, however, I'd absolutely recommend it for owners and trainers of reactive dogs because its different an great approach which goes down a different path than most books addressing this issue.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept is seemingly simple, but something that I wish more people could learn to set up properly (and personally or me, I with that it were easier to access appropriate helpers). The gist of it is that giving your dog the agency to approach or retreat from something they find too scary/exciting at closer range so that they can learn to be neutral is a powerful way to help your dog with reactivity. The book also does a good job explaining different levels of arousal, the signs to look for in your dog, and the appropriate response from the handler. Though ideally we can avoid putting our dogs in situations that they can't handle unless it's an intentional training session, Grisha Stewart's Mark & Move protocol is practical, and good for all dog guardians to know.

[Aggis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoops! It seems I've left this book in the currently reading shelf when it has been well and truly read for awhile now :)

As someone who is fairly well versed in dog training but new to BAT I was a big fan of all of the illustrations and felt like it would be a good resource for clients looking to start the protocol for the first time.

I would like to see the protocol put into practice in a class or private training set up since a large amount of it depends on the manipulation of the variables and a good management of elements like distance etc.

An interesting take on how to handle dog & people reactivity but not something that I am ready to try just yet.

[Misato o · Rating 3 out of 5]

i feel that some of the advice is not very realistic for anyone living in a city. If you have a strong community of fellow dog owners who are willing to participate in training setups on a regular / consistent basis, this may work, but finding such willing participants for reactive dogs can be a real challenge in and of itself. Some suggestions such as using a long line for allowing more freedom /exploration has been beneficial for providing alternatives to regular walks, but as far as reducing reactivity goes, i feel going back to cc/lat methods has been more helpful

[ThDogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a solid all round book to provide to anyone new or struggling with an over excited or over reactive dog. Especially those in urban areas,

Incredibly friendly to read in terms of the language used, lots of helpful infographics and training processes that can be done both solo or in partnership with another owner or trainer. Nice breadth of creativity in troubleshooting challenges. Very helpful for the reactive or aggressive dog owner.

Great go-to book that so far is standing the test of time.

[Stephanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm working with our problem dog and a professional trainer (as well as a volunteer walker at our local dog shelter), and I feel like a lot of the stuff she explains really has helped me be better at interacting with dogs in general, but especially to understand my problem dog better. This was recommended to be by the behavior team at the shelter so I know it's a resource they use too.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not 100% sold on the practicality of implementing the procedure without owning a large field to work in and having clients who are willing to pay for at least one session of background before starting working on the problem behavior, but a very solid approach that meshes well with a lot of what I've been considering.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new technique to me for helping dogs to work through their fears of things in the world and I really like the overall idea of it. Haven't tried much of it yet but I definitely want to. It makes more sense to me than a lot of the reactivity programs that I've heard about before so I'm glad I read it.

[Mary Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the concept of gradually empowering your reactive dog to deal more adaptively in challenging situations. The author provides very clear, detailed, graduated methods for improving a dogs confidence and behaviour. I think I would require more personal guidance in actually employing a lot of the techniques.

[Thiago Marzagão · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some great insights in the book, but the technique sounds too cumbersome to be of practical use for most people. Also, the author goes back and forth between BAT 1.0 and BAT 2.0 and at times that's confusing.

[Kizz Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even clearer and more fascinating than BAT 1.0. I'm so looking forward to studying to become a CBATI.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The key concept is really effective and interesting however this book has a lot of waffle in it and I didn't read it entire I just skipped to the good bits.