12/09/2025
Dog pros: Did you know? BAT (Behavior Adjustment Training) was one of the first methodologies to:
* explicitly highlight the dog's agency and choice as non-negotiable,
* directly address the dog's stress, overwhelm, and nervous system state,
* rely heavily on functional analysis of behavior rather than coercion or treats,
* and emphasize slow, titrated exposure and safety, all within a coherent, teachable framework.
While some of the ingredients of trauma-informed care for dogs were already in existence in some way or other, BAT named it, structured it, and centered it. BAT was the first technique to give dog's complete agency and focus on naturally occurring reinforcement.
BAT operationalized how to take the dog's experience into account and made concepts like safety, choice, and nervous-system participation understandable and practical for regular dog guardians and professionals alike. That was (and still is) a significant shift in the field.
Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) is trauma-informed at its core because it’s built around the understanding that behavior is communication, especially when an animal is overwhelmed, afraid, or trying to create safety.
Instead of overpowering those signals or pushing through discomfort, BAT treats them as legitimate information about the animal’s internal state. It makes room for the nervous system to settle rather than forcing compliance.
At the heart of BAT is choice. Dogs get space, time, and multiple pathways they can take to feel safe. That might look like increasing distance, pausing to gather themselves, or choosing a different direction. For many animals, especially those who have experienced stress, neglect, or simply too much pressure, having the freedom to choose is deeply regulating. It rebuilds trust in both the world and their human.
BAT also emphasizes pacing. Rather than flooding or “getting it over with,” or working at a distance they can only handle with treats, we work at thresholds the dog can genuinely handle.
The goal is not to suppress behavior, but to support the dog’s ability to think, explore, and learn without tipping into survival mode. This slower, titrated approach mirrors trauma-informed care with humans: we avoid overwhelming the system, we respect signals, and we prioritize emotional safety over speed.
Another trauma-informed piece is co-regulation. The handler’s job is not to “control” the dog, but to be a steady, aware presence (someone who notices early signs of stress, adjusts the environment, and protects the dog’s ability to make good choices).
In this way, the relationship becomes a place where safety is practiced again and again, until the dog genuinely feels it in their body. And it's good for the human, too.
BAT centers dignity. It assumes the animal is doing the best they can with the nervous system they have in that moment. Instead of judgment, we offer curiosity; instead of pressure, we offer support. And over time, that consistent honor of the dog’s autonomy helps build resilience, confidence, and trust. These are hallmarks of any trauma-informed approach.
And BAT is always evolving! The most up-to-date book is BAT 2.0 and there are some additional updates in the webinar, "Intro to BAT 3.0," adding in the attachment bond and new leash skills.
The GSA is also the place to get a full education on BAT and even become a Certified BAT Instructor in the CBATI program.
If you have a dog who barks and growls when meeting new people or dogs, check out this video. You'll experience a whole new life with your dog. Useful for aggression, frustration, and fear.
