Behavior Modification Techniques
Most of the techniques involved in behavior modification are not hard to learn and can be successfully used as preventive techniques. They do require a regular investment of time and effort, however. The following is a short review of the basic principles involved in these techniques.
Guidelines for Selecting a Dog Trainer
Look for trainers who use positive reinforcement for good behavior rather than punishment for unacceptable behavior.
Observe an obedience class without your pet. Are the dogs and people having a good time? Talk with some of the participants after the class. If someone will not let you sit in on a class, do not enroll.
Do not allow trainers to work with your dog unless they tell you beforehand exactly what they plan to do.
KEY POINT
Avoidance of a problem behavior is essential until you can seek qualified help, particularly in a case of aggression. With treatment it may be possible to reduce the aggressive behavior, but avoidance is the key in minimizing danger. Avoidance does not mean that the pet has control, or that you are giving in to the dog. Instead, it may help extinguish the aggressive behavior. Every time a dog becomes aggressive, it learns that aggression may help it cope with the situation, thus reinforcing the problem.
Desensitization is a way to gradually teach a dog to tolerate a situation by carefully exposing it to that situation in small steps. If a puppy gets overexcited at the sound of the doorbell, a tape recording of the doorbell could help stop the undesirable behavior. If the tape is played very softly at first and then only gradually increased in volume as long as the puppy remains calm, then the puppy may stop reacting to the doorbell.
Flooding is prolonged exposure to a stimulus until the dog eventually stops reacting. This is the opposite of the approach taken in desensitization. It is far more stressful than any of the other treatment strategies and if not used correctly will make things worse. The most common problem is increased fear. This technique should be used only by a professional and only as a last resort.
Use of Medication to Treat Behavior Problems
Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help treat a behavior problem of your pet. Drug treatment for almost any behavior change is most useful when combined with behavior modification.
In recent years there has been an increase in the use of medication to treat a variety of behavior problems in pets (see table: Drugs Used to Treat Behavior Problems in Dogs). There are a number of potential disadvantages to the use of medication for treating these problems, however, and you should know that there is no “magic bullet” that will easily and quickly solve the problem. The limitations of medication use include the potential for adverse effects, cost, the need to treat for a considerable length of time before the medication takes effect, limited information on what medication is most effective, and the potential that the problem will reappear once the medication is withdrawn.
Drugs Used to Treat Behavior Problems in Dogs
Cheaper than many other drugs, but may be more likely to cause adverse effects
May take 3 to 4 weeks before affecting behavior; also FDA approved for treating separation anxiety in dogs
Must not be combined with serotonin reuptake inhibitors or tricyclic drugs due to adverse drug interactions
Frequently asked questions
Behavior modification dog training?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Most of the techniques involved in behavior modification are not hard to learn and can be successfully used as preventive techniques. They do require… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Behavior modification dog training near me?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Most of the techniques involved in behavior modification are not hard to learn and can be successfully used as preventive techniques. They do require… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Behavior modification dogs?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Most of the techniques involved in behavior modification are not hard to learn and can be successfully used as preventive techniques. They do require… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.