behavioral-modification

Behavioral Modification

Address unwanted dog behaviors through desensitization, counter-conditioning, and environmental management.

When to Use

• A dog shows reactivity (lunging, barking, growling) toward other dogs, people, or stimuli
• Separation anxiety manifests as destructive behavior, vocalization, or house soiling when left alone
• Resource guarding: the dog stiffens, growls, or snaps when approached while eating or holding an object
• Excessive barking, jumping, pulling on leash, or other behaviors that interfere with daily life
• After basic obedience is established — behavioral modification builds on foundation commands

Inputs

• Required: A specific unwanted behavior to address (not "the dog is bad" but "the dog lunges at other dogs on leash")
• Required: The dog's threshold distance or trigger level (how close/intense before the behavior starts)
• Optional: History of the behavior (when it started, what triggers it, what makes it worse)
• Optional: High-value treats that the dog will eat even when mildly stressed
• Optional: Veterinary clearance (rule out pain or medical causes for behavior changes)

Procedure

Step 1: Identify and Define the Behavior

Precision matters — vague descriptions lead to vague interventions.

Behavior Analysis (ABC Model):
+-------------+------------------------------------------+
| Component   | Define Specifically                      |
+-------------+------------------------------------------+
| Antecedent  | What happens BEFORE the behavior?        |
| (Trigger)   | e.g., "sees another dog within 30 feet"  |
+-------------+------------------------------------------+
| Behavior    | What EXACTLY does the dog do?             |
|             | e.g., "stiffens, stares, then lunges and |
|             | barks"                                   |
+-------------+------------------------------------------+
| Consequence | What happens AFTER the behavior?          |
|             | e.g., "owner pulls the dog away; the     |
|             | other dog leaves" (behavior is reinforced |
|             | because the trigger goes away)           |
+-------------+------------------------------------------+

Threshold Mapping:
- At what distance/intensity does the dog first notice the trigger? (alert)
- At what distance/intensity does the dog become unable to take treats? (over threshold)
- The working zone is BELOW threshold — where the dog notices but can still think