Does behavior modification work for dogs in board and train programs? The short answer is yes, behavior modification works in dog training. However, there are different types of behavior modification used to change a dog’s behavior. We will discuss each of these types in this blog.
But first, let’s discuss how behavior modification works and what specific problem behaviors can be addressed.
How does behavior modification work in a board and train program?
We use behavior modification to address problem behaviors, such as when a dog greets people by jumping on them. A dog may have been greeted with enthusiasm when jumping up to say hello as a 15-pound puppy, but it can become a problem now that the puppy has grown into a 90-pound adult.
When addressing jumping, we can reward desired behaviors, such as automatically sitting to greet someone with food or attention. Undesirable behaviors, such as jumping up on someone, can be addressed through negative punishment, such as a timeout.
Behavior analysts prioritize positive reinforcement strategies over punishment strategies. Beyond the Dog does not use prong collars or electronic collars in our training programs. This helps build rapport between the puppy and the owner and is a more ethical means of treatment.
What problem behaviors can be addressed through board and train programs?
Our dog board and train program uses behavior modification for high level obedience training as well as address complex problem behaviors, including:
- Separation anxiety
- Resource guarding
- Fearful behavior
- Touch sensitivity
- Cat chasing
- Reactivity
Would you like more information on our training programs? We have more information on our website, and we also provide free consultations with our pet behavior team to discuss your training needs and provide a training recommendation.
Now that we have covered how behavior modification works and what behaviors it can address, let’s discuss types of behavior modification.
Punishment
Punishment has historically been the most popular way to change a dog’s behavior. This, unfortunately, has included using physical punishment as well as shock collars. Beyond the Dog does not use these methods, and we recommend not using punishment procedures without the guidance of a behavior consultant. There is much room for error with punishment procedures, and there are far more effective options to use.
Ethical guidelines formally guide treatment and state specifically that reinforcement based procedures should be used prior to any punishment. Let’s look at our jumping example from before. In this example, we used a timeout as a negative punishment. A timeout takes attention away from the dog, removing something pleasant for a brief period of time.
Reinforcement
Reinforcement strategies have been compared to punishment strategies with strong results, and it’s easy to see why dogs and owners prefer this training method. An example of reinforcement is giving your dog a treat when you ask him to sit. The food will serve as a reward and help your dog reliably respond to the sit command.
But what about using reinforcement to reduce unwanted behaviors? A procedure called differential reinforcement is a way behaviorists can modify a dog’s environment by discontinuing reinforcement for problem behavior and reinforcing a different behavior. Let’s use our jumping example again. In this example, we rewarded the dog for sitting for attention, and did not give attention for jumping. The dog will learn that attention is given for sitting, and not jumping. We use differential reinforcement to address other common problem behaviors, including play biting and barking for attention.
Classical conditioning
We use a process called pairing to modify a dog’s behavior. The pairing process involves creating a positive association with something that may be aversive or scary, with highly valued items like treats. By creating a situation where something good will always happen when something scary is around, we can reduce the problem behavior.
This pairing process can be used to change a dog’s behavior. For example, there is no need to engage in barking or growling at other dogs on walks if they are given treats when other dogs are present. Over time, your trainer can fade out the treat reward, so that you do not always have to feed your dog when they see other dogs during walks.
Antecedent Interventions
Sometimes behavior modification can be addressed more indirectly. High energy puppies may need more structured exercise throughout the day. Dogs can also be made to “work” for their meals, which provides them with enrichment.
Adding more reinforcing activities into a dog’s daily life is an effective way to help reduce problem behaviors. If you would like enrichment ideas for your dog, you should check out our “Indoor Enrichment for Puppies” blog.
The “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive” strategies are used to help modify behavior in the most humane ways. We first look into any potential medical issues before behavior modification. Then we will look at antecendent factors like changing the environment for the dog. We will then introduce positive reinforcement strategies. If needed, we will then introduce negative punishment or negative reinforcement procedures. Our last step, if necessary is to use positive punishment strategies.
We are here to help
Would you like help teaching your dog obedience training or addressing behavioral challenges? You can schedule a free consultation with our Pet Behavior Team to receive a personalized recommendation on your training goals and any questions you may have
Beyond the Dog offers personalized board and train programs to clients nationwide. During our dog board and train programs, your dog will live and train with our co-founders, Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Sean Savage, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) in Tampa Bay, Florida. After completing the board and train program, we will conduct return and follow-up lessons with you at your home and local neighborhood. Where you will learn how to manage your dog’s new skills and transition these to your home.
We also offer virtual training programs with our co-founder, Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage, as well as in private one-on-one training sessions, including training at your home and local neighborhood at our Houston, Dallas, Tampa Bay, and Sarasota locations.
