Behavior Modification entails modifying a dog's behavior to increase or decrease wanted and unwanted behaviors. For Behavior Modification to be effective, dogs must have a basic foundation in Puppy Obedience Training or Dog Training.
WHAT IS BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION?
Behavior is how an animal or human reacts to a particular situation (or stimulus). Behavior Modification, then, is the systematic approach to changing behavior. In other words, unlike dog obedience training, which trains a dog to perform specific actions when requested, ideally, behavior modification looks to change a dog’s reaction to the situation, a person, a thing, an animal, etc.
"Dogs ultimately thrive in an environment where they are provided with clear structure and communication. Desirable behaviors are rewarded, whereas undesirable behaviors are discouraged by implementing clear rules and avoiding any forms of psychological and physical intimidation. Modern scientifically-based dog training and modern dog behavior modification focus on teamwork, creating a harmonious relationship between dogs and owners."
It's also important to note that fixing an undesired behavior takes total commitment and follow-through from the owners daily for an extended period. Closely working with your Veterinarian may be necessary to obtain the desired results.
Minor Unwanted Dog Behaviors:
Play Biting and Mouthing
Jumping
Barking
Chewing
We can help with minor unwanted dog behavior listed above as part of our Puppy Obedience Training or Dog Training programs.
Serious Unwanted Dog Behaviors:
Fear of People
Fear of Dogs
Separation Anxiety
Food Aggression
Resource Guarding
Dog-Dog Aggression
Dog-People Aggression
Multi-dog household issues
Leash Aggression and Leash Reactivity
Other Fear or Anxiety Issues
Behavior Modification for serious issues listed above is a very intense and detailed process that requires a specialist with a unique skill set and years of education and experience to get results to fix the issues. We can offer a referral.
What Causes Behavior Issues in Dogs?
Behavior issues in dogs can be a result of many things. Some common reasons behavior issues occur include:
Lack of proper and early socialization
Fear, anxiety, and stress
Lack of obedience training
Traumatic past experiences
Rehearsed behaviors: when a behavior is practiced over and over again
Improper training and/or use of tools, such as: electric collars, chokers, fear tactics, and physical force
Genetic predisposition (poor breeding)
Medical and physical issues
Reinforcing inappropriate behaviors
How long will it take to fix my dogs behavior issues?
Your dog is not an appliance, that can have a part changed, and then they are fixed. We are working with "behavior" of a living being. To set your expectations correctly, think in terms on months, not weeks. The exact answer to this question depends on a variety of factors.
These include:
What is the behavior issue
The severity of the behavior problem
How long the issue has gone on
How the issue may have been addressed prior, if at all.
How long it will take your dog to process and comprehend behavior modification protocols and training
If the owner chooses to follow through on implementation of training and behavior modification protocols
Is there a guarantee for behavior modification?
There is no guarantee that your dog's behavior will be perfect through behavior modification training. It is unethical to offer a guarantee of your dog's behavior because you can NEVER guarantee the behavior of any living being. We can't even predict our own behavior with 100% accuracy in any given situation, let alone an animal of another species.