Behavior analysis involves considering what the behavior is doing for the dog. Simply put, the dog is performing the behavior because of the results that behavior brings. He achieves a goal, solves a problem, or gets something he wants, by doing this particular behavior. When we understand this, we can give the dog something else to do that will result in the same consequence. This new behavior can replace the one we don’t like.
Should You Add Exercise?
People who suggest that more exercise is the answer to changing annoying dog behaviors are actually on the right track. Exercise may be the answer – IF your behavior analysis shows that exercise is missing for the dog. If the dog is doing the behavior in question for the purpose of getting the physical workout and the feelings that occur after strenuous activity, then teaching him a different kind of exercise can be the first step.
Unfortunately, the pathway of “more exercise to change every problem behavior” tends to be interpreted as a goal of “wearing the dog out” so he has no more energy at all. It is not true that “a tired dog is a good dog.” He’s just a tired dog. But the energy and the need for activity will be back.
When they wake up, these dogs continue the behaviors you don’t like unless you’re constantly pressuring them to exercise more. Exercise is not producing the results that the behavior in question was. The owner may have to spend more and more time facilitating doggie exercise sessions. The more dogs exercise, the more their muscle and cardiac systems develop, and their exercise needs multiply. It’s a great way to build an Olympic athlete! During down time, the dog’s behavior hasn’t changed. Exercise is important, but it doesn’t change behavior. Behavior analysis and deliberate training does.
What is the Function of the Behavior You Don’t Like?
Behavior analysis is all about function; it can even be called “functional analysis. There are 3 common functions of behaviors:
Getting To an Item or Location
Wrong Side of the Fence
The whole, wide world can be reached by digging under the fence, going over, or slipping through a crack when the gate is opened. In the wide world out front, the dog can run and play, enjoy new smells, chase prey, and perhaps find a friend. (He doesn’t realize the terrible things that could happen to him out there!)
Furniture Damage
There may be a pizza crust down in the cushions of the couch, which can be retrieved through a series of digging, pulling up cushions, and biting the upholstery. In the process, the dog may discover other fun activities like chewing a wooden furniture leg.
Digging and Scratching Doors
A nice, cool sleeping area can be found by digging up the soil in a flower bed. Scratching on the back door may get a human to open it so the dog can come inside. The possibilities are immense in number and easy to figure out if you observe the dog’s behavior objectively.
How can you provide your dog with the enrichment he needs while keeping him safe and protecting your home from damage? Can you give him safe, approved puzzles to solve, fun games inside the back yard, or maybe his own sandbox to dig in? Contact The Mannerly Dog to request our free video presentation on cheap/free enrichment items and puzzles to make from things you have at home!
Having Fun Solving a Problem
Dogs love to play games and accomplish things just like humans do! This is indeed what we want for them, right? We dream of a dog who loves to train with us, who wants to work with us, who seems to get joy from doing the tasks themselves rather than “only” from the reinforcements. Dogs create games and activities on their own, without human input.
Reinforcement Takes Many Forms
Reinforcement for a behavior can come in the form of achieving access to a ball stuck under the couch. It’s evident when the dog finally reaches the ball, only to roll it back under the couch so he can work at the task again!
Barking and Chasing at the Fence
Barking with neighbor dogs at the fence or running along the fence with them may have some qualities of a game. The dogs may be playing a game with subtle details like syncing their gaits or speeds, or getting to the end first, or maybe it’s actually a “chase” game that we can’t fully understand.
Leash Reactivity Offers Results
Leash reactivity is a classic example of dogs using a set of behaviors to solve a problem. It may have qualities of a game or may actually be important in helping them feel safe. Those dogs that bark and lunge at other dogs when out for a walk usually get reinforcement for those behaviors when the other dog moves away. This happens because either their owner moves them away when they bark and lunge or the other owner moves their dog away. Perhaps the other dog moves away on her own out of fear of the reactive dog’s threats.
“Chasing the Mail Carrier Away”
You can also see the problem-solving in reactivity when a dog loses his mind barking at the mail carrier walking up to the door. The mail carrier turns and leaves – every single time – as a result of the dog’s barking. The dog stops barking when his goal is accomplished. We know the mail carrier was going to leave right away, no matter what; but the dog has associated that response with the behavior he chose. Again, this may be a game to him or the goal may actually be to keep people away from his territory. The dog may simply feel more secure because the scary human in a uniform went away.
How can you offer your dog problems he can solve without putting himself in danger or tearing up your belongings? Training sessions that teach him mannerly behaviors that earn him treats and play rewards are a great alternative. This is where The Mannerly Dog’s Beyond Basic Manners Program comes in!
Getting Attention (Reinforcement!)
A trainer’s goal is to teach the learner how to gain valuable reinforcers. I may be repeating myself yet again (I definitely am!) when I say, “You are training your dog all the time. Be aware of what you’re teaching. Know what cues your dog is responding to.”
Jumping Up
Yes, you taught your dog to jump up on you when you come home from work. How? Usually, one of 3 ways: petting and playing with her because you’re so happy to see her, turning the behavior into a game by pushing her off so she can jump up again, or yelling “No” and then “Sit,” which becomes a chain of behaviors (jump up – get off – sit). The dog is getting attention while she’s in an aroused, excited state, after being alone for several hours. She’s ready for interaction of any kind.
Doing “Forbidden” Behaviors
Some dogs, not allowed on the furniture, will jump onto the couch and stare happily at their owners with a wagging tail, maybe bouncing around a little, until the owner tells them to get off, calls them over, and pets or plays with them. Jumping onto the couch has become a way for the dog to tell the owner he wants play or affection.
How would you like for your dog to let you know he wants attention, affection, play, or a training session? When you know what he wants, give him a way to get it that works for both of you!
How Can You Solve a Behavior Problem?
Behavior analysis can show you why a dog is doing a behavior. It can help you create a vision of a new behavior to replace one you don’t like. Training sessions using positive reinforcement accompanied by a variety of activities, a.k.a. enrichment, will change your life. Determine what your dog is indicating that he needs. Give him lots of opportunities to occupy himself with an activity you approve of, that gets him what he’s seeking. Whatever dogs are doing is what they’re getting better at, and what they’ll do more of!
What dogs are doing is what they are learning to do better, so make sure your dog is spending time doing things you want to keep seeing over the next 15 years. This is why trainers suggest beginning training as soon as you bring your dog home. Doing so is essential for becoming aware of just what you’re asking of a dog when you bring him into your home to live in a human-centered world.
Observe through a dog’s eyes – not just your human eyes. Imagine what a dog’s first response is when he sees/smells a load of bread or a piece of fried chicken on the kitchen counter! “Yummy! I think I can reach it. . . .” Believe that your dog does not have any way to know that you don’t want him to do that. He’s a dog. He will always be a dog. Use behavior analysis to teach him alternative behaviors that can get him a tasty treat. Until you do, you’re leaving him to make up his own activities.
Learn more about behavior analysis from our upcoming documentary.
Training will go much faster if you begin with the end in mind. Prevent the behaviors you know you’re never going to want. Teach your dog a repertoire of alternate behaviors. Need some help with that?
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